In the grand arena of fantasy literature, where heroes are often as muscular and shiny as a knight’s armour, the underdog stands out like a sore thumb – albeit a determined, plucky sore thumb.
The trope of the underdog is as prevalent in fantasy as misplaced magic wands, offering a narrative arc as satisfying as finding a secret room in a haunted castle.
A Hero Unlikely to Win, But Tries Anyway
The underdog is typically as well-equipped for their journey as a knight heading into battle armed with a teaspoon.
They’re the farm boy who’s more familiar with pigs than dragons, the scrawny apprentice who can barely lift a sword, or the unassuming hobbit who’s never ventured beyond their front garden.
These characters embark on quests that seem about as well-advised as a stroll through a dragon’s den wearing armour made of gold.
Why We Root for the Underdog
There’s something inherently appealing about cheering on someone who’s about as likely to succeed as a snowball in a furnace.
Perhaps it’s their tenacity in the face of insurmountable odds, or maybe it’s just human nature to support the little guy.
After all, who hasn’t felt like an underdog at some point, battling the metaphorical dragons of our everyday lives?
Notable Underdogs in Fantasy
Frodo Baggins in ‘The Lord of the Rings‘: A hobbit who’d much rather be at home but ends up carrying the most dangerous item in the world.
Neville Longbottom in ‘Harry Potter‘: The boy who was almost the Chosen One, but turned out to be a hero in his own right, proving that bravery comes in different forms.
Vin in ‘Mistborn‘: A street urchin who discovers she has powers that could change the world, despite her initial disbelief in her own abilities.
The Underdog’s Journey: A Reflection of Real Life
The underdog’s journey often mirrors our own struggles.
They don’t just face external foes; they battle self-doubt, fear, and the disbelief of those around them.
Their victories are as much about overcoming their inner demons as they are about defeating the dark lord or evil empire.
The Impact on Fantasy Literature
The underdog trope has nudged fantasy literature away from the omnipotent, flawless hero towards more relatable, flawed characters.
It’s introduced a level of humanity and vulnerability to fantasy that allows readers to see a bit of themselves in the characters.
It reminds us that sometimes, the greatest power lies not in strength or magic, but in resilience and the courage to keep going, even when the odds are about as favourable as a picnic in a troll’s cave.
The Lasting Appeal of the Underdog
In the world of fantasy literature, the underdog continues to reign supreme, a testament to the enduring appeal of seeing the least likely amongst us rise to the challenge.
They remind us that heroism comes in all shapes and sizes, often emerging from the most unlikely of places.
In celebrating the underdog, fantasy literature doesn’t just tell us a story; it gives us hope – hope that even the smallest among us can change the world, armed with nothing but courage and a teaspoon.
