Fantasy is an ancient art form with roots in the Greek word phantasia, meaning “making visible.” The genre emphasizes the imaginary or supernatural. Its elements can include magic, fairies, monsters, or mythological heroes. These elements help tell the story and provide plot, characterization, and setting. It is popular in many forms of media, but always holds a central place in literature.
Fantasy is set in an imaginary world
Fantasy is a genre of literature in which the stories are set in an imaginary world. Many authors use world building techniques to create the world in which they write. This means that they have to imagine everything from social customs to politics to religion. These techniques are often quite challenging but they can help you create a world that is captivating and interesting.
A fantasy world is not bound by the laws of reality, but it still needs rules. For example, magic may exist but only at a terrible cost, and time travel may exist. Creating a world in which these things can happen requires careful planning and consistency. A well-crafted world outline will help you build a great foundation and keep it intact as the story progresses.
Another aspect of fantasy is the existence of different races and cultures. Depending on the genre, the world may be completely different from the real world. If the world is populated by people with different races, you should make sure that each race and culture has its own unique traits. Moreover, you should try to use real world cultures and experiences as inspiration. You can also look into world history for ideas. History is full of strange things that happened in different parts of the world.
Fantasy films are more likely to feature imaginary worlds than action, thriller, or adventure films. One notable example of such a movie is Tomb Raider. The story revolves around Lei, a girl who belongs to the Paper caste. She lives in a remote village with her father. Her mother was taken away by the royal guards when she was a child.
It is epic in nature
Epic fantasy is a genre with an enormous scale. Its goal is to make the reader believe in the verisimilitude of its world and the change in it. While an epic tale does not have to have pitched battles and flashing swords, it should be a story with a grand scope and great depth.
The main characteristics of an epic story are weight and significance. It can deal with the fate of entire nations or races, or it can focus on the fate of an individual or group of characters. Whatever the case, the story must have a lasting impact on the world. The story should also be unique in some way.
A big part of what makes fantasy epic is the setting. An epic fantasy world is often a place with a rich sense of place. Most epic stories have an off-stage world, like the world of a fairy-tale or medieval romance. This world can be grand, beautiful, or full of mystery.
Epic fantasy also typically features a major battle or showdown. This final battle often involves a clash of morals. The hero does not go to battle alone, and many side characters come to his or her aid to help him or her.
It is based on myths and folklore
Fantasy is a genre that draws inspiration from mythology. The genre is diverse, and can be based on many different cultures. For example, mythology from Africa is incredibly diverse, spanning many different nations, languages, and religions. For example, the Bantu people have a Deity named Leza.
Fantasy is also often based on real life stories. The genre has a large cultural presence, with many now-famous books and films. Some of the most popular works are The Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Narnia, and the Harry Potter series. There are also many modern favorites such as the Twilight saga and Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Another example of a popular genre is urban fantasy, which is often based on mythology. The Iron Druid Chronicles is an urban fantasy series written by Kevin Hearne, where the main character, Atticus O’Sullivan, meets a who’s-who of mythological figures. Throughout the book, he encounters mythological characters, getting into fights with Thor, goddesses, and other legendary beings.
Many people confuse the two concepts. While myths and folklore are both based on real life stories, there are differences. People with a critical or sympathetic attitude to myths tend to view them as fiction. However, myths are typically considered accurate and have a strong symbolic value.
It is based on quest stories
The basic plot of a fantasy story revolves around a character completing a quest. These quests are usually accompanied by a journey. The journey often parallels the protagonist’s inner journey. A quest can be one story, or it can be many. There are many common elements that make a quest story interesting, including the following:
One of the most popular quest stories is the quest to save the throne. This quest is usually carried out by a hero who must make a decision between good and evil. It may involve a hero having to choose between his life or the life of someone else. The quest may include a series of adventures and challenges.
A quest fantasy story follows the journey of a hero to complete a great mission. The quest is often clearly revealed at the beginning of the story, or it may appear gradually throughout the narrative. Examples of quest fantasy include The Wheel of Time and A Song of Ice and Fire. A quest fantasy story can also be a standalone novel.
Fantasy also has subgenres. Some works are escapist, such as the comic fantasy genre, which pokes fun at genre tendencies. Other works are more traditional, such as the Discworld series by Sir Terry Pratchett.
It is written in the language of dreams
Fantasy is an enchanting form of fiction written in the language of dreams. This form of fiction is alive like a dream, and is more real than reality for the moment it takes place. It takes place in the long magic moment before we wake up. Fantasy authors have the ability to tap into this magical moment and create worlds that are more real than reality.
Fantasy takes place in a world that is populated with many different cultures, political factions, and recreational drugs. It also contains robust fantastical elements, including the world’s magical system. Even though the characters are fictional, the world is so vivid and complex that it becomes a constant source of excitement and suspense.
A new world, magical weapons, and vicious monsters are all part of the story. These things make the way to the truth a little less clear. The way to reach it is blocked by demons, spaceships, and spells. Fantasy books are often lighter in tone, but life is often dark and bleak. They can also be full of bright fireworks and unnatural beauty.
Fantasy is written in the language of dreams, and authors of this genre are aware of this. The writer N.K. Jemisin’s work is an excellent example of this. Her writing process begins with vivid dreams. She views her dreams as portals to other worlds. Jemisin’s debut novel, The Sword in the Stone, was inspired by a dream she had during her late teens. It was about a deity-ruled empire.
It involves magical elements
Fantasy is a genre that incorporates magical elements into the story. Some examples of fantasy are fairy tales and science fiction. Fairy tales are meant for children, while science fiction stories are for adults. These stories are often set in far-off, magical worlds, where characters are either magical or have superhuman powers. For example, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ was a fantasy story that was published in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm. Other types of fantasy include superhero fiction, where the heroes are granted extraordinary powers.
Fantasy novels also include far-flung locations full of strange discoveries and dangers. For example, in the Hobbit series, the character Frodo discovers the dazzling land of the elves, Lothlorien, and the foul land of Mordor. In many fantasy novels, characters face new risks, such as battling supernatural creatures or trying a magical delicacy in a candy shop.
Fantasy novels often include elements of magic, such as dragons. There are also magical creatures that are not part of the human race. Fantasy books also draw from real life mythology, such as Greek mythology. Similarly, a fantasy novel may present an alternate history, using historical events as a foundation.
Fantasy stories have also incorporated medieval elements. Shakespeare’s classic novel A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an example of fantasy.