Can you recommend best epic fantasy short stories for beginners?

Sure. 'The King of Elfland's Daughter' by Lord Dunsany is a good start. It has a simple yet enchanting plot about a king who goes to Elfland to bring back a bride. 'The Golem' by Gustav Meyrink is also great. It's set in a sort of magical Prague and has a really interesting story. Another one is 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It's a classic poem that can be considered an epic fantasy short story with its elements of the supernatural at sea.

For beginners, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great start. It's shorter and less complex than 'The Lord of the Rings' but still has that wonderful Tolkienesque world - building and adventure. Another good one is 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman. It's a charming story set in a magical world that's not too difficult to get into. And 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones is also very accessible. It has a unique and fun story with great characters.

A good starting point for beginners could be 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones. It has a unique and charming story about a young girl who gets cursed and ends up in Howl's moving castle. The story is full of magic and interesting characters. 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is also great. It's a fairy - tale - like story set in a magical realm. And 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman, which has a wonderful blend of adventure, romance, and humor in a fantasy setting.

Sure. 'The Three Little Pigs' is a great starting point. It's a well - known short fantasy story with simple yet engaging characters like the pigs and the big bad wolf. Another one is 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. It has elements of magic with the beanstalk growing into the sky and the encounter with the giant. 'The Gingerbread Man' is also suitable for beginners. It's a fast - paced story about a runaway gingerbread man and the various characters that try to catch him.

A good beginner - friendly epic fantasy is 'The Wizard of Earthsea' from 'The Earthsea Cycle'. It has a clear story arc and a simple magic system to start with. 'The Lightning Thief' which is the first book in the 'Percy Jackson' series is also great. It has a fast - paced plot that will keep readers interested. Also, 'The Secret of Platform 13' by Eva Ibbotson. It has a similar concept to 'Harry Potter' but in a more light - hearted and less complex way.

I would recommend 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a shorter and more straightforward story compared to 'The Lord of the Rings'. It follows Bilbo Baggins on his adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a dragon. It gives a taste of Tolkien's richly imagined Middle - earth without being too overwhelming.

For beginners, 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs is a great start. It's a short and simple story that packs a punch. It shows how a simple wish - granting device can lead to tragic consequences in a very dark and unexpected way.

For beginners, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a great choice. It's easy to read and the stories are full of adventure. You get to enter a world where animals talk and there are magical battles. Another good option is 'A Wizard of Earthsea'. It has a simple yet engaging plot about a young wizard's growth.

Well, 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu is a remarkable epic fantasy short story. It combines elements of Chinese mythology with a heart - wrenching story about family, identity, and the power of imagination.

Well, 'The Emperor's Soul' by Brandon Sanderson is an excellent epic fantasy short story. It has a unique magic system that is both complex and fascinating. Then there's 'A City of Saints and Madmen' by Jeff VanderMeer. This story is set in a very strange and otherworldly city, full of mystery and wonder. Also, 'The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger' by Stephen King can be considered. It's part of a larger epic saga but works great as a short story on its own, introducing a desolate and dangerous world filled with interesting characters.