Fantasy novels are like a magical doorway to otherworldly realms. They transport readers into fantastical universes filled with mythical creatures, epic adventures, and extraordinary magic. But what exactly defines these novels, what fuels their allure, and why do people love them so much?
At their core, fantasy novels are stories set in imaginary worlds or universes. These worlds can be vastly different from our own, featuring magic, mythical creatures, and unexplored lands. They give authors the freedom to create anything they can dream of, and that’s where the magic begins.
Fantasy novels share several common elements that contribute to their charm, such as magic, mythical creatures, epic quests, distinctive worlds, and the eternal clash between good and evil.
Magic stands as a fundamental pillar of fantasy, channeled through wizards, spells, or enchanted artifacts. Some inhabitants of these realms include dragons, unicorns, elves, and dwarves, provides a new understanding on customized races and wildlife.
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Many of these tales follow valiant heroes on grand quests, travelling for missions to vanquish malevolent sorcerers, unearth legendary artifacts, or rescue their world from impending doom. These fantastical lands are often intricately detailed, boasting unique cultures, terrains, and histories. Moreover, like any story, fantasy novels often explore the battle between what is good and evil. Heroes face dark forces and must make tough choices. Sometimes they have to test their might or resolve their dilemmas.
In essence, fantasy novels focus on adventure, exploration, and the extraordinary. They serve as a portal to break free from the ordinary and venture into the realms of the extraordinary. Themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination often take center stage.
As for why authors gravitate toward crafting these narratives, the answer lies in the limitless possibilities that fantasy offers. They are able to create entire worlds from scratch, giving life to their wildest ideas. Unlike the constraints of a realistic setting, fantasy allows writers to tackle real-world issues in a metaphorical way, making it easier for readers to relate and reflect.
Renowned authors like John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Clive Staples Lewis, Terry Pratchett, Robert Jordan, Branden Sanderson, Joanne Kathleen Rowling and George Raymond Richard Martin have indelibly etched their names in the annals of fantasy literature. Their celebrated works have also been adapted into beloved movies and TV series.
Now, this also needs to be said: fantasy novels, despite their relaxed approach to story creation and their popularity (especially in recent decades), don’t have to cater to everyone’s taste. Sometimes, they can be too deep and complex. They often come with vast and intricate lore behind the main stories that may require a dedicated following to fully appreciate. Thus, it is understandable, if someone chooses not to exclusively read fantasy novels or engage with any other medium in this genre.
For me, as long as I stick with only one of those novels (or series), it becomes more enjoyable. I like to take my time with them and digest them slowly. What I love about them is that they bring a fresh perspective and approach to thoughts, ethics, statements, or events that the story contains. Interestingly enough, this relaxed genre can create the most dedicated and serious readers and fans. I believe this is what makes the fantasy genre particularly special compared to others.
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