X: Eras of Fantasy and Satire w/ Clifford Stumme (Past the Dragon)

This week we talked to fellow fantasy Substacker Clifford Stumme (Past the Dragon) about his essay “The 8 Eras of Fantasy Literature” and how fantasy can enrich our lives beyond simple hedonistic entertainment. We also talk a lot about Ursula K. Le Guin, especially her novel The Beginning Place. And we poke some fun at both anime and romantasy (but hey, Gordon gave Fourth Wing three stars). Check it out now!We messed around with the audio a bit for this episode, so if it sounds weird we apologize!! Also this is a re-upload because the original only had audio in one ear— sorry about that!TIMESTAMPS00:00:37 - Clifford's "Eras of Fantasy Literature" post00:01:55 - Brief overview of each "Era of Fantasy"00:09:18 - Kevin's case for the modern LitRPG / New Adult era of fantasy00:14:19 - Clifford's defense of his “Fantasy Diaspora” characterization00:18:11 - British v. American science fiction and fantasy00:22:49 - Is web fiction the new pulp?00:27:01 - The length of web fiction as a hazing ritual00:29:31 - Romantasy satire and other predictions00:34:53 - The Beginning Place by Ursula K. Le Guin00:44:28 - Le Guin and Carl Jung's ideas about the shadow00:47:18 - The limits of literary pragmatism and "Why Are Americans Afraid of Dragons" by Ursula K. Le Guin00:54:03 - Demystification and childhood01:00:23 - "The Stalin in the Soul" by Ursula K. Le Guin01:07:07 - Conclusion and final recommendations This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit synthesizedsunsets.substack.com/subscribe