Types of Fantasy

Mythic

Has a supernatural causality and usually involves mythology. They involve retellings, modern adaptations and new inventions.

Fairytale

Books or stories based on fairytales that involve a magical causality.

Gothic

Gothic fantasy explains strange (weird) events. Has the gothic elements of: human fascination and fear of unknown, suspense and tension, mysterious settings and twisted plots.

Science Fantasy

Fantasy that offers a scientific explanation for other world and treats magic as a science.

All-Ages High Fantasy

These are fantasy books written for both adults and children. They contain many levels of meaning.

Heroic Fantasy (Sword and Sorcery)

These fantasies deal with a totally invincible hero or one that fights as a mercenary. The hero is proficient with a weapon and no special abilities except strength and courage. The plot is purely entertainment with no major themes.

Historical Fantasy

These fantasies use a historical period or event that involves magic or other fantasy elements, which takes place in our world.

Mythopoeic Fantasy

Good and evil are locked in a struggle that is waged with supernatural powers. Deals with events that, however important they seem to the participants, are but a skirmish in the eternal conflict. Usually take place in a modern setting into which intrude Arthurian characters or relics such as the sword Excalibur. These fantasies lead their protagonist on a journey of self-discovery that brings pain as well as joy.

Ghost Fantasy

These are fantasies in which a ghost takes active involvement in the story.

Return to Avalon Forest