fantasy literature
Wizards and quests
Fantasy literature is fiction that features magical or supernatural elements as a primary component of plot, setting, or theme.
The genre encompasses works ranging from epic sagas with invented worlds and elaborate magic systems to contemporary stories where magical elements intrude upon ordinary life.
She devoured fantasy literature as a teenager, from Tolkien to Ursula K. Le Guin.
The term distinguishes such works from science fiction, which relies on technology rather than magic, though the boundaries often blur.
- mythical creaturesImaginary beings from folklore
- science fictionSpeculative fiction with technological themes
- fairy talesTraditional magical children's stories
- folklore traditionsInherited cultural practices and stories
- magic systemsRules governing supernatural abilities
grimdark · good vs evil · folklore · magical realism · Arthurian legends · Tolkien · worldbuilding · classical mythology · coming of age · medieval romances · sword and sorcery · dragon slayer · anime · enchanted forests · hidden kingdom · redemption arcs · lost heir · ancient prophecies
- fictionfiction, novel, novels, novella, novellas
- InklingsC.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien
- Lloyd Alexander
- dwarf-relatedSnow White, Gimli, Thorin, fairy tales, folklore
fantasy literaturerealistic fiction
Invented yet plausible storytelling
literary realism · social realism · kitchen sink realism · naturalism · contemporary fiction
fantasy literaturenonfiction
Literature about real events
journalism · reportage · documentary · biography · academic writing
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