Greetings, seeker of fantasy, philosophy, and folklore. My name is J.R. Warden. I'm a pseudonymous blogger and author, and as the name implies, I'll be your guard and guide. You can also call me Junior, if it pleases you.
The Focus of this Blog:
- Fantasy & Folklore
- Philosophies
- Religion and Esoteric Traditions
The Values of this Blog:
- Learning, sharing, and connecting with others around our common interests
- Free use of all knowledge so that you can learn as I do, and vice versa
- Retaining anonymity, so we can all speak freely outside our public personas
The Long Answer
As stated above, I love fantasy. The tales of mad kings, of mythical creatures and their hunters, of the lost soldiers, the antiheroes, and even the farm-boys – these are characters that capture our imaginations and keep us coming back for more.
I'm most drawn to authors who create dark and eerie worlds that are full of mystery and danger. H.P. Lovecraft is a master of horror fiction, known for his intricate and unsettling stories of cosmic terror and otherworldly beings. Glen Cook is the father of grimdark fantasy, known for his gritty and realistic portrayals of soldiers at war that are forced to serve the 'evil' side. George R.R. Martin is another writer who is not afraid to explore the darker side of humanity, with his infamous Game of Thrones series filled with treachery, violence, and unexpected twists.
Folklore and esoteric knowledge is another passion of mine. One day I may be fascinated about the tales of the Yōkai, and the other I'll be delving into Sumerian mythology. I find the beliefs and rituals of ancient cultures to be especially fascinating, and I'm always seeking to learn more about their hidden secrets.
Once I would have said that I don't practice the dark arts myself, but I would admit that I am drawn to the mysterious and supernatural. And since then, I have become something of a dabbler. My non-denominational Christian upbringing has expanded into Hermetisicm and its fields of astrology and alchemy. I think of tarot as a method of self-reflection, but sometimes it does seem like the universe is telling me something.
As for philosophy, I have a fondness for minimalism and stoicism. The former is not only living with less material items, but ensure that those you do own actually add value to life and help you achieve your life's goals. Stoicism emphasizes personal ethics, a focus on one's values as a source of happiness, instead of things external to oneself, and self-control in the face of adversity.
But why the blog?
The same reason as any other human endeavor. To share, learn, and connect with others. To record my own path in writing as I try to find my ever-evolving meaning. Self-expression, unfettered, by writing under a pen-name (my actual name has 6 books, and who wants Mom and Dad interfering with their personal quests?).
I do give myself the freedom to move projects around to ensure it's the best I can create. Sometimes I may share personal things here, but I'll do my best to stay on topic. It can be hard for me to prioritize.
But let's explore fantastic worlds together, even when the shadows grow long and the dangers loom close. Let's delve into the ancient tales, rites, and traditions of our ancestors. And most importantly, let's grow and learn together, with the things that let us escape our modern lives.
-J.R. Warden
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