Even the giants, ogres and witches are drawn to human scale.Īccording to the mythologist Joseph Campbell, myths and fairy tales often share a three-part structure of separation, initiation, and return, which he termed the Monomyth. Here the characters, whether tailor or princess, are emphatically human, with virtues and faults we recognize in ourselves. Fairy tales communicate more practical truths in a style of everyday discourse. Myths address questions of worldly significance, often in elevated style. Set in the timeless long-ago-'Once upon a time'-both transmit wisdom and experience by means of symbols and images that speak to us independently of logic or reason. Tolkien's masterpieces, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but whose roots lie in myth and fairy tale. The Shannara Trilogy is a work of 'high' or 'heroic' fantasy, a genre indelibly associated with J.R.R. While the three books constitute a single work thematically, they can also be enjoyed and taught independently.

The characters come to life quickly and believably in a setting that mingles the fantastic and the familiar. These stirring adventures, in which the forces of good struggle against an ancient, supernatural evil, are fast-paced, imaginative, and fun. Terry Brooks' fantasy trilogy- The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, and The Wishsong of Shannara-has enjoyed phenomenal popularity among readers of all ages since the first volume appeared in 1977.

Teachers: If you'd like a printable version of this guide, click on the PDF link at the bottom of this page.

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