Mimesis and beyond. Fantasy mountains and their function in “world mapping” in contemporary children’s literature Cover Image

Kategoria mimesis i poza nią. Góry fantastyczne i ich funkcja w „mapowaniu świata” we współczesnej literaturze dla młodego odbiorcy
Mimesis and beyond. Fantasy mountains and their function in “world mapping” in contemporary children’s literature

Author(s): Dorota Michulka
Subject(s): Psychology, Studies of Literature, Metaphysics, Aesthetics, Theory of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: speculative literature; fantasy; „fantasy geography”; utopia; geopoetics; mimesis; heterotopias (space); adventure;

Summary/Abstract: In fantasy literature for children and youth, there function descriptions of space that may be categorized as part of the concept of “fantasy geography” (cf.: U. Eco). These regions are images of Arcadias, utopias, illusions, or simply “lands of fantasy” that exist without geographical or metaphysical limits (see: M. Ende – Fantastica). Imaginary worlds – which in a sense are representations of the real world – create poetics of place and space that is marked historically, socio-culturally, morally, and ethically. In such works, mountains are a significant aspect of literary backgrounds for protagonists’ journeys. They lack such elements as: aesthetic and contemplative experiences, hierophany, or psychological effects that are associated with the element of aesthetic surprise – in other words, they lack spiritual emotions that come directly from observing and experiencing the world. Instead, they invoke emotions connected with fascination by otherness, childlike curiosity of the world, dream of adventure, activity, and humour. The beauty of mountains is in this case overshadowed by their dangerous nature, the will to overcome obstacles, and the resolve to accept the challenge.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 27
  • Page Range: 41-64
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Polish