A book for dark times

     There was a certain period of time during my high school years that didn't go as smooth as I wished it to be. This was seen especially so when it came to my family as they were a way for me to release all the angst and confusion that I was experiencing at that particular time. Indeed, I had typically fit the stereotype of a 'troubled teen' and I sure hope as hell that those days are long gone and away. Everyone has their own way of dealing with troubled times to prevent themselves from being consumed by the darkness of the negativity. My source of reprieve laid in books, in particular fantasy novels. During my emotionally stressful teen years, I often would retreat into the new world that existed through printed words on paper. Out of all the works by the many authors that I have read, only one particularly left such an impression that it still lasts and resonates in my actions to this day.

    The author goes by the name of R.A. Salvatore who created a well known fictional character named Drizzt Do'Urden and is the protagonist of 'The Legend of Drizzt' series. Drizzt is a much beloved character by many in the 'Fantasy' genre of books and is portrayed as a dark elf who was born into a world of violence, deceit and hatred. In his underground society where betrayals and lies were common place in the pursuit of power, Drizzt who is an exceptionally gifted swordsman resented the ways of his people and valued friendship instead. Unusual for his race, he was scorned upon for the lack of the negative characteristics of his race and his skills with weapons. However, before he allowed his race to turn him into one that was filled with hatred and fuelled by the dreams of power, Drizzt held tight to his beliefs and principles that were the guiding light during his life in the underground world he lived in. (Also known as the Underdark) His upbringing was one that was riddled with questions and self doubt. Rarely shown any acts of kindness or love, Drizzt's only concept of what was right or wrong was through his own self understanding and instincts.

      In Salvatore's world though, there was also the surface world which bathed in sunlight. Perhaps like in reality however, the dark elves lived their life with blind faith that the surface world is a place that is populated with mortal enemies. Quite the contrary,  it was in fact a world that had multiple races living in it in relative peace and was also grazed upon by the many animals that inhabited it. A turning point in the protagonist's life was when he finally decided to leave the Underdark and emerge into the lighted world that would change his life forever.

      The series then continues to follow his numerous adventures and encounters with both friends and foes alike. A point I would like to emphasize on however is why these books meant so much to me during those tumultuous time that was my teenage years and even to today still. Besides using it as a way to fulfill one of the uses and gratifications of media, 'withdrawal' to be precise, the book served also as a nudge to my conscience to rethink about the things that I stand up for in my life. Do not misunderstand me though, I am not disillusioned nor do I think that our life is a fantasy. Nay, but perhaps I am a bit naive as there were many instances when the story was an analogy for the happenings in our society. Granted it may not be 100% accurate per say, but it definitely reflected a lot on the characteristics of our world. Perhaps my naivety stretches to the point that I believe we should always be helpful to those who are genuinely in need, even if they don't deserve it. The principles seen set by the protagonist of the novel ended up making me realize what are the principles and values I cherish as well. It is nothing extreme and I do not think that I am a kind of hero in a fictional story, but these realistic and maybe even idealistic beliefs has helped given me a solid ground during my teenage years. Through the inspiration of a fantasy genre novel, a fire was sparked and my life had so much more meaning when I started doing some soul searching about what I stand for.

     In the hectic and often unpredictable experience that is life, we may tend to stray from our goals and lose sight of our purpose in life every now and then. Whether we admit it or not, all of us have a way to overcome those challenges whether the source maybe from exercising, charity work, music or even reading a special novel. We all have beliefs and principles that we instinctively act upon even if we don't realize it and our ability to naturally judge what is right from wrong is proof of that. Although I do not read fantasy novels as much as I did before, never will I forget the potential it has for those who love reading it.