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Narrative Sub-Genres: Fantasy

Resources

Suggested Series

The Medoran Chronicles by Lynette Noni

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Brotherband by John Flanagan

The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

The Royal Ranger by John Flanagan

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix

Related Genres

  • Ghost Stories
  • Horror fiction
  • Romance fiction
  • Vampire fiction

Definition: Fantasy Fiction

Fantasy genre stories revolve around magic or supernatural forces, rather than technology. Stories are set in fanciful, invented worlds or in a legendary, mythic past that rely on the outright invention of magic. Knights, wizards, kings, and dragons are all common in fantasy, but aren’t always required. Swordplay, archery, horseback riding, and spell-casting are also staples of the fantasy genre.

SOURCE: Malatesta, Mark (2019), The Book Genre Dictionary, https://book-genres.com/fantasy-fiction-definition/

Videos

Literary Genres: Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that whisks readers off other worlds, filled with magic and adventure. From The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, let’s explore some classics of the fantasy canon.

SOURCE: Makematic (2023), ClickView, https://clickv.ie/w/6Rtw

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Trailer

The official The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005).

Starring: Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes Directed By: Andrew Adamson Synopsis: During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy (Georgie Henley) finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia. After coming back, she soon returns to Narnia with her brothers, Peter (William Moseley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and her sister, Susan (Anna Popplewell). There they join the magical lion, Aslan (Liam Neeson), in the fight against the evil White Witch, Jadis (Tilda Swinton).

Fiction Book Genres - What is Fantasy?

This video helps explain what are fantasy books and what is the fantasy genre for kids and elementary students (and teachers) studying literature genres, using animated motion graphics and Lego minifigures.

Why I write about elves?

Prolific bestselling author of epic fantasy literature, Terry Brooks shares what inspires him to write, discusses what writers and readers bring to written works, and explores how fantasy literature can be a domain for resolving challenging questions and issues.