And for adults, the world of fantasy books returns to us the great words of power which, in order to be tamed, we have excised from our adult vocabularies. These words are the pornography of innocence, words which adults no longer use with other adults, and so we laugh at them and consign them to the nursery, fear masking as cynicism. These are the words that were forged in the earth, air, fire, and water of human existence, and the words are:Love. Hate. Good. Evil. Courage. Honor. Truth.
In her book "Touch Magic," Jane Yolen reflects on how fantasy literature reintroduces profound concepts that adults often neglect in their vocabulary. The terms that once held significant weight—like love, hate, and courage—are now seen as too innocent or simplistic for adult conversations, relegated to a realm of childishness. This detachment is a protective mechanism that comes from a cynicism masquerading as maturity.
Yolen argues that by embracing these powerful words, adults can reconnect with the essence of human experience. These elemental terms are intrinsically tied to our existence, embodying complex emotions and ideals. By sidestepping them, society risks losing touch with the richness of feelings that define humanity, ultimately yearning for a return to these 'great words of power' that shape our understanding of life.
