Tag: Chosen One trope

The Evolution of the Chosen One Trope in Fantasy Literature

Explore the evolution and subversion of the Chosen One trope in fantasy literature. Discover how “The Fall of Wolfsbane” redefines this classic narrative by focusing on characters who aren’t chosen by destiny, but who become heroes through their choices.

Ah, the Chosen One—that special individual, often plucked from obscurity, destined to save the world.

It’s a trope as old as storytelling itself, but one that has seen quite the evolution in fantasy literature.

Today, we’re going to delve into this ubiquitous trope.

We will explore how it’s changed over time and examine how “The Fall of Wolfsbane” turns this concept on its head.

The Classic Chosen One

First, let’s remind ourselves of the classic Chosen One narrative.

You know the drill—a seemingly ordinary person discovers they have a great destiny, often prophesied long ago.

They’re whisked away on an adventure, develop incredible powers, and eventually save the world from a terrible evil.

Think Frodo Baggins, Harry Potter, or Rand al’Thor.

This trope has been a fantasy staple for good reason.

It provides a clear narrative structure.

It allows readers to insert themselves into the story.

After all, who hasn’t daydreamed about being secretly special?

It often results in satisfying character growth as the protagonist rises to meet their destiny.

Evolution of the Trope

However, as with any well-worn trope, the Chosen One narrative has evolved over time.

Readers and writers alike began to question and subvert the concept.

Characters who actively resist their destiny, like Eustace Scrubb in C.S. Lewis’s “The Silver Chair.”

Stories where the prophesied hero fails, requiring others to step up, such as Neville Longbottom’s role in Harry Potter.

Narratives that spread the ‘chosen’ status across several characters, like in The Dragonriders of Pern series.

Stories that examine the psychological toll and societal implications of being ‘chosen,’ as seen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Characters who believe they’re the Chosen One, only to discover they’re not, like Quentin Coldwater in Lev Grossman’s “The Magicians.”

These evolving approaches have added nuance and complexity to what was once a straightforward trope.

Subverting the Chosen One in “The Fall of Wolfsbane”

Now, let’s turn our attention to how “The Fall of Wolfsbane” engages with this trope.

If you’ve read the book, and if you haven’t, mild spoiler alert, you’ll know that it takes a rather different approach to the concept of the Chosen One.

In “The Fall of Wolfsbane”, we’re presented with Ragnar Wolfsbane, who at first glance might seem to fit the Chosen One mould.

He’s the son of a chieftain, skilled in combat, and thrust into a world-changing conflict.

Classic Chosen One material, right?

But here’s where things get interesting.

Ragnar isn’t chosen by destiny or prophecy.

He’s chosen by his conquerors as a political hostage.

His ‘special status’ isn’t a mark of destiny, but a cruel twist of fate that tears him from his home and family.

Moreover, Ragnar isn’t the only focus of our story.

His sister Maja plays an equally crucial role, her journey of resistance as important as Ragnar’s journey of adaptation.

By splitting our focus between two protagonists, neither of whom is traditionally ‘chosen,’ we subvert the expectation of a single, destined hero.

Perhaps most importantly, neither Ragnar nor Maja are prophesied to save the world.

Their struggles are more personal, more immediate.

They’re fighting for survival, for identity, for their people, not because destiny demands it, but because their circumstances require it.

This approach allows us to explore themes of choice, identity, and the impact of colonial forces in a way that a traditional Chosen One narrative might not.

It asks the question: what if the ‘special’ person isn’t chosen by benevolent forces of good, but by an oppressive empire?

Why Subvert the Chosen One?

So why did I take this approach?

Why not play the Chosen One trope straight?

Realism.

Let’s face it, in real life, people aren’t chosen by destiny.

They rise to challenges because they must, not because it was foretold.

By removing the element of prophecy or destiny, we place the focus squarely on our characters’ choices and actions.

This approach allows us to explore more nuanced themes of identity, culture, and power.

Without a prophecy to fulfil, the story can take unexpected turns, keeping readers on their toes.

While it’s fun to imagine being the Chosen One, it’s perhaps more relatable to see characters struggling with circumstances beyond their control, just as we all do.

Choosing to Be More

In “The Fall of Wolfsbane”, and in much of modern fantasy, we’re moving away from characters who are special because destiny says so.

Instead, we’re exploring characters who become special through their choices, their resilience, and their growth.

This evolution of the Chosen One trope reflects a broader trend in fantasy towards more complex, nuanced storytelling.

It’s not about rejecting the trope entirely, but about engaging with it in new and interesting ways.

After all, isn’t a hero who chooses their path, despite not being chosen by destiny, all the more heroic?

What are your thoughts on the Chosen One trope?

Do you prefer the classic approach, or do you enjoy seeing it subverted?

Share your opinions in the comments below!

read The fall of wolfsbane.

The Evolution of Epic Fantasy Tropes

Explore the evolution of epic fantasy tropes with a twist of dark humour, from Chosen Ones to complex worlds and powerful female leads.

Epic fantasy, a genre as enduring as an overambitious wizard’s beard, has long been the home of grand tales and even grander clichés.

Yet, in recent years, these tropes have undergone a transformation, much like a reluctant hero who realises he’s left the oven on in chapter one.

Let’s delve into this fantastical world to see how these changes have unfolded.

1. The Chosen One, or the Accidentally Selected

The ‘Chosen One’ – a character as traditionally predictable as rain at a British barbecue. Once, they were the heart and soul of epic fantasy, plucked from obscurity to save the world.

Think Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” or Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia”. But modern authors, like George R.R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson, have had a bit of a laugh with this trope.

Now, our ‘chosen’ ones are more likely to stumble into destiny after a wrong turn, bringing a delightful blend of incompetence and unforeseen heroics to the table.

2. Good vs. Evil, or How Everyone’s a Bit Dodgy

Gone are the days when good and evil were as clear cut as a knight’s sword through a surprisingly soft dragon. In the past, we knew where we stood – or, more accurately, who we’d cheer for.

Today, thanks to writers like Joe Abercrombie and Steven Erikson, characters inhabit moral grey areas, much like a politician’s promises.

It’s no longer about good triumphing over evil; it’s about who’s less of a scoundrel.

3. World-Building, Now with More Realism!

Tolkien’s Middle-earth set the bar for world-building, but let’s face it, it lacked a certain… what’s the word? Ah, yes, diversity.

Modern epic fantasies, such as N.K. Jemisin’s “The Broken Earth” trilogy, offer worlds with more layers than a wizard’s wardrobe, complete with cultures and languages that reflect our own world’s messy, wonderful diversity.

4. Magic Systems, or Making Sense of the Nonsense

Magic, once as mysterious as the contents of a deep, dark dungeon, has evolved.

Earlier fantasies treated magic like a secret recipe, known only to a select few. Nowadays, authors like Brandon Sanderson give us ‘hard magic systems‘, where magic is so well-defined, it could feature in a physics exam.

It’s less about waving wands and more about understanding the fine print of the universe.

5. The Role of Women: From Damsels to Destroyers

Remember when women in epic fantasy were as active as a painting on the wall?

Thankfully, those days are as gone as a dragon’s diet plan.

Now, female characters are leading the charge, armed with their own complexities and strengths.

From G.R.R. Martin’s formidable women to Robin Hobb‘s influential heroines, these characters are shattering glass ceilings with a battle axe.

Epic fantasy has certainly come a long way from its once-predictable roots, much like a hero on a quest who realises halfway that the real treasure was the friends they made along the way (or, perhaps, the enemies they gleefully thwarted).

This genre’s evolution, laced with a touch of dark humour, shows us that even in worlds filled with magic and myth, change is the only true constant.

So, let’s raise our goblets to the ever-shifting landscape of epic fantasy, where the only guarantee is a thrillingly unpredictable adventure.

Cheers!

The Echoes of The Belgariad: Eddings’ Influence on Modern Fantasy

Exploring David Eddings’ ‘The Belgariad’ and its undeniable influence on modern fantasy, from ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’.

Once upon a time, as all good stories start, in the small town of Spokane, Washington, a man by the name of David Eddings put pen to paper and began to weave a tale of prophecy, magic and, most importantly, a farm boy named Garion.

A tale that, unbeknownst to him, would shape the course of modern fantasy literature.

This tale?

“The Belgariad.”

The Chosen One

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Oh, not another Chosen One narrative.”

 Yes, I hear you, and I can only offer a shrug and a sheepish grin in response.

But if one were to dismiss Eddings’ work as just another predictable riff on the same old trope, they’d be missing out on an influential cornerstone of the genre.

“The Belgariad,” with its magical orbs, prophecies, and a cast of characters so colourful they make a bag of Skittles look positively monochrome, has had a reach far greater than it’s given credit for.

Its influence can be seen in the works of authors from across the globe, like a whisper of Spokane in every fantasy bookshop.

A Game of Thrones

Take, for instance, George R.R. Martin of “A Song of Ice and Fire” fame.

Now, Martin’s work might be a bit grimmer (read: “Red Wedding”), but dig a bit deeper and you’ll see Eddings’ fingerprints all over it.

The intricate politics, the sprawling world-building, the stark contrast of good versus evil—all hallmarks of “The Belgariad.”

Even the character of Jon Snow, the broody, duty-bound hero, echoes Garion in more ways than one (though I’ll grant you, Jon’s direwolf beats Garion’s horse in a coolness contest).

The boy who lived…

Or what about J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series?

The boy who didn’t know he was a wizard until a giant man broke down his door one day?

Smells a bit like Garion’s own journey, doesn’t it?

The parallels go beyond the surface, though; they both grapple with destiny, they both have a dark lord to defeat, and they both have a wise old mentor guiding them (no points for guessing which one has a longer beard).

Into the Cosmere

Let’s not forget Brandon Sanderson, who seems to have taken a leaf or two out of Eddings’ book.

Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series, with its complex magic system, may seem far removed from “The Belgariad,” but look closer.

The deep, diverse world and the idea of prophecy as a central plot device?

That’s all very Eddings.

Plus, there’s also the whole “humble beginnings” thing.

Vin, the street urchin turned hero of “Mistborn,” could be Garion’s long-lost sister (or at least distant cousin twice removed).

A lasting legacy

So, whether you’re a fan of the “Game of Thrones” bloodbaths, the “Harry Potter” wizarding world, or the “Mistborn” metallic magic, you’ve got a bit of “The Belgariad” in your bookshelf.

Eddings may not have reinvented the wheel (or the magic orb, as it were), but he certainly gave it a good spin.

His work stands as a testament to the impact of a well-told story, and a reminder that even the most unassuming farm boy can end up saving the world.

In the end, the influence of “The Belgariad” is a bit like Garion’s magic—it’s there, bubbling under the surface, quietly shaping the course of things.

You just have to know where to look.

And don’t worry—unlike Garion, you won’t need a grumpy old sorcerer to help you out.

Just keep an eye out for any orbs.

Read Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny.

What Are The Most Overused Tropes In Fantasy Fiction?

Discover the most overused tropes in fantasy fiction! From the Chosen One to the Dark Lord, explore common clichés and how to use them creatively. Avoid predictability and make your fantasy story stand out.

Welcome to the whimsical world of fantasy literature, where dragons soar, magic reigns supreme, and originality often goes on an extended holiday.

As we embark on this journey, it’s worth noting that fantasy, in its insatiable appetite for the mystical and the mythical, has developed a bit of a sweet tooth for certain narrative tropes.

These tropes are like the high street chains of the literary world – no matter where you go, there they are, serving up the same familiar fare with only the names changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

In this exploration, we’re not just skimming the surface; we’re diving headfirst into the depths of the genre’s most beloved (and berated) conventions.

From the omnipresent ‘Chosen One’, burdened with saving the world (and carrying the plot), to the ever-convenient ‘Deus ex Machina’, swooping in to tie up those pesky plot holes, we’ve got them all lined up.

Think of this as your guidebook to the well-trodden paths of fantasy fiction.

As we venture through this enchanted realm, we’ll take a gander at each trope with a discerning eye and a notepad full of snide remarks.

So, sharpen your swords (or wits, as the case may be), summon your familiars, and prepare for a tour of fantasy’s most overworked narrative devices.

Spoiler alert: it’s a journey filled with more predictability than a fortune teller’s playbook, but who knows? You might just find a dragon or two worth fighting along the way.

Contents:

1. The Chosen One: Destiny’s Favourite Child

Meet ‘The Chosen One’, the character who’s been handpicked by fate, destiny, or a particularly cryptic prophecy to save the world.

It’s a wonder how fate always seems to have a favourite, often neglecting basic character development in favour of a glorified birthright.

Because why bother with complex character arcs when you can simply be ‘chosen’?

2. The Magic Sword: Overcompensating Much?

Then we have the ‘Magic Sword‘, the all-powerful weapon that’s often the only thing standing between our hero and certain doom.

It’s quite miraculous how these swords always end up in the right hands, isn’t it?

Never mind that the protagonist goes from zero to hero in a flash – all thanks to a glorified piece of metal.

Talk about being overpowered!

3. The Dark Lord: Because Evil Needs a Hobby

Ah, ‘The Dark Lord’, the embodiment of all things evil, typically with a penchant for world domination or destruction.

It’s almost as if these villains walked straight out of a Villainy 101 class, complete with a sinister cloak and a lacklustre backstory.

Predictable? Yes.

Original? As much as reheated tea.

4. The Wise Old Mentor: Because Who Needs Google?

Of course, what’s a fantasy story without ‘The Wise Old Mentor‘?

This is the character who’s lived through everything and has all the answers, neatly bypassing the protagonist’s need for self-discovery.

They’re like walking, talking encyclopaedias, but with more wrinkles and cryptic advice.

5. The Damsel in Distress: Saving the Princess, Again

Next, we have the ‘Damsel in Distress’, often a princess with an alarming tendency to get kidnapped.

It’s almost as if their sole purpose in life is to be rescued, thus providing our hero with a convenient quest.

Their character depth is as shallow as a puddle, but who needs depth when you’ve got a pretty face, right?


6. The Orphan Hero: A Sob Story with a Sword

Enter ‘The Orphan Hero’, a protagonist whose parents have conveniently been written out of the plot, usually in the most tragic way possible.

This character is on a quest not just for adventure, but to find their place in a world that’s already handed them a rather rough start.

It’s a heart-wrenching story, if only it weren’t as overused as a medieval tavern’s ale mug.

7. The Love Triangle: Because Why Choose?

Next up, ‘The Love Triangle’, the classic romantic tangle where our protagonist must choose between two swoon-worthy love interests.

It’s the literary equivalent of a soap opera, with more angst and star-crossed glances than a teenage diary.

Nothing says ‘complex character development‘ like being unable to decide who to smooch, right?

8. The Horde of Mooks: Cannon Fodder Galore

Behold ‘The Horde of Mooks’, a mass of nameless, faceless minions sent to their doom with the regularity of clockwork.

These poor souls are less ‘threatening adversaries’ and more ‘sword practice’.

Their sole purpose? To make our hero look good while barely breaking a sweat.

If only real problems were so easily dispatched.

9. The Big Damn Heroes: Just in the Nick of Time

And then there’s the ‘Big Damn Heroes’, a group of characters who swoop in to save the day just when all seems lost.

Their timing is impeccable, their skills unmatched, and their ability to steal the spotlight from the protagonist is downright uncanny.

Who needs a well-constructed plot when you have friends in high places?

10. The Deus ex Machina: The Lazy Writer’s Best Friend

Finally, we come to ‘The Deus ex Machina’, the literary equivalent of a magic wand wave to resolve any plot crisis.

It’s the narrative ‘get out of jail free’ card, often involving a god, a machine, or some other contrivance that comes out of nowhere.

Why bother tying up loose ends when the universe can just intervene on your behalf?

A Twist on the Tale – The Art of Subverting Tropes

These top ten most overused tropes are the threads that have been woven and re-woven into the fabric of storytelling.

But here’s the twist – these tropes are not inherently the villains of our tale.

In fact, when acknowledged and approached with a wink, they can be the secret ingredients to a rich and compelling narrative.

The key lies not in shunning these tropes but in understanding them, recognising their presence, and then, most intriguingly, playing with them.

A trope can be a foundation, a starting point from which a story can diverge into uncharted territories.

Subverting a trope, flipping it on its head, or giving it a fresh coat of paint can transform the familiar into something startlingly original.

Imagine a ‘Chosen One’ who refuses the call, a ‘Magic Sword’ that’s more trouble than it’s worth, or a ‘Damsel in Distress’ who’s the mastermind of her own kidnapping.

These twists make the narrative more than just a regurgitation of the same old stories – they turn it into a conversation with the reader, a playful dance of expectations and surprises.

In the hands of a skilful writer, these overused tropes can be the stepping stones to deeper, more meaningful storytelling.

They can add layers of complexity and humour, making the story more engaging and, dare we say, more enchanting for the reader.

It’s a delicate balance, like seasoning a dish – just enough can enhance the flavour, but too much can overwhelm it.

So, to all the aspiring fantasy writers out there, don’t shy away from these tropes.

Instead, invite them in, offer them a seat, and then tell them the story they weren’t expecting to hear.

After all, the best tales are those that feel familiar but leave us marvelling at their ingenuity.

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