J.R.R. Tolkien is often called the father of modern fantasy, but his worldview was rooted in his Catholic faith and he regarded the story of salvation as the greatest tale ever told. His hobby of inventing languages and accompanying myths gradually led to the epic adventures of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” To dive into a shorter work by Tolkien, read his essay “On Fairy Stories,” which gives insights into his philosophy on fantasy. “Leaf by Niggle” is a short allegory about life and redemption that explores the bond between an artist and God.