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.

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.

I would recommend 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman. It has a fun and engaging story that is easy to get into. It has sword - fighting, true love, and a touch of magic. Also, 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is a great beginner - friendly epic fantasy. It has a magical world that is both strange and beautiful, and a simple yet captivating story.

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.

I'd recommend 'The Sword in the Stone' by T. H. White. It's a classic that tells the story of King Arthur as a young boy and his journey to become king. It has elements of magic and adventure. And 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman is also a great beginner - friendly epic fantasy. It has a fun and engaging story with sword fights, pirates, and true love.

Sure. 'The Palace of Illusions' is a good start. It's written in a way that's easy to understand and it gives a fresh look at the Mahabharata which is a very important epic in Indian culture.

Another good one for beginners is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It's a coming - of - age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian revolution. The black - and - white art is simple yet effective in conveying the story.

If you're a beginner, you might like 'The Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It's an epic dystopian story that is easy to follow. The plot is fast - paced and the characters are relatable. 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is also a good choice. It's a contemporary love story that deals with issues like bullying and family problems. The writing is simple and engaging. And 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's a thought - provoking story set in a seemingly perfect but actually very controlled society, and it's a great introduction to more complex themes in epic contemporary novels.

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 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.