George MacDonald Fantasy Works

The Princess and the Goblin, first published in 1872, is a timeless tale of courage, imagination, and the triumph of light over darkness. Written by George MacDonald, a pioneer of modern fantasy literature, who was to influence both C.S Lewis and Tolkien, this enchanting story has captured the hearts of readers young and old for over a century. It remains one of MacDonald's most celebrated works, embodying the deep moral and spiritual insights that define much of his writing. At its core, this story is a fairy talea genre MacDonald championed as a way to explore truths that transcend everyday experience. The narrative follows the adventures of Princess Irene and a miner boy named Curdie as they confront the mysterious goblins lurking beneath the kingdom. Through their bravery and trust in one another, they learn valuable lessons about faith, loyalty, and the enduring power of good in the face of evil. Head Stories Audio presents " The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald. Narrated by Simon Hester. With original music.

First published in 1895, Lilith stands as one of George MacDonald's most enigmatic and haunting works, a blend of fantasy, theology, and metaphysical speculation. Revered by literary giants such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, MacDonald's fiction does not merely tell stories-it beckons readers into a deeper reality where moral and spiritual truths are woven into the very fabric of narrative. Lilith is not a conventional fantasy. Instead, it is a dreamlike descent into questions of life, death, identity, and salvation. The protagonist, Mr. Vane, a reserved scholar, stumbles into a surreal realm beyond the physical world, where he encounters spectral beings, timeless landscapes, and the mysterious figure of Lilith-a being of both terrible beauty and tragic consequence. The novel explores the path from self-will to self-surrender, drawing heavily on Christian mysticism, Platonism, and a deep reverence for divine grace.

George MacDonald's The Princess and Curdie is a tale that lingers in the imagination long after its final page, filled with mystery, adventure, and a profound moral vision. First published in 1883 as a sequel to The Princess and the Goblin, this novel continues the journey of the humble miner's son, Curdie, as he is called upon to aid a kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin. Guided by the enigmatic and benevolent Princess Irene's great-great-grandmother, Curdie embarks on a quest that is both outwardly heroic and deeply spiritual, confronting corruption, deception, and his own capacity for courage. MacDonald was more than a storyteller; he was a visionary whose works shaped some of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century. C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, credited MacDonald as his spiritual mentor, saying, "I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master." J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of The Lord of the Rings, also drew inspiration from MacDonald's mythic sensibility, seeing in his tales the power of Faërie-a realm that reveals deeper truths about our own world. Their admiration speaks to the enduring power of MacDonald's storytelling, which blends the childlike wonder of fairy tales with the weighty themes of faith, virtue, and redemption. The Princess and Curdie is more than a children's book; it is a meditation on trust, transformation, and the unseen forces at work in the world. Readers who venture into its pages will find not only a compelling story but also an invitation to consider the nature of goodness, the reality of unseen guidance, and the calling to stand against corruption. As with all great fairy tales, MacDonald's world is both magical and profoundly real, whispering truths that resonate across generations.