A while back, I started researching historical fantasy in my quest to understand more about fantasy subgenres. You might know about historical fiction, but this type of fantasy takes actual events, people, and places and puts a fantastical spin on things.
This could be retellings of historical events or people, such as the War of the Roses or Alexander the Great. It might also look at specific mythologies and cultures or even provide a fantastical alternate history. Either way, combining history elements and fantasy elements is a must. But how do you write it? What’s it all about? Read below to find out!
Characteristics
To start, historical fantasy needs both historical aspects and fantasy aspects. You might know of books that take place in different historical periods, such as World War II, Ancient China, or the Middle Ages. But that doesn’t make them fantasy. (After all, these events actually happened). Other elements that don’t exist in our reality (sadly) need to be included in this subgenre too. Certain characters could possess magic, or mythical creatures like dragons and fairies might exist. Either way, you need both.
This subgenre has a few different types, which might make it similar to other subgenres like urban or low fantasy. The history and fantasy might work together by:
1. Taking place in a historical period but with fantasy elements (For example, dragons could exist in a world remarkably similar to our world during the 19th century)
2. Proposing an alternate history of our world where magic or something supernatural was introduced
3. Creating a story where the fantasy world and the historical world are separate, but the story interacts with both
A Brief History
It’s not easy to pin down exactly when historical fantasy became a thing, especially since it can blend into so many other science fiction and fantasy subgenres. However, this subgenre goes back pretty far. The book One Thousand and One Nights is considered the first major work to blend history and fantasy. On the one hand, it was a fairy tale with all kinds of fantastical elements. On the other, many of the stories were infused with Arabian history, culture, and customs.
From there, other stories started including different cultures into fairy tales and fantasy stories. Technically, you can call Arthurian legend historical fantasy since there are supernatural and magical elements in the English or Celtic society. And there are plenty of other examples too! Hasan by Piers Anthony marked a greater interest in the subgenre in the 1970s.
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Want to know more about fantasy? Check out my article on Arthurian fantasy here.
How to Write Historical Fantasy
So how do you write it? If you’re interested, know that you don’t have to follow the characteristics exactly. After all, fantasy requires creativity and any alternate history might branch off into all kinds of directions.
However, if you want to use an actual historical period effectively, you still need to do your research and know about the period you want to include. Yes, you might change some details. Also, the fantasy might derail our timeline a bit. But make sure that that’s your intention. Readers need to know that your story won’t be true history. Additionally, you need to show them that this history may be different but that’s the point. If you set out to keep an accurate historical record in your plot, readers will be quick to notice when things don’t add up. On top of that, they’ll point them out.
So how do you get started?
1. First, decide how you want to combine history and fantasy. For example, do you want to write an alternate history? Do you want supernatural elements in a historical setting?
2. Second, determine the details. In general, this works like all other stories you develop. You’ll need your characters, plot points, and basic ideas. However, don’t expect all of it to appear at once.
3. Third, do your research. Unless you want otherwise, make sure your historical elements remain accurate and it looks like you know what you’re talking about.
4. Lastly, start planning everything. Outline your story, then get writing!
Some Examples
The Bear and the Nightingale – Katherine Arden
The Familiar – Leigh Bardugo
Babel – R. F. Kuang
Kingdom of Three series – Joan He
Stardust – Neil Gaiman
What are your favorite historical fantasy books? Mention them in the comments!
Also, before you leave, check out my recent podcast interview at Lifesfinewhine!
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#fantasy #historical #writing
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