(Photo courtesy of Polly Atkin*)
“The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.”
~Albert Einstein
fan⋅ta⋅sy: a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting.(Wiki)
fairy tale: a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and talking animals, and usually enchantments, often involving a far-fetched sequence of events. (Wiki)
folk⋅lore: the traditional beliefs, legends, customs, etc., of a people; lore of a people; The traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, transmitted orally. (Dictionary dot com)
my⋅thol⋅o⋅gy: a body of myths, as that of a particular people or that relating to a particular person; a set of stories, traditions, or beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event, arising naturally or deliberately fostered. (Dictionary dot com)
Fantasy, fairy tale, folklore and mythology. The definitions above are a jumping off point, but those of us who have unabashedly reveled in between the pages of these genres know that each is so much more.
Terri Windling and Charles de Lint coined the term “mythic fiction” to describe works that draw from mythology and folklore and fairy tales, and to a lesser extent fantasy. I can easily understand why they felt inspired to both define and to write this type of fiction. There is a hard-to-define magic that hovers about these stories, an enchantment that surrounds the reader and makes the experience of reading this kind of tale different than any other. There is life in these stories.
That life is undeniably a part of this time of year, at least in the area that I inhabit on this great globe of ours. Spring is literally and figuratively in the air. That first intake of fresh spring air is all it takes to ignite in me a passion for the works of people like Charles de Lint, Patricia McKillip, J.R.R. Tolkien and others. In fact, it was all I could do a few weeks back on a warm 70 degree day to leave the bookstore without purchasing one of de Lint’s books…a temptation I was not able to resist this past Tuesday when his newest novel, The Mystery of Grace, was released.
“We can keep from a child all knowledge of earlier myths, but we cannot take from him the need for mythology.”
~Carl Jung
The onset of spring marks the celebration of the birth of my lovely wife and my dear brother. It also marks the start of this, the third annual Once Upon a Time Challenge. Once Upon a Time is the celebration of the transformative power of literature, specifically those books which can be categorized under the headings of fantasy, fairy tale, folklore, and mythology. For the third year in a row it is my great pleasure to host this challenge, which begins Saturday, March 21st and ends Friday, June 2oth.
I will maintain the practice I began a few challenges ago, which is to ask that you do not put upon yourself some artificial pressure by posting a list of the books you plan to read. If, in your love of this type of fiction, you would like to post a “pool of potential reads”, that would be fantastic. If you would like to simply sign up for the challenge and leave it at that, this is acceptable too. For these reading events I host, I like to give two options: the first is to participate in whatever manner you are comfortable doing so, the second is to embrace the term “challenge” and sign up for one or more “quests”. Reading and the sharing of what we read should be fun, a pleasure…it should never be work. To that end, here are the various ways in which you can participate in Once Upon a Time III:
This is really as simple as the name implies. It means you are participating, but not committing yourself to any specific number of books. All reading is a journey, perhaps none more so than reading fantastical fiction. By signing up for The Journey you are agreeing to at least read one book within one of the four categories during March 21st to June 20th period. Just one book. If you choose to read more, fantastic! If not, then we have still had the pleasure of your company during this three month reading journey and hopefully you have read a great book, met some interesting people, and enjoyed the various activities that occur during the challenge. It has always been of utmost importance to me that the challenges that I host be all about experiencing enjoyable literature and sharing it with others. I want you to participate. Hence, The Journey.
Read at least 5 books that fit somewhere within the Once Upon a Time III criteria. They might all be fantasy, or folklore, or fairy tales, or mythology…or your five books might be a combination from the four genres.
Read at least one book from each of the four categories. In this quest you will be reading 4 books total: one fantasy, one folklore, one fairy tale, and one mythology. This proves to be one of the more difficult quests each year merely because of the need to classify each read and determine which books fit into which category. I am not a stickler, fear not, but I am endlessly fascinated watching how folks work to find books for each category.
Fulfill the requirements for Quest the First or Quest the Second AND top it off with a June reading of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream OR a viewing of one of the many theatrical versions of the play. Love the story, love the films, love the idea of that magical night of the year and so this is my chance to promote the reading of this farcical love story.
Read two non-fiction books, essay collections, etc. that treat any one or more of the four genres covered in this challenge.
and finally,
This quest involves the reading of one or more short stories that fit within at least one of the four genres during the course of the weekend. Ideally you would post about your short story readings on Sundays or Mondays, but this is not strictly necessary.
You may participate in one quest or multiple quests, it is completely up to you and your reading whims!
As always, I ask that you avail yourself of the Once Upon a Time III Book Review Site and post links to the reviews of the books that you read. You do not have to do book reviews to participate, but if you do please post a link. The rest of us want to know what you read and what you thought about it! Don’t be shy! The book review site is located here.
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I can promise you that the next three months will be a great deal of fun. You will have the opportunity to converse with a wide variety of people in this amazing blogging community. You will be exposed to art, artist interviews, author interviews, giveaways and more. Although I have yet to specifically ask, I hope to host at least one, if not two weekend mini-challenges in honor of Dewey.
And what do you have to do to avail yourself of all this fun? Simply sign up! If you post about the challenge on your site, please leave me a link to said post and I will keep an ongoing list of participants here. If you do not have a blog and want to participate, let me know in the comments section and I’ll add your name to the list.
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*Perhaps you noticed the marvelous image that opened this year’s Once Upon a Time Challenge? I was over visiting Nicky, the incomparable Stormfilled, creator of the most marvelous journals through her store, Blackthorn Workshops, the other day and noticed this startling image:
This serendipitous shot is taken by Nicky’s friend, poet Polly Atkin. I say ‘serendipitous’ because Polly managed to snap this shot just as Nicky’s flash went off for the image she was taking. Scrolling through Stormfilled’s post and seeing this image was like a shot going off. I immediately decided that this had to be the banner image for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge. There is something very symbolic about the image, the magical tunnel that leads to…??? I like the quality of the light. It evokes both the potential for darkness and for dawn. Literature in these genres can be inspiring and uplifting, dark and brooding, and everywhere in between. This image seemed to capture that in-between, either-or mood for me perfectly. It also has a Pan’s Labyrinth feel which endeared the image to me even more. Polly’s picture captures a world of possibility, situated at the end of a tunnel where we, the viewer, do not know what is on the other side. It is magical. It is wonderful. And I thank both Polly and Nicky for allowing me the use of this image for this year’s challenge. Here are a few smaller versions for use on your site should you need them. If you require a different customized size, please ask and I’ll get it taken care of for you.
(200 X 267)
(150 X 200)
(100 X 133)
Incidently, Nicky has donated a journal for giveaway for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
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The Participants List:
1. Carl V.
2. Robin
3. Jeff
4. Becky
5. Chris
6. Shanra
7. Kerry D.
8. Ana
9. Maree
10. Debi
11. Susan F.
12. Stephanie
13. Memory
14. Cath
15. Annie
16. Sassymonkey
17. Lu
18. Chelle
19. Stephanie (written word)
20. Deslily
21. Bart
22. Kathrin
23. Vasilly
24. Raidergirl3
25. Moo
26. Katrina
27. Nymeth
28. Astaryth
29. Kailana
30. Daphne
31. Robin (My Two Blessings)
32. 3m
33. Melissa
34. Melanie
35. Ana T.
36. Chantele
37. Gautami
38. Amanda
39. Sally906
40. Bride of the Book God
41. Lynda
42. Marineko
43. Heather (Book Addiction)
44. Bellezza
45. Cafeshree
46. Teresa
47. Ta
48. Eva
49. Dark Orpheus
50. Rebecca Reid
51. Megan
52. Jodie
53. Qugrainne
55. Masha
56. Marg
57. Claire
58. Tanabata
59. Claire (Paperback Reader)
60. Traci
61. Samantha
62. Naida
63. Gavin
64. California Meaghan
65. Tonya
66. Darla
67. Laza
68. JLS Hall
69. Rhinoa
70. Vivienne
71. K
72. Shelley
73. Mee
74. Heather (High and Hidden Place)
75. Somer
76. Jackie
77. Iliana
78. Amanda A.
79. Rachael E.
80. DS
81. Anesthezea
82. Darlene
83. Whitney
84. Corinne
85. Ms. Ulat Buku
86. Science Geek
87. Deanna
88. Sherrie
89. Joanna
90. Trish
91. Terri B.
92. Ikkinlala
93. Harry~DD
94. Manda
95. Alex
96. Scribachinna
97. Valentina
98. Felicia J.
99. Penny
100. Shannon C.
101. Rich
102. Melanie (Indextrious Reader)
103. Amanda (Life and Times…)
104. Michelle (Indiapaintbrush)
106. Andrea (In Other Worlds)
107. Eden
108. Lily
109. Jenny
110. Erin
111. Jo
112.
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“Without this playing with fantasy no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.”
~Carl Gustav Jung
This is a marvelous time of year. Enjoy the outdoors. Create something. Take the time to gaze at the stars. Close your eyes and see if you can pick up the scent of magic in the air. Read wonderful books. Share them with us.
I hope to see you participating in Once Upon a Time III. You are the reason this is successful and fun. Yes, you!
The path lies before us…
Let us begin.
I am definately ready for this challenge! Quest the third, here I come! And I haven’t read A Midsummer’s Night Dream yet, so I’m looking forward to it! My posts will be at
http://ilovemybooks.blogspot.com/search/label/OUAT%20Challenge
Whoops! I’m running a bit late, but I want to join. My introductory post for the challenge is here: http://scalingmounttbr.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-more-challenges.html
I’m going for Quest the First this year. I can’t wait to participate!
I’m in!!
http://valentinasroom.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-challenge-iii-21st-march.html
I’m up for Quest the First. When I post updates, it will be to http://inotherworlds.be
I’ve been looking forward to this challenge for a while, Carl! Here’s my list: http://geraniumcatsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/04/myths-and-fairytales.html
Hi Carl, please sign me up for the journey; my site is at http://plainssong.blogspot.com/2009/04/once-upon-time.htm. I am just finishing reading ‘The Princess Bride,’ so I will soon post a review about that. Thanks for doing this again!
Oh can I be the 101st participant? I am setting up my blog post right now. Thanks!
Hi,
I’ve already signed up for the challenge (as Science Geek) but I’ve decided to use a different blog, could you update the link for me?
http://nosebook.mapledesign.ca/?page_id=72
I’d love to join in, although getting here a little late! My post is here:
http://indextrious.blogspot.com/2009/04/if-you-find-yourself-inside-fairy-tale.html
Hey Carl! Is it too late to sign up? If not, please put my name on the list! I’ll be doing the Quest the First. Thank you! = )
I’ve decided to Journey again. My post is here. Thanks, Carl!
I apologize. The above was me. An unfortunate inconvenience of sharing computers.
I’m a bit late joining but my post is here
Hello
please join me up for quest the second and potentially quest the third, sorry still figuring things out…hoping a post will come later if i can get it on a separate page. very excited and trying to think up books for each section already 
Last year’s Once Upon A Time was my first book challenge ever! Thanks for another fun chance.
http://erinsbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/once-upon-time-iii.html
http://improvemyreading.blogspot.com/2009/04/once-upon-time-iii.html heres my post, pool is written on the left hand side
i had particular difficulty with folklore and mythology – think a root through my local library may be required 
btw its so awkward placing books in categories before you’ve read them
Hi Carl,
I am joining your challenge and totally psyched about it. My post is here:
http://relatedreading.wordpress.com/challenges/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Thanks,
Lily
Reading Contest. << the whole shebang
that’s me. the next (most recent post) on the blog is the one with my reading list and challenge I selected.
scroll down and click the left arrow.
sorry….
*eden
I wanna join! sounds like fun, but I’ll start with The Journey.
Hello. I just found your blog yesterday. I know it is pretty late to join. I know I will sign up for the Journey and I will try for the first quest just because I am so late in joining. I am excited. Thank you for doing this.
I recently found your blog and want to join too! Since the quest is almost over, I start with the Journey! Thanks!
Hi!
I have finished my first book for this challenge. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. My review is at my place, Just Books.
Sherrie
Umm, would Sam Savage’s Firmin count in? Otherwise I will just read another book this week
I have completed my challenge. I did the quest the first challenge. I enjoyed it immensely. I don’t know if I would have read from these genres if it wasn’t due to this blog. Thank you.
You can read my book list at chrisflea.blogspot.com
Kathrin: I’m thinking that would count!
Christine: Congrats on finishing the challenge. I am so glad that you joined in and that you enjoyed the experience.
Great, Carl. Thanks
I can’t believe what I missed out on by not really reading that genre earlier…
I completed my quest (Quest the Third) – just in time.
Challenge completed, Carl, and concluding comments are up on my blog. Thanks for hosting, my friend!
I just put up my wrap up post here http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/2009/06/once-upon-time-iii-challenge-wrap-up.html
Thanks for hosting, bring on RIP and next year’s OUAT Challenge!
Carl, once again I had a lovely time with the excuse…er, challenge, to read some new fantasy stories. I was able to complete Quest the First, Quest the Second and Quest the Third. I really applied myself this year, LOL! I’m already looking forward to RIP!
Carl, I just posted my wrap-up post. Thank you so much for another wonderful challenge!
http://afondnessforreading.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/once-upon-a-time-3-wrap-up/
He4re is what I read:
Fantasy, Fisher, Leonard Eerett Jason and the Golden Fleece
Mythology, Lawrence, Ann Merlin the Wizard
Fairy Tales Brothers Grim, Grimm Fairy Tales
Folk Lore. Willard, Nancy East of the Sun and West of the Moon
Lindy/CT
Just posted my wrap-up post. It was great fun! Thank you Carl!
http://www.meexia.com/bookie/2009/06/sunday-salon-once-upon-a-time-iii-challenge-completed/
hey, i’m afraid i only completed quest the third and failed miserably on quest the second, but my review for a midsummer nights dream is here: http://improvemyreading.blogspot.com/2009/06/midsummer-nights-dream-shakespeare.html thankyou for the challenge, i really (and unexpectedly) enjoyed the shakespeare and i hope that maybe next year, if im better prepared, i might manage quest the second also. thanks
I finished Quest the Third! here’s my wrap-up post:
http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com/2009/06/once-upon-time-iii-challenge-completed.html
Thanks for this fun challenge Carl!!
Hi Carl! Just posted my wrap-up. Thanks so much for hosting this. I had tons of fun!
Hi Carl!
Just wanted to let you know that I changed my blog from Cosy Little World to Miss Picky’s Column and have just posted my Wrap Up. Haven’t had a chance to write the reviews but I’ll get to it in the next few days. Thanks for hosting this!
Hello Carl,
Here’s my wrap-up:
http://lecanape.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/once-upon-a-time-challenge/
I’m late with the reviews but I’ll try to publish them as quickly as possible. Thanks for organizing the challenge, it was fun!
So the 2010 version begins immediately on the heels of the SF Challenge. I’ll give it a go.