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Emma_Cat_Caton posted an update in the group Fantasy Writers 6 years, 1 month ago
Does fantasy need to have a lot of magic? Does it need magic at all? What really defines fantasy as a genre? I would consider the False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen fantasy, but there is no magic of any kind. Not that fantasy needs magic to be fantasy, but some would insist otherwise… Just some questions I’ve been thinking about lately!
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I would define fantasy as anything taking place on a world other than our own, unless it’s established that there’s some connection between this world and ours via space travel (in which case it’s sci-fi). Even when there’s no magic present, fantasy stories often utilize fantasy tropes like a chosen one or a medieval-European-inspired setting or a central quest. And fantasy creatures like dragons can exist without magic. It’s rare, but it can happen.
In short… fantasy is defined (in my opinion) by the world where it takes place and the tropes it uses. Often that includes magic, but it’s not a strict requirement.
That is an amazing definition! Thank you, this was so helpful!
@emma_cat_caton Happy to help! 🙂