Favorite Fantasy Stories

What is your favorite fantasy story? Why?

When I was little, I liked most stories I heard or read because they, especially fantasy stories, had happy endings.  Today, I still like stories with happy endings.  That is one reason I need to peek ahead and know the ending ahead of time.  If something bad happens, I need to know in advance, or the pain and shock would be too strong.  Besides, I usually like to know and plan things ahead of time.

As the years passed, there were more requirements for favorite stories.  They need to teach good lessons, not have nasty or improper content, and have all questions answered.  I guess that is why I like fables though they usually don’t have happy endings.  I also need everything settled and concluded nicely.  That is the reason I don’t like most modern stories: nasty and improper content (mostly off the point), characters getting away with bad deeds, too many unanswered questions, tragedies, and bad influence to society.

Now, don’t start that "It’s more realistic," "That’s real life," "Life isn’t all happy endings" excuse! I believe that stories serve as an escape from the unplesant things in life, and should have good educational purposes.

As for my favorite fantasy stories, there are too many to name.  I guess they would mostly be the older ones.