Skip to content

Quotes from On Fairy-Stories — J. R. R. Tolkien

1892–1973

← All quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien

9 quotes

When we can take green from grass, blue from heaven, and red from blood, we have already an enchanter's power.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

Fantasy is a higher form of Art, indeed the most nearly pure form, and so (when achieved) the most potent.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

Small wonder that spell means both a story told, and a formula of power over living men.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

The moment disbelief arises, the spell is broken; the magic, or rather art, has failed.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

In such 'fantasy', as it is called, new form is made; Faerie begins; Man becomes a sub-creator.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of men — and of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

Fantasy remains a human right: we make in our measure and in our derivative mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and likeness of a Maker.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

All tales may come true; and yet, at the last, redeemed, they may be as like and unlike the forms that we give them as Man, finally redeemed, will be like and unlike the fallen that we know.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

Why should a man be scorned if, finding himself in prison, he tries to get out and go home? Or if he cannot do so, he thinks and talks about other topics than jailers and prison-walls? The world outside has not become less real because the prisoner cannot see it.

On Fairy-Stories (1939)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: J. R. R. Tolkien (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.