Mythopoetic Fantasy: In Search of Harmony with the World. Metatheoretical Considerations that use the Example of Tolkien’s Arda

In the presented research, the author reflects on the prevalent opinion among literary critics regarding the escapism of mythopoetic fantasy. According to the article’s thesis, considering the specificity of the contemporary understanding of reality against which the alleged escapism of fantasy is directed, as well as the character of the narrative worlds of mythopoetic fantasy, the primary aim is not escapism but rather a pursuit of harmony with the world. Investigating the validity of this claim, the issues conditioning our contemporary understanding of the world are analysed. This is followed by a presentation of the literary universe of fantasy (primarily in the mythopoeic subgenre) understood as a form of rebellion: a rebellion not against reality itself, but against the modern perception of the world. Embracing Eliade’s concept of homo religiosus, the author concludes that mythopoeic fantasy seeks to enable contemporary humans to sacralise their perception of the reality as a means of retuning to the natural way of perceiving the universe inherent to the religious nature of humanity. The article concludes that the purpose of mythopoeic fantasy is to seek harmony with the world rather than escaping from it.