4/12/2023- Shared Mythology (or Lack Thereof)

 It is remarkable that the characteristics of these fantasy creatures is so well established and understood that, if one were to ask a stranger to describe an Elf (provided it was established that the subject was not Santa’s little helpers), they would likely describe something similar to your understanding of the creatures, even down to the details of their haughty demeanor and isolationist tendencies. We all understand what Elves are, which, one could argue, makes them just as real as the material world. The myth is so powerful that, though the fantasy-worlds of Tolkien and Lewis exist in our minds’ eye, the vividness of the mythos allows us to collectively enter that space together.

Perhaps the overwhelming feeling of isolation which many experience in the modern world is due to the lack of a shared mythology. “The American Dream” used to be that shared myth, along with all the stories of the founding fathers and their grand aspirations for the fledgling country. Now, that myth is shattered and splintered, not only shown to be hollow for many, but also meaning vastly different things to all. In a country with well over three hundred million people, how can we hope to hold a shared myth? Perhaps the fantasy worlds of Lewis and Tolkien give us a place to start. Perhaps a common understanding can arise from the fact that we would all like our lives to more closely resemble that of the tightly-knit Hobbit community of the Shire.