Godfather of Fantasy: Who Really Started It All and Why It Matters

When people talk about the godfather of fantasy, the foundational figure whose work defined modern fantasy storytelling. Also known as J.R.R. Tolkien, he didn’t just write books—he built worlds that still shape how we imagine magic, heroes, and evil. Before Tolkien, fantasy was mostly short tales, fairy stories, or myth retellings. He turned it into something epic: entire languages, detailed maps, deep histories, and characters who felt real because they struggled, changed, and sometimes failed. His Lord of the Rings, the fantasy series that became the blueprint for every big fantasy story that followed didn’t just sell millions—it made fantasy a mainstream genre, not just a niche for readers who liked dragons and elves.

The fantasy genre, a broad category of fiction centered on magic, mythical creatures, and imaginary worlds today owes everything to him. Game of Thrones? Wheel of Time? Even Harry Potter? They all stand on his shoulders. You can’t talk about epic quests, chosen ones, or dark lords without coming back to Middle-earth. Tolkien didn’t invent all these ideas, but he was the first to tie them together into a cohesive, believable universe that felt ancient and alive. That’s why he’s not just a writer—he’s the reason fantasy exists as we know it. And while others have tried to copy his style, none have matched his depth or lasting influence.

What’s surprising is that Tolkien wasn’t trying to start a movement. He was a professor who loved old myths and languages, and he wrote for himself first. But when his books found readers, they changed everything. Today, if you pick up any fantasy novel, you’re likely reading in a world he helped create. The fantasy literature, the body of written works in the fantasy genre, from novels to short stories you see on shelves, online, or in movie theaters? It’s all connected to him. You’ll find posts here that dig into why Lord of the Rings still holds the title of the biggest fantasy series ever, how it compares to modern hits, and what makes its impact so hard to replicate. Whether you’re new to fantasy or have read every epic since, this collection gives you the real story behind the genre’s roots—and why it still matters.