Once upon a time there was what there was, and if nothing had happened there would be nothing to tell

Once upon a time there was what there was, and if nothing had happened there would be nothing to tell

Charles de Lint is a renowned author known for his unique blend of fantasy, folklore, and urban settings. His stories often begin with the line, "Once upon a time there was what there was, and if nothing had happened there would be nothing to tell." This opening sets the stage for the magical and mysterious worlds that de Lint creates in his novels and short stories.

In de Lint's works, the ordinary world is often intertwined with the supernatural, where mythical creatures and ancient spirits coexist with modern-day characters. The line, "Once upon a time there was what there was," suggests a sense of inevitability and fate, as if the events that unfold in the story were meant to happen.

The phrase also hints at the idea that there is more to the world than meets the eye, that there are hidden layers of reality waiting to be discovered. De Lint's stories often explore the idea of the unseen world, where magic and wonder exist just beyond the veil of everyday life.

The line, "and if nothing had happened there would be nothing to tell," speaks to the importance of conflict and change in storytelling. Without challenges to overcome and obstacles to face, there would be no story to tell. De Lint's characters are often faced with difficult choices and must navigate through a world filled with danger and uncertainty.