What is fantasy? Do our childhood dreams refuse to release their hold upon us? Perhaps, instead, it is ourselves who are unwilling to let go completely of those simpler times when all we feared were monsters under the bed; and those could be vanquished by a mother's hug, a strangely broom-like sword, or a simple nightlight.

Yet in every loss of innocence comes an increase in humanity and a greater understanding of  ourselves. As we mature, so does the world of fantasy. Within these strange magical lands, truth binds the reason of the mind to the passions of the heart, and the very essence of life may be scrutinized from all angles. We get to explore headlong into the unknown with both childlike abandonment and the pains of experience. In the end, we find inspiration, companionship, and a much needed escape.

Mostly though, fantasy is the possibility of infinite possibilities. Epic fantasy should be experienced in equal parts: dramatic adventure, suspenseful anticipation, romantic trials, deep belly laughs, and tearful regrets. We may walk side by side both flawed heroes and charismatic villains - sometimes not quite understanding, and other times understanding all too well.