Genre - Fantasy

Defining the genre

1. What is fantasy?

It's interesting to note that few people actually agree on what is defined as fantasy.

The most common definition is that it's something that has elements that can't be explained by our current laws. If it can, then we are told that it's science fiction.

So far it seems simple enough. So Lord of the Rings is fantasy (because it contains magic and magic doesn't exist) and Star Trek is sci-fi as it deals with real laws of physics.

Some of you have already spotted the flaw in the argument.

Let's take Star Wars. Known as a great sci-fi movie.

With Jedi in it?

There, I've said it. Aren't they magic users? Shouldn't Star Wars be a great fantasy movie?

And on that subject, isn't faster than light travel impossible according to the laws of physics? So Star Trek is another fantasy story. As is most of the stuff we know of as sci-fi.

So how do they defy this categorisation?

2. Speculative fiction

This term is banded about and it allows books that defy the current laws of physics to be sci-fi if we can presume that the current laws are wrong and one day we'll find out what is written is possible.

Sounds like a fudge of the rule to me.

3. Truer definitions

a. The publisher decides

If the book is published by a company that specialises in fantasy - it becomes a fantasy book.

 

b. The readers decide

If enough readers vote for it, a book is defined by the awards it is short-listed for or by the type of reader that buys it

 

c. The author decides

If a known fantasy author were to write a variation of Star Wars, it would be classified as fantasy - because a fantasy writer penned it.

4. So how should we define it?

As a rule, if you write books that use magic or other supernatural forms - and this is a primary element of the story - then you have a fantasy novel.

The book doesn't have to be set in the middle ages (or another planet in a similar technological state) but it helps.

Magic, or similar, is likely to be commonplace.

5. So fantasy is just made up?

One of the biggest mistakes that fantasy writers make is that because what they are writing isn't sci-fi, they think that the laws of physics don't apply. Although they're partially right, a writer must understand that some laws must apply. Magic, for example, must be bound by rules - and the rules demand consistentcy.

6. What are the subgenres of fantasy?

In the old days it was easy. Historically, fantasy was based on mythology and folklore. Although still a common theme, fantasy is no longer restricted by this narrow remit.

Similarly, fantasy enjoys overlaps with many other genre, especially sci-fi and horror.

7. Eighteen categorisations

I have found some eighteen different sub-categories of fantasy. These are:

a. Alternate history

Although alternate history in itself can be considered sci-fi, it is typically the introduction of a specific fantasy element that defines it

b. Bangsian fantasy

Named after John Kendrick Bangs (the Associated Shades series of novels) this sub-genre deals with the after lives of various famous people.

c. Comic fantasy

Simply put, this is fantasy with its tongue firmly in its cheek.

d. Contemporary fantasy

Here we have today's world and in secret, there are fantastic elements going on. Harry Potter is a perfect example.

 

i. Urban fantasy

This is a grittier version of the above. Typically set in a city, again we have fantasy elements going in either in complete secret, or semi-secret.

 

ii. Elfpunk

Here we see faeries and elves in modern urban settings.

 

e. Dark fantasy

Here we have the fantasy/horror blend or are at very least quite gritty versions of the medieval fantasy (truer to what life was really like for these people).

f. Erotic fantasy

The title is self-explanatory and is typically alos categorised as another sub-genre too (as it isn't really a specific sub-genre in itself).

g. Fairytale fantasy

Lots of folklore here, and 'Once upon a times' and 'Happily ever afters.'

h. Heroic fantasy

The hero is the main character, and is on a quest. Think Lord of the Rings.

i. High fantasy

This is all about morals. It is about good versus evil. Often it is set in a totally fantasy world. Think His Dark Materials.

j. Historical fantasy

This could be set in the past but with fantasy or it is a created world that mirrors our own. Think Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

 

i. Celtic Fantasy

Not surprisingly, this is inspired by Celtic legends and culture.

 

ii. Steampunk

Like historical fantasy but with alternate technologies.

 

iii. Wuxia

Here we have martial arts and heroes. Think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

 

iv. Historical high fantasy

A blend of the two that is common enough to have its own category.

 

v. Medieval fantasy

Fantasy in the medieval world.

 

k. Juvenile fantasy

Fantasy aimed at the younger audience e.g. The Chronicles of Narnia.

l. Low fantasy

This is gritty fantasy, typically set in the medieval world. Magic is rare and heroes are heroes because they have big swords.

m. Fantasy of manners

A confusing one. You could define it as high fantasy or alternate fantasy. The best way I can describe it is to imagine that Jane Austen decided to write fantasy. You're some of the way there.

n. Mythic fiction

Here we deal more with myths (as opposed to folklore). This can be medieval or contemporary. If modern, it doesn't have to be urban. American Gods is a good example.

 

i. Mythpunk

Mythpunk is a subgenre of mythic fiction and was coined by Catherynne M. Valente to define a specific brand of fiction, largely written by women authors.

It is based in folklore and myth and has elements of urban fantasy, poetry and academic fantasy.

 

o. Romantic fantasy

Romance meets fantasy - pure and simple. Again, not purely a sub-genre in itself.

p. Science fantasy

Sci-fi meets fantasy. As previously mentioned, Star Wars is a prime example.

 

i. Sword and Planet

Swashbuckling adventures on another planet.

 

ii. Dying Earth fiction

Typically set in the future, the titles says it all.

q. Superhero fantasy

Oddly, rarely seen outside of the comic books. Not never, just rarely.

r. Sword and sorcery

Lots and lots of violence. Survival of the fittest. Think Conan.

8. Or how about 6?

Here is fantasy defined by just six headings:

a. Contemporary and Urban Fantasy

Stories taking place in the real world, but magic or fantasy.

b. Epic and Heroic Fantasy

Here we have good versus evil (or a good old-fashioned quest).

c. Historical Fantasy

Stories that are set in the past, but contain fantasy elements.

d. Mythic Fiction

Myth, folklore, and fairy tales.

e. Humorous Fantasy

Just what it says.

f. Science Fantasy

Science and magic combined.

9. What elements are consistent in a fantasy novel?

a. Worldbuilding

Worldbuilding is a subject all of its own, but here's a whistle-stop tour. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the main areas:

 

i. It starts with imagination

You may choose medieval Europe as your world, but chances are you'll want to vary something along the way. So think about what world your story needs.

 

ii. Add a little realism

Many medieval novels get it all wrong. The economy is out and people eat the wrong type of food (meat was expensive you know).

Research medieval times (or whatever era you are going to write about) to find out what the rules are. If you break them that's fine - but know which ones you're breaking and why.

 

iii. Maps

This doesn't have to be in the inside cover of your novel - but as a writer you need to know where the story is taking place.

 

iv. Religion

Who worships whom and why?

 

v. Races

Humans, orcs, kobolds?

Languages? Do they all speak the same one?

 

vi. Careers

How does the economy run? Who is in charge i.e. which skills are most coveted?

 

vii. Magic

Rightfully a subject for its own report, but you must set out the rules for your magic. What is the cost of casting a spell? Where does magic come from? Is magic in everyone? Do you have to be trained? Is it all spells or is it potions? Do they use wands?

 

viii. Daily life

What was daily life like for the average person?

 

ix. Animals

Do fantasy animals exist? Unicorns, trolls?

 

x. Government

Is it a theocracy or a monarchy or something else? Who has the power? And who just looks like they have power?

 

xi. Guilds

Do you have guilds? Which ones? How powerful are they?

 

xii. Timeline

Set dates for key events.

 

xiii. Nature

What is the weather like? What do plants look like?

 

b. Good vs. evil

A high proportion of fantasy is built around the premise of good versus evil.

Typically evil is not subtle but instead is hell-bent on ruling and/or destroying the world.

c. The Evil One

The forces of evil are often personified in a single malevolent being..

There is often a demonic link and is often not human (or whatever race the hero is).

d. The quest

As plots go, the quest is a common one in fantasy.

There are a few variations:

 

i. The hero must reach the quest item before the evil one

 

ii. The hero must protect the quest item from the evil one

 

iii. The hero must steal the quest item from the evil one

e. The hero

Sometimes the hero is an unassuming character that has hero thrust upon them. They invariably become heroic by the end of the novel.

Alternatively they are heroes from day one, with rippling muscles and a big sword.

Sometimes they are of royal birth but don't know it until the end of the story, when they achieve the quest and gain the kingdom.

f. Magic

Magic is a common theme in fantasy novels.

If the hero is a mage, he is often unaware of his magical abilities at the outset and only becomes aware as the book develops.

g. Magical items

This could be the quest item, or simply a device that helps the hero or villain.

Typically the hero uses the item to good effect but finally defeats evil without it - proving his true worth.

h. The prophecy

Fantasy books are fond of prophecies. Typically the hero is the subject of the prophecy.

The wording is usually vague or ambiguous and it is only when the hero has accomplished an element of the prophecy that the relevance is explained.

i. Medieval lands

Although not a necessity, many fantasy novels are set in a medieval world.

This limits the use of technology and improves the value of magic.

j. Fantasy creatures

Where they occur, they tend to fall into the standard categories: orcs, elves, dwarves, dragons etc.

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