Can Fantasy Ever Escape Tolkien's Shadow?

J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium — from The Silmarillion to The Lord of the Rings — has shaped the fantasy genre for nearly a century. But in an age of sprawling franchises, grimdark epics, and AI-generated lore, can any modern author truly step out of his shadow?

In this video, we explore:
Why Tolkien's work became the blueprint for fantasy
How his worldbuilding, mythology, and philosophy set him apart
Whether fantasy can evolve beyond his legacy — or if it should

From George R.R. Martin to ‪@BrandSanderson‬ and beyond — the question isn't just who might surpass Tolkien, but whether it's even possible.

👁‍🗨 Whether you're a lifelong Middle-earth fan or a fantasy writer yourself, this is a deep dive you won't want to miss.

== TIMESTAMPS ==

00:00 - Intro
02:16 - "Fantasy" Before Tolkien
04:49 - How Tolkien Fathered The Genre
07:41 - Repetition, Upgrade, Subversion, Rejection
15:04 - Conclusion