Fantasy is a literary genre which contains elements of magic in plot, theme or setting.
Many of the works take place in an imaginary world where magic is a common occurrence.
The genre is greatly inspired by myths and folklore, and it is one of the oldest genres
in history. This genre contains works such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer's Odyssey and
The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night. It was at the turn of the 19th century that
fantasy fiction started to become popular with Lord Dunsany writing novels and short
stories on the theme. It was however the rise of high fantasy with authors like J.R.R.
Tolkien that introduced fantasy to the general audience.
Fantasy is a rich genre when it comes to subgenres. The following are the subgenres that
would fit well into the Inspirarium Realm.
This subgenre combines elements from fantasy and horror, and cannot truly be said to belong
with either genre. It is generally described as gritty, dark and gothic. Examples of authors:
Michael Moorcock, H.P. Lovecraft, Anne Bishop, George R. Martin
This subgenre is most commonly associated with the concept of fantasy. The narrative of a story
is set in an invented / parallel world with a theme concerning a hero's a struggle with
evil. The story is often turning into a saga or a series. Examples of authors: Terry Brooks, David
Eddings, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, J.K. Rowling
This subgenre is often contrasted to high fantasy, and the narrative here takes place in the
real world with fantastical elements present therein. Examples of novels: The Borrowers by Mary
Norton, The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, The Green
Mile by Stephen King
This genre draws on the myths from different cultures and folklore, for instance Greek, Nordic
or Native American.
Sword and Sorcery
This subgenre is also highly associated with fantasy, and is often about heroes in action-filled
adventures. (Another subgenre of this one is said to be Sword and Sandal where the focus is more
on historical narratives.) Examples of authors: Michael Moorcock, Robert E. Howard (Conan), Fritz