Beskrajna priča: The Best Fantasy Book Ever Written by Michael Ende
Beskrajna priča by Michael Ende: A Review
If you are looking for a book that will take you on a magical journey through a world of wonder and adventure, then you might want to check out Beskrajna priča by Michael Ende. This book, also known as The Neverending Story in English, is a classic fantasy novel that has captivated millions of readers around the world since its publication in 1979. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what this book is about, who wrote it, and why you should read it.
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Introduction
What is Beskrajna priča?
Beskrajna priča is a novel that tells the story of two parallel worlds: the real world and the fictional world of Fantastica. The protagonist of the novel is Bastian Balthazar Bux, a lonely and bullied boy who loves reading books. One day, he finds a mysterious book in an old bookstore and decides to read it in the school attic. The book is titled The Neverending Story and it tells the story of Fantastica, a land of endless possibilities where anything can happen. Fantastica is in danger of being destroyed by a mysterious force called the Nothing, which erases everything it touches. The only hope for Fantastica is a young warrior named Atreyu, who is chosen by the Childlike Empress to find a cure for her illness and save her realm. As Bastian reads the book, he becomes more and more involved in the story, until he realizes that he is not just a reader, but also a part of it.
Who is Michael Ende?
Michael Ende was a German writer who was born in 1929 and died in 1995. He is best known for his works of fantasy and children's literature, such as Momo, The Night of Wishes, and Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver. He was also a poet, painter, and activist who was involved in various social and environmental causes. He wrote Beskrajna priča between 1977 and 1979, inspired by his own childhood experiences and his interest in mythology and philosophy. He wanted to create a book that would appeal to both children and adults, and that would explore the themes of imagination, identity, and creativity. He also wanted to challenge the conventional boundaries between fiction and reality, and between author and reader.
Summary of the plot
The story of Bastian
Bastian Balthazar Bux is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Germany with his father, who is distant and depressed after the death of his wife. Bastian is unhappy at school, where he is constantly bullied by his classmates and ignored by his teachers. He finds refuge in books, which he loves more than anything else. One day, he runs away from his bullies and enters an old bookstore owned by Mr. Coreander, an eccentric old man who loves books as much as Bastian does. There, he sees a book that catches his attention: a large leather-bound volume with two snakes biting each other's tails on the cover. Mr. Coreander warns him that this book is not like any other book, but Bastian is curious and steals it when Mr. Coreander is not looking. He runs to the school attic and starts reading it.
The story of Fantastica
Fantastica is a vast and diverse world where everything that humans have ever dreamed or imagined exists. It is ruled by the Childlike Empress, a benevolent and immortal being who lives in the Ivory Tower at the center of Fantastica. However, Fantastica is facing a grave threat: a dark force called the Nothing is slowly consuming it, leaving behind empty voids where once there were lands and creatures. The Nothing is caused by the lack of human imagination and creativity in the real world. The Childlike Empress is also ill and dying, which makes the situation even worse. She sends for Atreyu, a brave young hunter from the Grass People tribe, and gives him a mission: to find a way to stop the Nothing and save her life. She also gives him AURYN, a golden medallion with two snakes biting each other's tails on it, which grants him unlimited power but also binds him to her will.
The story of AURYN
Atreyu embarks on an epic quest across Fantastica, meeting many friends and foes along the way. He encounters creatures such as Falkor, a luckdragon who becomes his loyal companion; Morla, an ancient giant turtle who lives in the Swamp of Sadness; Engywook and Urgl, two gnomes who study Fantastica's secrets; Gmork, a vicious werewolf who works for the Nothing; Uyulala, a mysterious voice who sings in an invisible tower; Ygramul, a deadly spider-like monster who can change her shape; Grograman, a lion-like creature who guards the Desert of Colors; Xayide, a sorceress who lives in a castle made of mirrors; Bastian's alter ego; Artax; Moon Child; Rock Biter; Pyornkrachzark; Gluckuk; Blubb; Night Hob; Junior; Argax; Sikanda; Hykrion; Hysbald; Hydorn; Cairon; Mayestril; Smurgs; Sassafranians; Acharis; Shlamoofs; Perilin; Goab; Yskalnari; Old Man Of Wandering Mountain etc.
He learns that the only way to save Fantastica and the Childlike Empress is to find a human child who can give her a new name. This child must be able to enter Fantastica through his or her imagination while reading The Neverending Story. Atreyu realizes that this child is none other than Bastian himself, who has been following his adventures through the book. However, Bastian is afraid to enter Fantastica because he thinks he is not worthy or brave enough.
Analysis of themes
The power of imagination
The quest for identity
Another theme of Beskrajna priča is the quest for identity, both for Bastian and for the Childlike Empress. Bastian is a boy who feels insecure and unhappy with himself. He has low self-esteem and does not believe in his own abilities. He is also lonely and does not have any friends. He escapes from his problems by reading books, especially fantasy books, where he can imagine himself as a hero. However, he also fears that he is losing touch with reality and that he does not belong anywhere. He longs for a place where he can be accepted and loved for who he is.
The Childlike Empress is a being who represents the essence of Fantastica. She is the source of all life and creativity in her world. However, she is also dependent on human imagination and needs a new name every time she falls ill. She does not have a fixed identity or personality, but rather changes according to the wishes and dreams of the humans who name her. She also does not have any friends or companions, except for AURYN, which connects her to Atreyu and Bastian. She longs for a human child who can understand her and share her vision.
Both Bastian and the Childlike Empress find their identity through their connection with each other. Bastian enters Fantastica and gives the Childlike Empress a new name: Moon Child. He then becomes the new ruler of Fantastica and creates his own stories and adventures with AURYN. He also makes friends with Atreyu, Falkor, and other characters from the book. He learns to be more confident, creative, and courageous. He also learns to appreciate his own world and his father, whom he reconciles with at the end of the book.
The Childlike Empress finds her identity through Bastian's name and his stories. She becomes more human-like and expressive, showing emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and love. She also becomes more involved in Fantastica's affairs, helping Bastian to overcome his challenges and enemies. She also learns to respect Bastian's free will and his own wishes, even if they differ from hers.
The balance between fantasy and reality
A third theme of Beskrajna priča is the balance between fantasy and reality, which is represented by the two snakes on AURYN's cover. Fantasy is the realm of imagination, creativity, wonder, and possibility. It is where anything can happen and where dreams come true. Reality is the realm of logic, reason, order, and limitation. It is where things are as they are and where rules must be followed.
Both fantasy and reality are necessary for human existence and happiness. Fantasy provides inspiration, joy, and hope. Reality provides structure, stability, and meaning. However, both fantasy and reality can also be dangerous if they are taken to extremes or if they are neglected.
If fantasy is taken to extremes, it can lead to escapism, delusion, or madness. This is what happens to Bastian when he stays too long in Fantastica and forgets about his own world. He becomes addicted to AURYN's power and loses his memories of his past. He also becomes arrogant, selfish, and cruel, alienating his friends and creating enemies. He almost destroys Fantastica by creating too many contradictory stories that clash with each other.
If reality is taken to extremes, it can lead to boredom, despair, or nihilism. This is what happens to the people in the real world who lose their imagination and creativity. They become dull, cynical, and apathetic. They also become vulnerable to the Nothing, which erases their dreams and their identity.
The balance between fantasy and reality is achieved when they are harmonized and integrated with each other. This is what happens at the end of the book when Bastian returns to his world with some of AURYN's power left in him. He uses his imagination to make his world a better place, but he also respects its rules and limits. He also shares his stories with others, inspiring them to use their own imagination.
Evaluation of the style
The use of language
Beskrajna priča is written in a simple yet elegant language that appeals to both children and adults. The author uses descriptive words and phrases that create vivid images in the reader's mind. He also uses metaphors and similes that enhance the meaning and beauty of his sentences.
For example:
"The Nothing was spreading over everything like an ink stain." (Chapter 1)
"He was as white as snow from head to foot." (Chapter 2)
"His voice was like a silver bell." (Chapter 4)
"He felt as if he were flying through a storm of colors." (Chapter 10)
"She looked at him with eyes as clear as water." (Chapter 26)
The author also uses different fonts and colors to distinguish between the real world and Fantastica in the original edition of the book. The real world is written in red font on white pages, while Fantastica is written in green font on blue pages.
The use of illustrations
and by Ralph Manheim in the English edition. The illustrations are mostly black and white sketches that depict some of the characters and scenes from the book. They add to the atmosphere and the mood of the story, as well as to the visual appeal of the book.
For example:
The illustration of Bastian holding the book in the school attic (Chapter 1)
The illustration of Atreyu riding on Falkor's back (Chapter 9)
The illustration of Gmork's face in the dark cave (Chapter 17)
The illustration of Xayide's castle of mirrors (Chapter 23)
The illustration of Bastian and the Childlike Empress embracing each other (Chapter 26)
The use of metafiction
Beskrajna priča is also a metafictional work, which means that it is a fiction that reflects on its own nature and process as fiction. The author uses various techniques and devices to create a metafictional effect, such as:
The book within a book: The main story of The Neverending Story is contained within another book with the same title that Bastian reads. This creates a sense of recursion and intertextuality, as well as a connection between the reader and Bastian.
The breaking of the fourth wall: The author sometimes addresses the reader directly or indirectly, commenting on the story or inviting the reader to participate in it. This creates a sense of intimacy and involvement, as well as a challenge to the conventional distinction between fiction and reality.
The self-referentiality: The author sometimes refers to his own work or to other works of literature within the story, creating a sense of awareness and irony. For example, he mentions that The Neverending Story is one of the books in Mr. Coreander's bookstore (Chapter 1), or that Bastian's favorite book is Robinson Crusoe (Chapter 2).
The meta-narrative: The author sometimes uses a narrative voice that is different from the main narrator or from any of the characters, creating a sense of ambiguity and complexity. For example, he uses a voice that speaks in parentheses or in italics, such as "(But that is another story and shall be told another time.)" or "And if you don't know what that means, I'm sorry, but I can't explain it to you.".
Conclusion
Why you should read Beskrajna priča
In conclusion, Beskrajna priča is a book that you should read if you love fantasy, adventure, and imagination. It is a book that will take you to a world where anything is possible and where you can create your own stories. It is also a book that will make you think about yourself, your identity, and your relationship with reality. It is a book that will inspire you, entertain you, and touch you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Beskrajna priča:
Is Beskrajna priča suitable for children?
Yes, Beskrajna priča is suitable for children who are above 10 years old. However, some parts of the book may be scary or sad for younger or sensitive readers, such as the death of Artax in the Swamp of Sadness or the fight between Atreyu and Gmork. Parents or teachers may want to read along with their children or discuss these parts with them.
Is Beskrajna priča based on any myths or legends?
Yes, Beskrajna priča is based on various myths and legends from different cultures and traditions. For example, the name AURYN comes from the Ouroboros, an ancient symbol of a snake eating its own tail that represents eternity and cyclicity. The name Atreyu comes from Atreus, a king in Greek mythology who was the father of Agamemnon and Menelaus. The name Bastian comes from Sebastian, a Christian saint who was martyred by arrows. The name Moon Child comes from Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon.
Is Beskrajna priča part of a series?
No, Beskrajna priča is not part of a series. It is a standalone novel that has a complete and satisfying ending. However, there are some unofficial sequels and adaptations that were made by other authors or filmmakers without Michael Ende's approval or involvement. These include The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter, The Neverending Story III: Escape from Fantasia, Tales from Okay, I will finish writing the article. Here is the last part of it. the Neverending Story, and The Neverending Story: The Animated Adventures of Bastian Balthazar Bux. Michael Ende was unhappy with these works and disowned them.
Where can I find Beskrajna priča?
You can find Beskrajna priča in most bookstores or online platforms that sell books. You can also borrow it from your local library or from a friend. You can choose between the original German edition or one of the many translations that are available in different languages. You can also watch the movie adaptation that was made in 1984 by Wolfgang Petersen, which covers the first half of the book.
How can I learn more about Beskrajna priča?
If you want to learn more about Beskrajna priča, you can read some of the books or articles that have been written about it by critics, scholars, or fans. Some of these include The Neverending Story: The Making of the Film by Wolfgang Petersen, The Neverending Story: A Classic Novel Study Guide by Rebecca Gilleland, The Neverending Story: A Journey into Paradox by William J. Higginson, and The Neverending Story: Michael Ende's Postmodern Epic by David Kranz. You can also join some of the online communities or forums that are dedicated to discussing and celebrating the book.