Historical Fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy that incorporates historical events, settings, and figures into a fantastical narrative. It is a genre that blends the real and the imagined, creating a world that is both familiar and strange, grounded in reality yet filled with magic and wonder.
This genre has a rich and varied history, with roots in ancient mythology and folklore. It has evolved over time, reflecting changes in society, culture, and technology. Today, it is a popular and diverse genre, encompassing a wide range of styles, themes, and approaches.
Origins and Evolution of Historical Fantasy
The origins of Historical Fantasy can be traced back to ancient times, when myths and legends were used to explain the world and its mysteries. These stories often featured gods, heroes, and magical creatures, and were set in a time and place that was both real and fantastical.
Over time, these myths and legends evolved into more complex narratives, incorporating historical events and figures. This blending of history and fantasy became a popular storytelling technique, used by authors to explore themes of power, identity, and the nature of reality.
The Role of Mythology and Folklore
Mythology and folklore play a crucial role in the development of Historical Fantasy. They provide a rich source of inspiration for authors, offering a wealth of characters, settings, and themes to draw from. Many Historical Fantasy novels incorporate elements of mythology and folklore, using them to add depth and complexity to their narratives.
For example, in Greek mythology, the gods often interact with humans, influencing their actions and shaping their destinies. This interplay between the divine and the mortal is a common theme in Historical Fantasy, used to explore questions of fate, free will, and the nature of the divine.
The Influence of Historical Events and Figures
Historical events and figures are another key component of Historical Fantasy. They provide a framework for the narrative, grounding it in a specific time and place. This allows authors to explore historical themes and issues, while also adding a layer of realism to their fantastical worlds.
For example, a Historical Fantasy novel set during the French Revolution might feature real historical figures like Marie Antoinette or Napoleon Bonaparte, but also include magical elements like spells, curses, or mythical creatures. This blending of history and fantasy creates a unique narrative experience, offering a fresh perspective on familiar historical events and figures.
Characteristics of Historical Fantasy
Historical Fantasy is characterized by its blend of historical and fantastical elements. It is a genre that thrives on the tension between the real and the imagined, using this tension to explore themes of power, identity, and the nature of reality.
One of the key characteristics of Historical Fantasy is its use of historical settings. These settings are often meticulously researched and detailed, providing a rich and immersive backdrop for the narrative. They serve as a grounding element, anchoring the fantastical elements in a recognizable and believable world.
Use of Magic and Supernatural Elements
Another defining characteristic of Historical Fantasy is its use of magic and supernatural elements. These elements are often woven into the fabric of the historical setting, creating a world where the magical and the mundane coexist. This can take many forms, from subtle hints of magic to overt displays of supernatural power.
For example, a Historical Fantasy novel set in Victorian England might feature a society of witches and wizards living secretly among the human population, using their magic to influence events and shape the course of history. This blending of magic and history creates a unique narrative experience, offering a fresh perspective on familiar historical settings and events.
Exploration of Historical Themes and Issues
Historical Fantasy also often explores historical themes and issues. This can include topics like war, revolution, social change, and the struggle for power. By incorporating these themes into a fantastical narrative, authors can explore them from new angles, offering fresh insights and perspectives.
For example, a Historical Fantasy novel set during the American Civil War might explore the theme of slavery through the lens of magic, imagining a world where magical abilities are tied to race or social status. This allows the author to explore the complexities of slavery in a new and thought-provoking way.
Sub-genres of Historical Fantasy
Historical Fantasy is a diverse genre, encompassing a wide range of styles, themes, and approaches. This diversity is reflected in its many sub-genres, each with its own unique characteristics and conventions.
Some of the most popular sub-genres of Historical Fantasy include Alternate History, Time Travel, Steampunk, and Mythic Fiction. Each of these sub-genres offers a different take on the blending of history and fantasy, providing a wealth of narrative possibilities.
Alternate History
Alternate History is a sub-genre of Historical Fantasy that imagines a world where historical events unfolded differently. This can involve major changes, like a different outcome to a war or revolution, or minor changes, like a different ruler or political system.
Alternate History offers a unique narrative experience, allowing authors to explore ‘what if’ scenarios and examine the impact of historical events on society and culture. It also provides a platform for social commentary, offering a critical perspective on real-world issues and events.
Time Travel
Time Travel is a sub-genre of Historical Fantasy that involves characters traveling back in time to a specific historical period. This allows authors to explore historical settings and events from a modern perspective, offering a fresh and often humorous take on history.
Time Travel narratives often involve a clash of cultures, as modern characters struggle to navigate the customs and conventions of the past. They also often explore themes of fate and destiny, as characters grapple with the potential consequences of changing history.
Steampunk
Steampunk is a sub-genre of Historical Fantasy that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy with a Victorian aesthetic. It is characterized by its use of steam-powered technology, ornate fashion, and a fascination with invention and discovery.
Steampunk narratives often explore themes of progress and innovation, examining the impact of technology on society and culture. They also often feature strong, independent characters, challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms.
Mythic Fiction
Mythic Fiction is a sub-genre of Historical Fantasy that draws heavily from mythology and folklore. It often features gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, and is set in a time and place that is both real and fantastical.
Mythic Fiction offers a rich and immersive narrative experience, blending the epic and the personal, the divine and the mortal. It also often explores themes of fate, destiny, and the nature of the divine, offering a fresh perspective on ancient myths and legends.
Notable Authors and Works of Historical Fantasy
Historical Fantasy is a popular and diverse genre, with many notable authors and works. These authors have each brought their own unique vision and voice to the genre, contributing to its richness and diversity.
Some of the most notable authors of Historical Fantasy include Susanna Clarke, Neil Gaiman, and George R. R. Martin. Their works have been widely acclaimed for their imaginative storytelling, rich world-building, and complex characters.
Susanna Clarke
Susanna Clarke is a British author best known for her debut novel, “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell“. The novel is set in 19th-century England and features a blend of historical and fantastical elements, including magic, fairies, and alternate history.
“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” has been widely acclaimed for its meticulous world-building, complex characters, and intricate plot. It has also been praised for its exploration of themes like power, identity, and the nature of magic.
Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a British author known for his works of fantasy and science fiction. His novel “American Gods” is a blend of mythic fiction and contemporary fantasy, featuring gods and mythical creatures from various cultures living in modern-day America.
“American Gods” has been praised for its imaginative storytelling, rich mythology, and exploration of themes like faith, identity, and the nature of the divine. It has also been adapted into a successful television series.
George R. R. Martin
George R. R. Martin is an American author best known for his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, which has been adapted into the popular television series “Game of Thrones”. The series is set in a fictional world with a complex history and features a blend of medieval history and high fantasy.
“A Song of Ice and Fire” has been widely acclaimed for its intricate plot, complex characters, and rich world-building. It has also been praised for its exploration of themes like power, politics, and the nature of good and evil.
Conclusion
Historical Fantasy is a diverse and dynamic genre, offering a unique blend of history and fantasy. It provides a platform for imaginative storytelling, rich world-building, and exploration of historical themes and issues.
Whether you’re a fan of alternate history, time travel, steampunk, or mythic fiction, there’s a Historical Fantasy novel out there for you. So why not dive in and explore this fascinating genre for yourself?
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
