An Unexpected Journal

Where would a culture be without its heroes and their acts of courage? How can a society survive without strength and hope?

It is in the dark times and in moments of weakness that stories of courage and strength, those which promise hope, have the most value. This issue explores the redemptive power of stories and their ability to impact and transform.

Contributors:C.M. Alvarez: "Hope, Life, and the Fountain of Trevi," a reflection on the enduring draw of the famous fountain; "Lava: A Story of Love and Hope" on the deeper meanings found within the Pixar short; and "The Making of a Hero," a commentary on the forms of courage and an illustration of its development found in C.S. Lewis's "Till We Have Faces" and the film, "Dear Frankie" directed by Shona Auerbach.
Karise Gililland: "Relict," a poem on the transition from bewildered suffering to active hope.
Lucas W. Holt: "The Adventures of Asher Svenson: Story One: The Secret Wood," a short story on the Mystery of the Forest.
Nicole Howe: "A Reason for Our Hope: The Role of Fairy Stories in Christian Apologetics," an essay on why fairy stories matter.
Jason Monroe: "The Lord of the Rings and Consolation Concerning Death" on the central theme of J. R. R. Tolkien's masterpiece.
Annie Nardone: "The Power in Pain" on the first-hand experience of pain.
Seth Myers: "Tales of Courage and Hope: Black Panther in Middle Earth and Narnia" on the connections from Oxford to Hollywood; and
"Tales of Courage and Hope: Hamilton in Middle Earth and Narnia: Part One & Part Two" on the connections from Oxford to Broadway.
Josiah Peterson: "The Homeric Versus the Christian Ideal of Man" on contrasting the nature of humanity
Daniel Ray: "Courage in the Cosmos" on the Boldness of Our Story.
Zak Schmoll: "The Heroism of the Ordinary in The Lord of the Rings" on the character of Samwise Gamgee.