Discovering Life's Secrets through Epic Fantasy Narratives
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Chapter 1: The Allure of Epic Fantasy
Epic fantasy novels have always captivated me. Authors of this genre skillfully interlace profound insights within their narratives of dragons, elves, and enchanted realms. It’s intriguing to see characters in a world devoid of modern technology seemingly grasping life's fundamental truths better than many of us do in the contemporary era.
Recently, I delved into The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Among various striking quotes, one particularly resonated with me as the protagonist, before sharing his life story with a renowned chronicler, advises, “If I seem to wander, if I seem to stray, remember that true stories seldom take the straightest way.”
This statement encapsulates essential truths about life in just a few words. Accepting these truths can help us navigate life's challenges with greater ease.
Section 1.1: Embracing Life's Unpredictability
Many of us meticulously outline our futures: graduating at 22, landing a dream job by 26, marrying at 30, having four children by 40, and retiring early at 57 — all with numerous milestones along the way. This tendency is simply part of our human nature.
However, how often do things unfold as we envisioned? If we’re fortunate, perhaps only 10–15% of the time. Most of us struggle to keep to our plans even for a single day, making it unrealistic to predict where we will be in eight years.
Life is not meant to adhere to our meticulously laid plans. If it did, it wouldn’t be life. Regardless of what happens, we must accept it, as resisting reality leads to suffering. Lao Tzu wisely stated, “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Being open to possibilities can lead to wonderful experiences.
Subsection 1.1.1: Surprises that Shape Us
An impulsive decision to take an introductory computer science course during my freshman year transformed my college experience and career path. What began as a whim led me to discover my passion for teaching, shifting my focus from climate science.
Similarly, on a friend's recommendation, I went for a hike for the first time right after high school, and it has since become my favorite pastime. Many of life’s most challenging experiences arrived unexpectedly but ultimately equipped me with a clearer perspective and a stronger resolve.
In contrast, the events that unfolded according to plan — graduating on schedule, vacations with friends, and maintaining an exercise routine — were satisfactory but lacked the depth and excitement of the unplanned moments.
While having plans is crucial for achieving goals, some of life’s most remarkable experiences often come out of nowhere.
Section 1.2: The Futility of Resistance
At one point in my life, I grappled with uncertainty and sought advice from my mother. She imparted a lesson that has stayed with me: “You can’t keep fighting the universe for things that aren’t yours.” Initially, I couldn’t fully appreciate her wisdom, but over time, it became clearer.
Throughout life, we face rejection repeatedly. Friends may drift away, relationships may falter, jobs may not materialize, and we often question our own strength. Our instinct is to resist fiercely.
However, no matter how hard you fight, you cannot compel someone to remain your friend, to love you, or to hire you. The only viable path is to move forward.
When you stop futilely clinging to what isn’t meant for you, you’ll begin to uncover what truly belongs to you. The sense of relief that comes with this realization is unparalleled.
Chapter 2: Insights from Epic Fantasy
The first video, “The Seven or Eight Stories that Inspired My High Fantasy Novel,” delves into the narrative inspirations behind epic fantasy storytelling, showcasing how these tales shape our understanding of life.
The second video, “Write a BETTER Epic Fantasy Novel... Debunking Top Myths, and Breaking the Rules,” explores common misconceptions in writing epic fantasy, encouraging writers to embrace creativity and innovation.
My name is Murtaza Ali, and I am a PhD candidate at the University of Washington, focusing on human-computer interaction. I enjoy writing about education, programming, and sharing insights on life and various musings.