Why Tolkien thought "sub-creation" was the secret to great fantasy and science fiction

Why Tolkien thought "sub-creation" was the secret to great fantasy and science fiction

People sometimes look down on fantasy — not the prize-winning, metaphorical magical realism kind, but the kind of fantasy that has swords, sorcery, and dragons. It is generally accepted that children can enjoy made-up worlds, magical beasts, and dark lords. But, when we become adults, it seems we ought to turn to “proper” literature — mature, respectable, and written in ornate prose. It’s as if the books we read are a status symbol, and those wh…