Political Fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that focuses on the political, social, and economic structure and dynamics of a fictional society. It is characterized by intricate and complex plots, often revolving around political intrigue, machinations, and the struggle for power. The genre is known for its deep exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and social justice.
Political Fantasy is a rich and diverse genre, with a wide range of styles and themes. It can range from high fantasy, with its epic tales of good versus evil, to low fantasy, with its gritty and realistic depictions of political intrigue and power struggles. The genre is also known for its complex and nuanced characters, who often find themselves caught up in the machinations of power and politics.
Origins and Evolution of Political Fantasy
The origins of Political Fantasy can be traced back to the works of authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ is often cited as the first high fantasy novel, and it features a complex political landscape with various factions vying for power. However, it was Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire‘ series that truly established the genre of Political Fantasy, with its intricate plotlines and complex political intrigue.
Over the years, the genre has evolved and diversified, with authors exploring new themes and styles. This has led to the emergence of sub-genres such as urban political fantasy, which combines elements of urban fantasy with political intrigue, and dystopian political fantasy, which explores political and social issues in a dystopian setting.
High Fantasy and Political Fantasy
High Fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy that is characterized by its epic scope and grandeur. It often features a complex and intricate plot, with multiple characters and storylines. The political landscape in high fantasy is often complex and multifaceted, with various factions vying for power and influence.
In Political Fantasy, the political intrigue and machinations are often the central focus of the plot. The characters are often deeply involved in the political landscape, and their actions and decisions often have far-reaching implications for the society they live in. This focus on politics and power dynamics sets Political Fantasy apart from other sub-genres of fantasy.
Low Fantasy and Political Fantasy
Low Fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy that is characterized by its gritty and realistic depiction of the world and its characters. It often features a darker and more cynical view of the world, with characters who are often flawed and morally ambiguous.
In Political Fantasy, the focus is often on the political intrigue and power struggles, with the characters often caught up in the machinations of power. The political landscape in low fantasy is often complex and intricate, with various factions vying for power and influence. This focus on politics and power dynamics sets Political Fantasy apart from other sub-genres of fantasy.
Themes and Tropes in Political Fantasy
Political Fantasy is known for its deep exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and social justice. These themes are often explored through the lens of a fictional society, with the characters often caught up in the machinations of power and politics.
The genre is also known for its use of certain tropes, such as the power struggle, the political intrigue, and the machiavellian character. These tropes are often used to explore the complexities and nuances of politics and power dynamics.
Power and Corruption
One of the key themes in Political Fantasy is the exploration of power and corruption. This is often explored through the actions and decisions of the characters, who are often caught up in the machinations of power. The characters often have to navigate a complex political landscape, with various factions vying for power and influence.
The exploration of corruption is often a key element in Political Fantasy. This is often depicted through the actions of characters who use their power for personal gain, often at the expense of others. This exploration of corruption often serves as a critique of power and its potential for abuse.
Social Justice
Another key theme in Political Fantasy is the exploration of social justice. This is often explored through the actions and decisions of the characters, who often find themselves caught up in the struggle for social justice. The characters often have to navigate a complex social landscape, with various factions vying for social and political change.
The exploration of social justice often serves as a critique of societal norms and structures, and the potential for change. This exploration of social justice often serves as a call to action, encouraging readers to question and challenge societal norms and structures.
Notable Works and Authors in Political Fantasy
There are many notable works and authors in the genre of Political Fantasy. These works and authors have helped to shape and define the genre, and their influence can be seen in many of the works that have followed.
Some of the most notable works in the genre include George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire‘ series, which is often cited as the quintessential Political Fantasy series. Other notable works include Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn‘ series, which combines elements of high fantasy with political intrigue, and Joe Abercrombie’s ‘The First Law‘ series, which features a gritty and realistic depiction of political intrigue and power struggles.
George R.R. Martin and ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’
George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire‘ series is often cited as the quintessential Political Fantasy series. The series is known for its intricate plotlines and complex political intrigue, with various factions vying for power and influence in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
The series is also known for its complex and nuanced characters, who often find themselves caught up in the machinations of power. The characters often have to navigate a complex political landscape, with their actions and decisions often having far-reaching implications for the society they live in.
Brandon Sanderson and ‘Mistborn’
Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn‘ series is another notable work in the genre of Political Fantasy. The series combines elements of high fantasy with political intrigue, with the characters often caught up in the struggle for power and influence in the Final Empire.
The series is also known for its complex and nuanced characters, who often find themselves caught up in the machinations of power. The characters often have to navigate a complex political landscape, with their actions and decisions often having far-reaching implications for the society they live in.
Impact and Influence of Political Fantasy
The genre of Political Fantasy has had a significant impact and influence on the broader fantasy genre. The intricate plotlines and complex political intrigue of Political Fantasy have helped to redefine the genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fantasy storytelling.
The genre has also had a significant influence on other forms of media, with many Political Fantasy novels being adapted into successful television series and films. The success of these adaptations has helped to bring the genre to a wider audience, further cementing its place in the fantasy genre.
Influence on the Broader Fantasy Genre
The genre of Political Fantasy has had a significant influence on the broader fantasy genre. The intricate plotlines and complex political intrigue of Political Fantasy have helped to redefine the genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fantasy storytelling.
The genre has also helped to broaden the scope of the fantasy genre, introducing new themes and styles. This has led to the emergence of sub-genres such as urban political fantasy and dystopian political fantasy, further diversifying the fantasy genre.
Influence on Other Forms of Media
The genre of Political Fantasy has also had a significant influence on other forms of media. Many Political Fantasy novels have been adapted into successful television series and films, bringing the genre to a wider audience.
The success of these adaptations has helped to cement the genre’s place in popular culture, with series such as ‘Game of Thrones‘ becoming cultural phenomena. This has helped to further popularize the genre, introducing it to a new generation of readers and viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Political Fantasy is a rich and diverse genre, with a wide range of styles and themes. It is characterized by intricate and complex plots, often revolving around political intrigue, machinations, and the struggle for power. The genre is known for its deep exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and social justice.
The genre has had a significant impact and influence on the broader fantasy genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fantasy storytelling. It has also had a significant influence on other forms of media, with many Political Fantasy novels being adapted into successful television series and films. The success of these adaptations has helped to bring the genre to a wider audience, further cementing its place in the fantasy genre.
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.
