Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction set in a fictional universe, often inspired by real world myth and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became literature and drama. From the twentieth century it has expanded further into various media, including film, television, graphic novels, manga, animated movies and video games.

Fantasy is distinguished from the genres of science fiction and horror by the absence of scientific or macabre themes respectively, though these genres overlap. In popular culture, the fantasy genre predominantly features settings of a medieval nature. In its broadest sense, however, fantasy consists of works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today.

Definition and characteristics

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that generally takes place in an imaginary or fantastical world, where magic is common. The genre is considered a form of speculative fiction alongside science fiction and horror, although it has its own unique characteristics.

History

The roots of fantasy lie in oral traditions which would later become fantasy literature and drama. From the twentieth century, fantasy has evolved into various media, including film, television, graphic novels, manga, animated movies and video games.

Subgenres

There are many different subgenres of fantasy, each with their own common elements. Some of these include:

• High fantasy: A subgenre of fantasy defined either by its setting in an imaginary world or by the epic stature of its characters, themes, and plot.
• Low fantasy: These are fantasy stories set in the real world but still containing elements of fantasy.
• Urban fantasy: This subgenre of fantasy is set in an urban environment. The "urban" in urban fantasy is contemporary; set in the real world and the present time, where fantastic elements blend with the real world.
• Dark fantasy: A subgenre of fantasy which can refer to stories that focus on elements usually found in the horror genre but which take place in a fantasy setting.

Influence on culture

Fantasy has had an important impact on popular culture, influencing film, television, and video games. The genre has also influenced music, visual arts, and literature.

See also

• Science fiction
• Horror fiction
• Speculative fiction

References

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