Reflection on J.R. Tolkien's "Tree and Leaf" by Calvin Griffith

Tolkien's book "Tree and Leaf" provided an interesting insight into his view on the power of stories, fairy tales in particular. Tolkien views fairy tales, or "fairy stories" as he calls them, as a significant and influential form of literature. He holds that fairy stories, commonly known as fantasy today, are not simply for children, although most people feel that way, but on the contrary, good ones are equally written for an adult audience. Tolkien's own work on his famous trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" proves his point. This tale, while being adventurous and entertaining, contains in itself an entirely alternate world. Complete with languages, new races of creatures, and histories for each race, Middle Earth (Tolkien's created world) is a quite believable one. Tolkien tells a tale that draws the reader in, allowing him or her to be completely caught up in the created world. This is the goal of fairy stories, according to Tolkien, to provide the reader with escape from known reality.
Reading Tolkien's book renewed in me a desire to read more fantasy or fairy stories. I read "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy when I was younger, and I have of course seen the movies. However, a strong longing to re-read these books as well as a few others was invoked in me. Tolkien's point that fantasy is not simply a suitable read for children alone but adults as well has convicted me. What stops people from reading these types of books? Is it the notion placed in our minds by our society that we are too old to be awed and entertained by dragons and knights? If so, I think we should re-evaluate the stress we place on the opinions of people around us and simply read what interests us. And I think, if we are honest with ourselves, many of us would like to read some more fantasy stories. I know I would.