Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

Hi all,

I've been putting together a deep analysis of the Earthsea books, starting with A Wizard of Earthsea. I wanted to make it stand out a little though. So I created a video for it from snippets of other fantasy franchises to go along with the analysis.

It kind of works out as a little concept trailer for a possible Earthsea movie. I even 'cast' a bunch of people from Dreamkeeper, a movie Le Guin suggested would be a good one to reference when seeking Native American actors for the roles. Anyway, if it sounds fun to you make sure to check it out and subscribe. I've got lots more Earthsea videos like it to come:

https://youtu.be/OoRyePMq2C8

Great video essay, loved your analysis. You unpacked this well! I think the contemplative and folk tale feel of this novel sets it apart from other fantasy subgenres. Double yes(!) to this realization of the Hero's Journey, I think.

Interesting point about how magic works - the mix of mundane and marvelous to really make it work. I think there's an interesting comparison with magic in LOTR - it tends to be truly "supernatural," by which I mean it is an extension of inner qualities of beings and substances. None of this is remotely similar to the sorceries of sword and sorcery nor the adventuresome fun of something like Harry Potter.

I'm not sure what the constant scrolling line is in your video, obviously that's a distraction, but I was more interested in what you had to say anyway, :).