Understanding Fantasy: A Genre Reimagined

Fantasy fiction is back -- and bigger than ever. Over the past decade, stories of magic, adventure, and mystical worlds have captured the imaginations of readers worldwide, driven in part by the rise of social media communities like TikTok's "BookTok", innovative marketing strategies and a renewed love for physical books. Once considered a niche corner of literature, fantasy has surged into a cultural phenomenon, giving both legacy authors and emerging voices unprecedented global reach.

But this resurgence didn't come out of nowhere. Fantasy is a genre with deep historical roots and an extraordinary ability to reinvent itself. To understand why its thriving today, we need to look at where it came from, and how writers are reshaping it for a new generation.

Display shelves for popular author Brandon Sanderson at a Barnes & Noble in American Fork, Utah.

The Roots of Fantasy: From Ancient Myths to Modern Classics

Historical Context

Fantasy has always been intertwined with human imagination. Long before novels existed, cultures around the world told stories of gods, monsters, and magical realms to explain the unexplainable, teach moral lessons, or simply entertain. Greek mythology alone gave us a pantheon of gods and creatures like the Minotaur, narratives that were as much cultural anchors as they were entertainment.

The Rise of Modern Fantasy

Centuries, later the modern fantasy genre began taking shape through authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, who's richly imagined worlds set the foundation for what we now call high fantasy. Tolkien, in particular, reshaped how we define the genre -- as scholars Fliger and Anderson (2008) note, "Tolkien uses the word fantasy, with its derived meaning of 'unreality,' to encompass both the workings of imagination and the result of that work: sub-creation, the making of a secondary world." This idea, the deliberate creation of a believable, immersive alternate reality, remains at the heart of fantasy today.

What Makes Fantasy... Fantasy?

A Genre Built on the Impossible

Fantasy is a storytelling tradition that transports readers beyond the boundaries of the ordinary world. Whether the setting is a sprawling enchanted kingdom, an alternate timeline, or a magic-infused version of our own world, the genre is defined by its commitment to the impossible made possible.

The Cambridge Dictionary neatly encapsulates this: fantasy is "a type of story set in a magical world, often involving traditional myths and magical creatures and sometimes ideas or events from the real world." But the umbrella is wide. Several factions of fantasy have emerged over time, including:

• High Fantasy -- vast secondary worlds and epic quests (such as Tolkien or Sanderson)

• Urban Fantasy -- magic woven into modern settings

• Sci-Fi Fantasy -- blending speculative science and magic

• Romantasy -- combining fantasy elements and romance

World-Building

One of the defining features of fantasy is world-building, the construction of entire universes with distinct cultures, histories, and laws. For example, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire offers a politically intricate, deeply immersive landscape that rewards readers with its realism and complexity.

World building is not just aesthetic: it shapes plot, character, and theme. The world becomes a character in its own right.

Magic Systems and the Rules of the Impossible

Magic is another cornerstone of the genre, but not all magic is created equal. Some authors lean toward hard magic with defined rules. For example, Brandon Sanderson is known for his well-defined magic systems, such as in his series Mistborn, where the use of metals grants characters specific powers. This approach not only adds depth to the story but also creates opportunities for conflict and character development. Other authors embrace soft, whimsical magic, where mystery and wonder take precedence over structure.

Why Do We Love Fantasy??

Fantasy resonates because it is escapism, but not just escapism. It offers:

• A break from everyday routines

• A safe space to explore big ideas and moral dilemmas

• Characters who face challenges far beyond human scale

• Awe, wonder and the thrill of possibility

Whether it's the courage of a reluctant hero, the comfort of returning to a beloved magical world, or the pure wonder of encountering something impossible, fantasy reminds us that imagination still matters, and that we can dream beyond what we know.

The Future of Fantasy

Expanding Horizons

As the fantasy genre continues to evolve, it is likely to expand in new and unexpected directions. Today's fantasy authors pushing the genre into new territory with:

• Diverse Voices and Inclusive Storytelling

  • A wider range of authors is bringing fresh cultural perspectives, mythologies, and narrative styles to fantasy. This inclusivity not only broadens who gets to be a hero but reshapes the types of stories being told.

• Genre-Bending Hybrids

  • Modern fantasy frequently blends with romance, horror, science fiction, literary fiction and even contemporary realism. Romantasy alone has reshaped publishing trends and reader expectations.

• Community Driven Popularity

  • Platforms like TikTok have completely transomed how readers discover fantasy. Viral recommendations can catapult niche books into bestsellers overnight, spotlighting indie and self-published authors who would otherwise remain unseen.

• A Return to Physical Books

  • Ironically, the digital age has revived printed fantasy books. Readers want tangible editions -- sprayed edges, special hardcovers, illustrated maps or licensed artwork -- turning readers into an aesthetic experience.

Conclusion

From ancient myths to modern epics, fantasy has proven itself endlessly adaptable. It's resurgence isn't just a trend, it's a testament to the genre's power to inspire, challenge, and transport readers. As authors continue to experiment with form, embrace diverse voices, and challenge traditional expectations, fantasy will only grow richer and more dynamic. Whether you've reading it for decades or you've just discovered the magic through "BookTok", there has never been a more exciting time to explore the worlds that fantasy has to offer.

Sources

“Fantasy Fiction.” Cambridge Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/fantasy-fiction. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

Flieger, V. A, and Douglas. A. Aderson, eds. 2008. Tolkien: On Fairy Stories. London: Name of HarperCollins.