The fantasy genre includes stories that contain magical or supernatural elements, often set in imaginary worlds that are different from our own.
The origins of fantasy as a genre can be traced back to ancient myths, legends, and folklore, which often featured supernatural beings, magic, and other fantastical elements.
Over time, fantasy literature has continued to evolve and change, with new subgenres and styles emerging.
But the core elements of fantasy — magic, the supernatural, and imaginative worlds — have remained a constant throughout the centuries.
Some of the earliest examples of fantasy literature include epic poems such as the “Epic of Gilgamesh” from ancient Mesopotamia, and the “Iliad” and “Odyssey” from ancient Greece.
These stories feature supernatural beings, gods and goddesses, and fantastical elements.
In the Middle Ages, stories of chivalry and romance also included fantastical elements, such as knights fighting dragons and rescuing princesses.
One of the most famous examples of this type of fantasy is the Arthurian legend, which features magic and enchantment, as well as knights and heroic quests.
During the 20th century, modern fantasy literature began to emerge as a distinct genre, with authors such as…
- J.R.R. Tolkien who is known for introducing high fantasy with his Middle-Earth series, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
- C.S. Lewis is known for his contribution to the subgenre of Christian fantasy, as seen in his The Chronicles of Narnia series, as well as his works in apologetics.
- Ursula K. Le Guin is known for her contribution to the subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, including her Earthsea series, which could be categorised as high fantasy, and her novel The Left Hand of Darkness, which blends elements of science fiction and fantasy and explores themes of gender and sexuality.
It is worth noting that while these authors are associated with certain subgenres, their works often transcend or blur genre boundaries, and their influence has been felt across multiple subgenres.
These authors expanded on the traditions of fantasy literature that had come before them, creating new worlds and characters that have become beloved by readers around the world.
What is the difference between High Fantasy and Epic Fantasy?
Ah, the difference between High vs. Epic Fantasy has long been the subject of heated debate.
Some people say there isn’t a difference between the two, they’re simply synonyms of the same thing.
Maybe this is partly due to context collapse and the unwillingness of people to look deeper, but while a lot of books can use conventions from both subgenres, this isn’t true.
High Fantasy and Epic Fantasy are both subgenres of the broader fantasy genre, but they have some distinct differences.
High fantasy typically refers to a type of fantasy fiction that is set in a completely imaginary world with its own unique set of rules, cultures, and histories.
It can be seen as a descendant of Medieval Literature and is often set in a world derived from Medieval Europe.
This type of fantasy tends to involve the struggle between good and evil, and the fate of the world or the universe may be at stake.
High fantasy features magical creatures, such as dragons, elves, and dwarves, and often includes a quest or journey that the main characters must undertake.
It’s typically seen from the point of view of one main protagonist, and emphasises characters over the sweeping events.
Examples of high fantasy include J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
Epic Fantasy, on the other hand, is characterized by a grand, sweeping narrative that often spans multiple books or volumes, sometimes even generations in the story world.
High fantasy components are used in Epic Fantasy, but the scope of the narrative is increased: the stakes are higher, and the events shake everyone living in the story’s setting.
This subgenre is descended from epic poetry.
Epics were stories that painted a world similar to the one in which its creators and tellers lived, and the stories allowed the holy, enigmatic and mysterious (mythological) to be recognised for what and who they were and to speak openly.
Epics shed light on the nature of the cosmos and the unseen powers that shaped mortal life, they helped people make sense of life.
Epic Fantasy usually involves a large cast of characters, often including multiple protagonists and antagonists, and doesn’t have the same kind of emphasis on heroes as high fantasy.
A complex and detailed plot that encompasses multiple storylines and subplots is also very common, including a strong emphasis on world-building that can include maps, glossaries, and appendices to help readers navigate the complex fictional worlds.
Examples of Epic Fantasy include Raymond E. Feist’s “Riftwar Cycle” series and Robin Hobb’s “Realm of the Elderlings” series.
One of the most iconic and beloved subgenres of fantasy is Sword and Sorcery.
Sword and Sorcery has been a staple of fantasy literature and film for decades, typically featuring brave heroes wielding swords and embarking on thrilling and action-packed adventures.
This subgenre often incorporates elements of magic, the supernatural, and romance.
And unlike High fantasy, Sword and Sorcery stories tend to centre on personal struggles rather than world-altering events.
It’s not uncommon for Sword and Sorcery to overlap with the subgenre of heroic fantasy.
Sword and Sorcery is a subgenre of fantasy that typically features a hero or heroine who is skilled in combat and magic, and who embarks on a quest or mission that involves battling monsters, demons, or other supernatural forces.
The stories often take place in a fictional world that is similar to our own, but with added elements of magic, mythical creatures, and other fantastical elements. The term “Sword and Sorcery” was coined by author Fritz Leiber in the 1960s, and it has since become synonymous with this subgenre of fantasy.
One of the reasons why Sword and Sorcery is such a classic fantasy subgenre is because it embodies many of the classic themes and archetypes of fantasy literature.
For example, the hero or heroine is often a “chosen one” who has been destined to save the world from evil. The stories are typically arranged in the hero’s journey framework.
The Sword and Sorcery trope can be seen in both Epic Fantasy and High Fantasy works.
The use of magic and mythical creatures is a hallmark of fantasy literature, and Sword and Sorcery takes these elements and weaves them into a thrilling and action-packed adventure.
Its popularity is explained by how it appeals to our sense of adventure and excitement — the stories often feature epic battles, daring escapes, and dangerous quests, which all combine to keep us on the edge of our seats — but the story usually keeps a tight grip on the length and doesn’t take as much energy or commitment to get through as its High and Epic Fantasy counterparts.
Sword and Sorcery is a classic fantasy subgenre because it is versatile and adaptable. It also includes stories that are less self-serious than what you find in High and Epic Fantasy.
While the stories often take place in a fictional world that is similar to our own, the themes and ideas explored in Sword and Sorcery can be applied to a variety of different settings and genres.
The concept of a hero battling evil forces is a theme that can be seen in many other genres of literature and film, from science fiction to horror.
The use of magic and mythical creatures can also be adapted to fit a wide range of different settings and scenarios, making Sword and Sorcery a subgenre that is both timeless and suited to just about any setting.
This subgenre embodies many of the classic themes and archetypes of fantasy literature, appeals to our sense of adventure and excitement while delivering a more compact story experience, making it commercially a very viable method of storytelling.
It’s like the Fast and Furious of the fantasy genres. It’s Sword and Sorcery that gave us things like the movie “Highlander”, the Conan books and the show “Xena: Warrior Princess”.
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