Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What did C.S. Lewis mean when he said that George MacDonald's Phantastes "baptized my imagination"?
In this episode of Believe to See, we sit down with Meredith Finch, writer of the new graphic novel adaptation of Phantastes from Cave Pictures Publishing. Together we explore one of the most influential fantasy novels ever written—a book that profoundly shaped Lewis, inspired generations of fantasy writers, and continues to captivate readers more than 160 years after its publication.
We discuss what drew Meredith to Phantastes, the unique challenge of adapting a dreamlike and deeply symbolic novel into a visual medium, the meaning behind some of MacDonald's most memorable images and symbols, and why this strange fairy tale still speaks to modern readers.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of George MacDonald, a reader of Lewis and Tolkien, or simply curious about the relationship between imagination, faith, and storytelling, this conversation offers a fascinating look into one of fantasy's foundational works.
Topics discussed:
• Why Phantastes transformed C.S. Lewis
• Adapting dreamlike literature into graphic novels
• The symbolism of the Shadow and other key images
• George MacDonald's influence on fantasy literature
• Fairy tales, wonder, and the Christian imagination
• Bringing classic stories to new audiences
#GeorgeMacDonald #Phantastes #CSLewis #FantasyLiterature #ChristianImagination
What did C.S. Lewis mean when he said that George MacDonald's Phantastes "baptized my imagination"?
In this episode of Believe to See, we sit down with Meredith Finch, writer of the new graphic novel adaptation of Phantastes from Cave Pictures Publishing. Together we explore one of the most influential fantasy novels ever written—a book that profoundly shaped Lewis, inspired generations of fantasy writers, and continues to captivate readers more than 160 years after its publication.
We discuss what drew Meredith to Phantastes, the unique challenge of adapting a dreamlike and deeply symbolic novel into a visual medium, the meaning behind some of MacDonald's most memorable images and symbols, and why this strange fairy tale still speaks to modern readers.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of George MacDonald, a reader of Lewis and Tolkien, or simply curious about the relationship between imagination, faith, and storytelling, this conversation offers a fascinating look into one of fantasy's foundational works.
Topics discussed:
• Why Phantastes transformed C.S. Lewis
• Adapting dreamlike literature into graphic novels
• The symbolism of the Shadow and other key images
• George MacDonald's influence on fantasy literature
• Fairy tales, wonder, and the Christian imagination
• Bringing classic stories to new audiences
#GeorgeMacDonald #Phantastes #CSLewis #FantasyLiterature #ChristianImagination
