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@taylorclogston

Aw shucks. I knew that high fantasy was probably a thing, but I hadn’t heard of mythic fantasy being an actual subgenre…

Typically, I share your frustration with labels, Taylor. I’d like to think that the best stories break genre definitions in some way, and those definitions only exist in order to loosely tie a conglomerate of similar (but by no means unitary) stories together as a group. This is of far more use to the marketer and the consumer than to the creator.

But in this instance it would make me happy to see an appropriate label given to Tolkien’s work and those like it because right now what makes him unique from the rest of modern fantasy is overshadowed by the fact that it shares the same label. There’s a difference, but no distinction is being made… which defeats the whole point of the label to begin with.

I wonder if you’re right about Lewis in That Hideous Strength. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if there was some interplay between him and Tolkien on the topic, and even less surprised if that showed up in their published works.

@hope-ann

Writer friends, indeed. *smh* Lewis proved his point, for sure. And did it well, too.

*whispers* But it still doesn’t have the same feel as Tolkien.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Sounds like you have some really interesting tech being developed in your world! That’s awesome. I like the “copy-machine”. Gutenberg von Centimanus eh?</p>
As for your original question about how to incorporate tech and advancement into one’s fantasy, I think there are a couple principles to keep in mind. I’m pulling a lot from Sanderson, too, because he’s one of the few authors I know of who do this well.

1. Apply your magic system creatively. Don’t follow the path most trod – think of ways that you could apply your magic system to everyday life, and you’ll probably find a good many simple things that will give your stories tech in-world flavor a d character.

2. Account for economic impact. If magic users figure out a process by which to create gold out of non-precious materials, that makes magic users extremely valuable and thus likely subject to exploitation by those in power. Or it devalues gold and completely upsets the economic backbone of the country, forcing them to find/develop a different currency.

3. Account for cultural/religious reaction (whether positive or negative to the new tech). If a certain tech develops which is contrary to the teachings of some religious group, that will definitely effect the spread of the tech, and how those who possess it are viewed.

4. Beware copycatting modern technology. If your magic system is the basis of the tech in question, you don’t have to worry too much about this as long as you are creative in how you get there. However, if not using your magic system, be on your guard. Unless you are able to recast a modern technology and make the reader think of it in a different light than normal, try to steer clear of things that directly resemble modern tech. You’re creating your own world. Go crazy. But stay internally consistent.

At the end of the day, the direction that you take tech in your fantasy story depends what feel you are going for. It will effect the overall tone! And weird people like me will take guesses about your philosophical stance towards the development of history because of it. XD