Is Originality Dead?

Question

Post-Tolkien, can originality be achieved, writing within the genres of Folklore and Fantasy?

Answer 1

Like many others who have felt so strongly impacted by LotR and Tolkien’s mythology, I have often wondered “How can a writer respond to this in a creative and unique way?” Its a problem I’m sure every fantasy author has struggled with: how to write fantasy after Tolkien? Where ever you go, there he is. And even the biggest 'new' fantasy authors will always be compared to Tolkien. It is a thing that will remain for many years to come! The best thing authors can do is to not avoid Tolkien, but embrace him, and go beyond him. Of all of the homages and responses to the Ring that I have encountered, this is by far the most beautiful, creative, and successful way to produce something unique. Originality is for sure not dead, and people are doing incredible things... but every new book will be called 'fantasy after Tolkien' and every author will be compared to the professor!

Answer 2

I think its just sleeping until the kiss that promises to awaken it from its long slumber is bestowed upon it. Actually originality means having a thought previously unshared.....if that's the case then nothing in this world neither past nor present can be considered original. Not the phone, nor the television, nor the wheel, nor the printing press,....not even the light bulb. I guess originality depends on who can copyright or patent it first. When it comes to stories all we have to call upon is our own experience, and when the genre is fantasy and folklore our experience lies in what we have read; first as children and then into adulthood, by other authors. To say originality is dead is more than a bit harsh. If it isn't obvious plagiarism off the hardwork of another author....then it deserves consideration for the mere fact that it was created by inspiration, forethought, sweat and tears.

Answer 3

If you want an honest answer, I would say yes. Everything is derived from something else. But the bright side is that although everyhting has already been done, writers always add their own twists to the tale. I wrote a book and peole accuse me of stealing from Tolkien. This is true if you count anything that followed Tolkien, but i've never read any of his works so these people are lying. Also, if you look hard enough it's possible ot find originality anywhere. i face this problem every day of my life because people are too stupid to look passed appearances when it comes to me and my twin

Answer 4

Hey, I've seen this question before.
It's dieing. Folklore and fantasy is not the most original genre. By default, it must borrow from preexisting tales. Tolkien borrowed from Nordic and English fairy tales. Iheard good things about Pan's labyrinth. It's a bit gory.

Answer 5

i feel sad to say this but i think not. every fantasy book i have read after Tolkien has bits and pieces of Tolkien in it. from Harry Potter to Eragon all have Lord Of The Rings in it. but even Tolkien was not completely original. if you study mythology Tolkien took a lot of concepts from Greek, Roman, Celtic, and Norse myths. he even took names. so the truth is no one is original. myths from different cultures all have similarities to so i think originality died a long time ago.

Answer 6

Does art imitate life? If so, then, no, originality cannot be achieved. Society rewards mindless followers and penalizes innovators.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

yes it is dead as of now!

Answer 9

silly rabbit- haven't you heard that there is nothing new under the sun????