Magic, Monsters, and MakeBelieve Heroes: How Myth and Religion Shape Fantasy Culture

by Douglas E. Cowan

Magic, Monsters, and Make-Believe Heroes looks at fantasy film, television, and participative culture as evidence of our ongoing need for a mythic vision—for stories larger than ourselves into which we write ourselves and through which we can become the heroes of our own story. Why do we tell and retell the same stories over and over when we know they can’t possibly be true? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because pop culture has run out of good ideas. Rather, it is precisely because these stories are so fantastic, some resonating so deeply that we elevate them to the status of religion. Illuminating everything from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Dungeons and Dragons , and from Drunken Master to Mad Max, Douglas E. Cowan offers a modern manifesto for why and how mythology remains a vital force today.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2019

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few academic books that made me laugh! He was 80% academic and 20% pop-culture enthusiast, a fairly nice balance. Many academicians tend to be a bit stuffy and take every work they cover with the utmost seriousness.

For example, Cowan, in contrast, discussed Guinevere in the 2004 King Arthur movie with some irreverence. He points out how in an icy-cold wintry setting, all the men, including the enemy soldiers, were bundled up in thick furs, coats and armor, whereas Guinevere was wearing just a thin gown with exposed arms.

Then during the climax battle scene, despite all the other soldiers dressed in full regalia, Knightley was essentially naked except for "a short leather skirt and a strategically arranged set of thin straps." Having previously discussed the lack of magic in this King Arthur movie, Cowan wryly notes, "The only magic, it seems, is how [those straps] stayed on during the melee".

I wasn't familiar with the other works he covered, so I skimmed through much of them. There were some interesting theoretical concepts, though I felt his treatment on the works didn't go into much depth. I liked his sections on role playing games.

This book may be better for those who are familiar with the works he covered (he doesn't give much background, so I did get lost quite a bit). However, still a decent read overall.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted when I found out this was even a book. In the past year (ish), I've been slowly coming to the realization that, as it turns out, I really love fantasy. All of my favourite books, films, and television shows could be characterized as fantasy, in one way or another, but for a very long time, I denied it. I think I just didn't want to seem as uncool, and as much of a loser, as media stereotypically portrays fantasy-lovers.

Seriously, this book is enough to convince anyone that that's not true. Fantasy is the coolest thing ever -- if you aren't already convinced, just read this.

It wasn't exactly what I'd expected; it was a lot more about fantasy culture and role-playing games than I originally thought, but I wasn't disappointed by that. It was a very informative book, and so well-written that I was easily immersed, and I learned a lot of things. It also instilled in me a newfound appreciation for fantasy culture. I mean, I've always appreciated it, but I finished reading this book with this warm, cozy feeling and a smile on my face. It'll all be Douglas Cowan's fault if I spend all of next weekend LARPing or trying to figure out how to play D&D.

Just, genuinely, I cannot say enough good things. This book gives a lot of insight into fantasy fan culture, and the reason we continue to love stories (and stories of the same kind, no less), and why fantasy is just so intrinsically amazing. I'm so glad I read this!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and thought-provoking