What makes a book an epic fantasy?

High fantasy, or epic fantasy, is a subgenre of fantasy defined by the epic nature of its setting or by the epic stature of its characters, themes or plot.

What is fantasy based on?

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by real-world myth and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy literature and drama.

How did the fantasy genre begin?

The origins of Fantasy can be traced back to ancient mythology, which, as its basic purpose, explained the workings of nature. For example, there is the story of Prometheus, who felt pity for the mere mortals of earth and so he gifted them with fire.

What are the components of fantasy genre?

The key element of the fantasy fiction genre is magic. Fantasy novels may be romantic, historical, action-packed or all three, but the element of magic is what sets this genre apart from all the others. Fairy tales, myths, and legends are part of the fantasy genre.

What are some examples of fantasy literature in Russia?

In Russia, romantic fantasy literature was represented in the works of V. A. Zhukovskii, V. F. Odoevskii, A. Pogorel’skii, and A. F. Vel’tman. Pushkin used fantasy in his narrative poem Ruslan and Liudmila, which was strongly influenced by byliny (epic folk songs) and folktales.

What are the characteristics of fantasy literature?

Fantasy literature is literature set in an imaginary universe, often but not always without any locations, events, or people from the real world. Magic, the supernatural and magical creatures are common in many of these imaginary worlds. Fantasy literature may be directed at both children and adults.

What are the different types of fantasy subgenres?

High, epic, heroic, and sword and sorcery are just a few of the many fantasy subgenres lining the fantasy shelves of your local bookstore. Other alternative subgenres include (non-exclusively) dark fantasy, steampunk, erotic, paranormal, romance, mythic, alternate history, sword and sandals, sword and planet, grimdark, and urban fantasy.

How has fantasy evolved over the years?

This work of epic fantasy paved the way for many others and really needs no introduction. Although fantasy has evolved in many ways since Tolkien first set pen to paper, his story endures and his work still stands to this day as the most recognizable example of epic fantasy.