![Harry Potter, the boy wizard and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry [Image via - nerdist.com]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/10/8/660x290/b_502x220x82/harry-potter-the-boy-wizard-and-the-hogwarts-school-of-witchcraft-and-wizardry-image-via-nerdistcom_1617941.jpg "Harry Potter, the boy wizard and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry [Image via - nerdist.com]")
At one time or another, each of us has fantasized about living in a fictitious world. Surely, every Potterhead out there would have wanted to attend Hogwarts as a kid. And over the years many of us have taken psychological refuge in Rowling’s world of wizardry.
Stories of aliens, witches, fairies, dragons, and magic have always captivated us. Such works of fiction often teach us what it means to be a human being and help us navigate through lifes’ ups and downs. Akin to the ancient myths, they sometimes provide emotional truths and transport us to a fascinating faraway world of Fantasy.
Spellbound by stories
Be it Tolkien’s Frodo Baggins, who set out on an adventurous journey or the talking lion Aslan from C.S. Lewis’ magical world of Narnia – each of these characters has enchanted us, and so have the scope and extent of their fantasy worlds. We have spent hours on end immersed in our favorite fictional universe following their battles to overcome the forces of evil.
Some of us prefer novels but a vast majority these days opts to watch films and TV Shows. We eagerly await to read or watch the unraveling of mystical tales of epic proportions - from Hogwarts to Narnia, Mordor to Westeros. The more spellbound we are by these stories, the more influence they wield over us. We are emotionally moved by the hero’s journey and it shapes us in ways we don’t even realize.
New perspective
The effect fiction has on us is intriguing. New research shows that we let our guards down when we are totally absorbed in a story or fantasy TV show. We are less skeptical and intellectually more receptive to persuasion. It enhances our morals, inherent humanness and understanding of others around us. Dwelling in an alternate reality may be an escape which helps us emerge refreshed to take on the rigors of everyday life, but it can also be dangerous as fiction can effectively change or modify our beliefs and principles.
All in all, the struggles of good versus bad and punishments dealt out to the wicked seem to portray a just world. It teaches us to see the way the world around us through rose-tinted lenses. Even though that isn’t the wisest choice, it helps us gain a deeper understanding of our society and promotes empathy.
Flourishing fantasies
Today, all around the world we are undoubtedly witnessing a fantasy boom. The manic devotion to "Game of Thrones" and the record sales of "Harry Potter" books and movies just goes to show the love we have for this genre.
Who out there doesn’t let their imagination fly and dream of riding atop magical beasts or ruling over medieval cities. Our fondness for fantasy and fiction will continue as long as we rely on it to be a pick-me-up after a long day. Let fantasies awaken our minds, heart and soul as the trend continues.
