The genre of Supernatural Romance is a fascinating and complex one, combining elements of the supernatural and the romantic in a way that has captivated readers for centuries. This genre is characterized by the presence of supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures, in a romantic context. These elements are often used to heighten the emotional intensity of the romance, creating a unique and compelling narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging.
Supernatural Romance is a subgenre of both the Romance and the Speculative Fiction genres, drawing elements from both to create a unique blend of the fantastical and the romantic. This genre has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many best-selling books and popular television shows falling under its umbrella. In this glossary entry, we will delve into the intricacies of this genre, exploring its history, its defining characteristics, and its impact on popular culture.
History of Supernatural Romance
The history of Supernatural Romance is a rich and varied one, with roots in ancient mythology and folklore. Many ancient cultures had stories of gods and mortals falling in love, of spirits and humans entwined in passionate affairs, setting the stage for the genre as we know it today. These stories often served to explain natural phenomena or to convey moral lessons, but they also tapped into a deep human fascination with the unknown and the otherworldly.
Supernatural Romance as a distinct genre, however, did not truly emerge until the 18th and 19th centuries, with the rise of Gothic literature. Gothic novels often featured supernatural elements and romantic subplots, creating a sense of dread and suspense that was both terrifying and alluring. This combination of the supernatural and the romantic proved to be a potent one, and the genre has continued to evolve and grow ever since.
Early Examples
No products found.
One of the earliest examples of a Supernatural Romance novel is “The Castle of Otranto” by Horace Walpole, published in 1764. This novel, considered the first Gothic novel, features a love story set against a backdrop of supernatural events and eerie, atmospheric settings. Another early example is “Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu, a vampire novella published in 1872 that features a lesbian romance between the titular vampire and a young woman.
These early examples set the stage for the development of the genre, establishing many of the tropes and conventions that would come to define Supernatural Romance. They also demonstrated the genre’s potential for exploring themes of desire, fear, and the unknown, themes that continue to resonate with readers today.
Modern Developments
The genre of Supernatural Romance has seen significant developments in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with a number of best-selling books and popular television shows contributing to its growth and popularity. One of the most notable examples is the “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer, which features a love story between a human girl and a vampire. This series, published in the mid-2000s, sparked a renewed interest in the genre and led to a surge in similar books.
Other notable examples include the “Sookie Stackhouse” series by Charlaine Harris, which inspired the popular television show “True Blood,” and the “Vampire Diaries” series by L.J. Smith, which also spawned a successful television show. These works have helped to bring the genre to a wider audience, demonstrating its appeal to both young adult and adult readers.
Defining Characteristics of Supernatural Romance
Supernatural Romance is characterized by a number of key features, which set it apart from other genres. The most obvious of these is the presence of supernatural elements. These can take many forms, from ghosts and vampires to werewolves and other mythical creatures. These elements are often used to heighten the emotional intensity of the romance, creating a sense of danger and excitement that adds to the appeal of the story.
Another key characteristic of Supernatural Romance is the central role of the romance. Unlike other subgenres of speculative fiction, where the romance may be a subplot or a minor element, in Supernatural Romance the love story is the main focus of the narrative. This romance often involves a human falling in love with a supernatural being, creating a sense of forbidden love and crossing boundaries that adds to the drama and tension of the story.
Common Tropes
There are several common tropes that are often found in Supernatural Romance novels. One of the most common is the “forbidden love” trope, where the human and supernatural characters are drawn to each other despite societal norms or laws that forbid their relationship. This trope often involves a great deal of angst and drama, as the characters struggle to reconcile their feelings with the reality of their situation.
Another common trope is the “immortal lover” trope, where the supernatural character is immortal or has a significantly longer lifespan than the human character. This trope often leads to themes of loss and sacrifice, as the characters must grapple with the reality of their differing lifespans. It also often involves themes of time and change, as the immortal character must adapt to the changing world around them.
Subgenres
There are several subgenres within the broader genre of Supernatural Romance, each with its own unique characteristics. One of the most popular is Vampire Romance, which features a love story between a human and a vampire. This subgenre often involves themes of forbidden love, immortality, and the struggle to retain one’s humanity.
Another popular subgenre is Werewolf Romance, which features a love story between a human and a werewolf. This subgenre often involves themes of duality, the struggle to control one’s animalistic urges, and the tension between the human and the beast. Other subgenres include Ghost Romance, Fairy Romance, and Demon Romance, each with their own unique set of tropes and conventions.
Impact on Popular Culture
The genre of Supernatural Romance has had a significant impact on popular culture, particularly in the realm of books and television. The success of books like the “Twilight” series and television shows like “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries” has brought the genre to a wider audience, sparking a renewed interest in supernatural and romantic narratives.
This impact can be seen in the surge of similar books and shows that have been released in the wake of these successes, as well as in the popularity of fan fiction and other fan-created content related to these works. The genre has also influenced other areas of popular culture, such as fashion and music, with the gothic and romantic aesthetics of Supernatural Romance often serving as inspiration.
Influence on Literature
The influence of Supernatural Romance on literature is significant, with many authors and publishers capitalizing on the genre’s popularity to produce a wide range of books. This has led to a diversification of the genre, with authors exploring different types of supernatural beings and different types of romantic relationships, pushing the boundaries of the genre and expanding its scope.
This influence can also be seen in the way that Supernatural Romance has helped to blur the lines between genres, with many books incorporating elements of fantasy, horror, and other genres into their narratives. This genre-blending has helped to create a more diverse and dynamic literary landscape, offering readers a wider range of stories and experiences.
Influence on Television and Film
The influence of Supernatural Romance on television and film is also significant, with many popular shows and movies drawing on the genre for inspiration. Shows like “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries” have brought the genre to a wider audience, demonstrating its appeal to both young adult and adult viewers.
These shows have also helped to shape the way that supernatural beings are portrayed in popular culture, often presenting them as complex, sympathetic characters rather than simple monsters. This has helped to humanize these characters, making them more relatable and engaging for viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the genre of Supernatural Romance is a complex and dynamic one, with a rich history and a significant impact on popular culture. It combines elements of the supernatural and the romantic in a way that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging, offering readers a unique and compelling narrative experience.
Whether you’re a fan of vampires, werewolves, or other supernatural beings, or you’re simply a lover of romance, there’s something in this genre for everyone. So why not pick up a Supernatural Romance novel today and lose yourself in a world of passion, danger, and the unknown?
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.
