21 Ways You Know You're a Fantasy Reader

Fantasy readers are a unique breed. We're the ones who've wandered through the enchanted forests of Middle-earth, battled dragons in Westeros, and tracked down spell tomes in the Unseen University.

We've dreamed of soaring on the backs of dragons, casting spells with a flick of a wand, and fighting evil with our trusty swords.

And it’s fair to say we've also picked up some quirks along the way that set us apart from the non-fantasy readers of the world.

So, if you're wondering whether you're one of us, here are some tell-tale signs that you might be a true fantasy reader.

1. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've debated the merits of various magical creatures over a pint of ale.

2. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've tried to open a door with a magic spell instead of a key.

3. You know you're a fantasy reader when you're more excited about a book's map than its table of contents.

4. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've contemplated the logistics of having a hobbit-sized home.

5. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've had to explain what “Tolkien-esque” means to someone who's never read a fantasy novel.

6. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've felt personally betrayed by a fictional character's death.

7. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've caught yourself muttering spells under your breath when faced with a particularly difficult task.

8. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've tried to solve a real-life problem by asking “What would Gandalf do?”

9. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've rolled your eyes at a non-fantasy reader who said “It's just a book, it's not real.”

10. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've imagined yourself as a powerful wizard or witch casting spells in a crowded room.

11. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've tried to learn a fictional language, like Elvish or Dothraki.

13. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've considered getting a tattoo inspired by your favourite fantasy book or series.

15. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've felt a sense of camaraderie with other fantasy readers, even if you've never met them.

16. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've contemplated whether you could actually survive in a world with dragons, magic, and other fantastical creatures.

17. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've used obscure fantasy references in casual conversation, only to be met with blank stares.

18. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've wished that you could attend a ball at the High Court of Faerie, even though you know it probably wouldn't end well.

19. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've named your pets after fantasy characters or creatures.

20. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've dressed up as your favourite fantasy character for Halloween and had to explain your costume to everyone who asked.

21. You know you're a fantasy reader when you've cried over the ending of a book or series, and had to take a break from reading for at least a week.

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