Fantasy: A Literary Genre

Fantasy: Etymology

The term “fantasy” has its roots in the Middle English word “fantasye,” borrowed from Old French “fantaisie,” which in turn originated from the Latin word “phantasia,” denoting imagination or a mental image. The etymology reflects a historical evolution of the concept, emphasizing the imaginative and mental aspects integral to the term’s meaning.

Fantasy: Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Aspect	Literal and Conceptual Meaning
Imagination and Mental Images	In its literal sense, fantasy refers to the creation of imaginative mental images or scenarios.
Immersive Unreal Worlds	Conceptually, fantasy extends to narratives or settings that transport audiences to unreal and magical worlds beyond the constraints of reality.
Fantastic Elements	Literally, fantasy encompasses elements such as magic, mythical creatures, and extraordinary phenomena.
Escape from Reality	On a conceptual level, fantasy serves as a means of escaping reality and exploring alternative realms that defy the limitations of the everyday.
Dreamlike Scenarios	In a literal sense, fantasy may involve dreamlike and surreal scenarios that captivate the imagination.
Exploration of Impossibilities	Conceptually, fantasy explores impossibilities, pushing the boundaries of what is conceivable and introducing elements beyond the norm.
Creative Expression	Literally, fantasy involves creative expression through the conjuring of imaginative and fantastical elements.
Allegorical or Symbolic Meaning	On a conceptual level, fantasy can carry allegorical or symbolic meanings, providing a platform for deeper explorations of human experiences and emotions.
Magic and Enchantment	In its literal sense, fantasy often incorporates magical and enchanting elements that contribute to a sense of wonder.
Suspension of Disbelief	Conceptually, fantasy necessitates the audience’s willingness to suspend disbelief, accepting the unreal elements as part of the narrative experience.

Fantasy: Definition as a Literary Device

Fantasy, as a literary device, involves the creation of imaginative and fantastical elements within a narrative, often departing from reality to explore unreal realms, magical occurrences, and mythical entities.

This literary tool allows authors to transport readers into alternate worlds, offering a form of escapism and challenging conventional boundaries by introducing elements that defy the constraints of the ordinary.

Through the incorporation of fantasies, writers engage in creative expression, enabling the exploration of allegorical meanings, symbolic representations, and the conveyance of profound human experiences.

Fantasy: Types

Type of Fantasy	Description	Examples
High Fantasies	Involves the creation of intricate, secondary worlds replete with extensive magic systems and epic quests.	The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Low Fantasies	Integrates fantastical elements into the real world, blurring the lines between reality and magic, often presenting magical occurrences in everyday settings.	Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Urban Fantasies	Sets magical elements within an urban environment, combining fantasy with the modern world, offering a juxtaposition of magical and mundane aspects.	Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher
Epic Fantasies	Centers on grand, heroic journeys and conflicts, often involving the fate of entire worlds or kingdoms, providing a sense of scale and epic proportions.	A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
Dark Fantasies	Incorporates horror themes alongside fantastical elements, creating a grim and macabre atmosphere that explores the darker facets of the fantastical.	The Books of Blood by Clive Barker
Historical Fantasies	Places magical elements within a historical setting, blending fantasies with real historical events to offer an imaginative reinterpretation of the past.	Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Sword and Sorcery	Emphasizes action-packed narratives with protagonists skilled in combat and magic, often set in a vibrant fantasies world, featuring daring exploits and magical confrontations.	Conan the Barbarian stories by Robert E. Howard
Science Fantasies	Merges fantasy with advanced technology or futuristic settings, creating a hybrid genre that incorporates elements of both science fiction and fantasy.	Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
Fairy Tale Fantasies	Draws inspiration from traditional fairy tales, featuring magical creatures, quests, and moral lessons, often presenting a modern or unique twist on classic tales.	The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Comic Fantasies	Blends humor and satire with fantastical elements, often featuring absurd situations and witty dialogue, providing a lighthearted and comedic take on fantasies.	Discworld series by Terry Pratchett

Fantasies: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Daydreaming: In everyday life, individuals often engage in daydreaming, allowing their imagination to create fantastical scenarios and narratives as a form of personal escape and creative expression.
2. Imaginary Friends: Children frequently develop imaginary friends, embodying fantastical characters that provide companionship and serve as an outlet for imaginative play.
3. Virtual Reality Gaming: The use of virtual reality technology in gaming allows individuals to immerse themselves in fantastical worlds, experiencing adventures and scenarios beyond the constraints of reality.
4. Fairy Tale-Themed Events: Events such as fairy tale-themed parties or weddings incorporate fantasy elements, bringing to life magical settings and characters for celebratory occasions.
5. Cosplay: Enthusiasts participate in cosplay, dressing up as characters from fantasy literature, movies, or games, merging elements of fantasy into real-world social events.
6. Theme Parks: Amusement parks with fantasies-themed attractions, such as castles, mythical creatures, and magical rides, offer visitors a tangible experience of fantasies in a recreational setting.
7. Storytelling and Mythology: Cultural storytelling and mythology, passed down through generations, often involve fantastical elements that shape cultural identity and provide moral lessons.
8. Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Tabletop or digital RPGs allow participants to assume roles in fictional worlds, embarking on quests and adventures through collaborative storytelling.
9. Art and Fantasy Illustrations: Fantasy is often expressed through art, with fantastical illustrations, paintings, and sculptures serving as a means of conveying imaginative worlds and creatures.
10. Science Fiction and Fantasy Conventions: Events like comic conventions bring together fans of fantasies and science fiction, providing a space for enthusiasts to celebrate their favorite genres through cosplay, discussions, and shared experiences.

Fantasy in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1937.
2. Lewis, C.S. The Chronicles of Narnia. HarperCollins, 1950-1956.
3. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Bloomsbury, 1997.
4. Pratchett, Terry. Guards! Guards!. Gollancz, 1989.
5. Le Guin, Ursula K. A Wizard of Earthsea. Parnassus Press, 1968.
6. Clarke, Susanna. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Bloomsbury, 2004.
7. Gaiman, Neil. American Gods. William Morrow, 2001.
8. Barker, Clive. Imajica. HarperCollins, 1991.
9. Attebery, Brian. Strategies of Fantasy. Indiana University Press, 1992.
10. Mendlesohn, Farah. Rhetorics of Fantasy. Wesleyan University Press, 2008.