Fancy a bit of fantasy, do ya? Well, pull up a chair by the hearth, pour yourself a steaming cup of tea, and prepare to be transported to lands of wonder and magic.
But first, a spot of clarification for you fantasy aficionados—are you in the mood for high fantasy or low fantasy?
Either way, adventure await.! Now, how do you take your tea again? Milk and two sugars? Right then, off we go…
High Fantasy: A Leap into Imaginary Worlds
High fantasy is the literary equivalent of a full English breakfast—hearty, brimming with flavour, and (if you’re anything like me) potentially consumed with a side of HP sauce.
High fantasy takes you on a grand adventure, transporting you to a completely new and often intricately detailed world.
These stories tend to feature grandiose themes, such as the battle between good and evil, or the quest to save the world from impending doom.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is the quintessential example of high fantasy, complete with hobbits, elves, and a certain ring that causes quite a bit of bother.
Magical Elements Galore
In high fantasy, magic is often common. You’ll encounter powerful wizards, enchanted artifacts, and creatures that defy the laws of nature.
Magic is typically a core element of the story, and the characters’ abilities can have a profound impact on the plot.
A Matter of Tone
High fantasy often leans towards the epic and the grand. Expect sweeping narratives, a cast of diverse and well-developed characters, and a generous helping of world-building.
In essence, high fantasy is like a gourmet meal at a posh restaurant – it’s rich, satisfying, and leaves you feeling like you’ve just experienced something truly special.
Low Fantasy: When Magic Meets the Mundane
Now, let’s turn our attention to low fantasy, the cheeky younger sibling of high fantasy.
If high fantasy is a full English breakfast, then low fantasy is more like a bacon sandwich—still delicious, but a bit more down-to-earth. (This is why I shouldn’t attempt blog posts before breakfast.)
Low fantasy stories often take place in our very own world, or at least a world that closely resembles our own.
Magic and supernatural elements are still present, but they’re more subtle, lurking in the shadows instead of taking centre stage.
A Sprinkling of Magic
In low fantasy, magic is like that one eccentric uncle at a family gathering (not the one who’ll corner you to complain about immigrants, the other one)—it’s there, but it doesn’t dominate the conversation.
The supernatural elements might be limited to a few characters or specific circumstances, and may even be largely unknown or distrusted by the general population.
A More Grounded Tone
The tone of low fantasy leans more towards the personal and the intimate.
Characters’ day-to-day struggles take precedence over grand battles and world-saving quests.
Think of low fantasy as a cosy pub lunch—it’s familiar, comforting, and hits just the right spot. (Note to self: must go for a pub meal).
A prime example of low fantasy is J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. While magic abounds in the Wizarding World, the story takes place in a world much like our own, and young witches and wizards navigate their magical education while dealing with common adolescent challenges.
So, Which One Tickles Your Fancy?
Ultimately, choosing between high fantasy and low fantasy comes down to personal preference.
If you crave sweeping epics, intricate world-building, and a generous helping of magic, high fantasy might be your cup of Earl Grey.
If you prefer more grounded stories with a touch of the supernatural, low fantasy could be your perfectly brewed cuppa.
Whatever your preference, there’s a fantastical world out there waiting for you to explore.
So, dust off your wand, saddle up your dragon, or simply grab a pint down at the local pub—adventure awaits!
If you enjoy high fantasy, you can get my Ravenglass Universe starter library for free when you join my newsletter!
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