Fantasy 101
Elfstones Rule!
Brother Glenn Kerfoot
Issue date: 9/8/06 Section: Entertainment
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Welcome back to "Somewhere over the Rainbow!" Here's hoping everyone had a relaxing break and spent some time indulging in literary flights of fancy. After enjoying the mountain air of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, I decided to change the focus of this column. This year I will be offering an introductory course in fantasy literature-Fantasy 101. So, for those unfamiliar with fantasy, or for those waiting for Harry Potter #7, try any of the novels recommended. You will be surprised!
Before going on, I need to answer the question, "What is the difference between fantasy and science fiction?" There is no easy answer. I will stick with Ben Bova, a prolific science fiction writer and editor. He replied, "'science fiction' has rivets, and 'fantasy' has trees." Well, all the novels I'll be reviewing have trees, more or less, and no rivets.
The first and probably most recognizable kind of fantasy is epic fantasy. A quick, stereotypical description is it's a story where the fate of the world hangs in the balance as the forces of darkness vie with those of light and goodness. Huge armies contend on either side. There usually is a quest or mission that only a certain character can complete. And there are different races of people or creatures involved, with magic playing a strong role. The trick is finding an author who combines originality with good story-telling.
Probably the most famous fantasy epic is The Lord of the Rings, considered a classic in the genre. It has dwarves and elves, evil wizards and magic rings, castles and great swords, and trees (even some that talk). However, as much as I love this story (it is my favorite since I first read it in ninth grade), it is not my first choice as an introduction for several reasons. One, all the characters tend to be one-dimensional. Two, there is no strong female character (though the movies do a great deal with the Lady Arwen). And three, I think it's too long of a book to recommend as an introduction to the genre.
Before going on, I need to answer the question, "What is the difference between fantasy and science fiction?" There is no easy answer. I will stick with Ben Bova, a prolific science fiction writer and editor. He replied, "'science fiction' has rivets, and 'fantasy' has trees." Well, all the novels I'll be reviewing have trees, more or less, and no rivets.
The first and probably most recognizable kind of fantasy is epic fantasy. A quick, stereotypical description is it's a story where the fate of the world hangs in the balance as the forces of darkness vie with those of light and goodness. Huge armies contend on either side. There usually is a quest or mission that only a certain character can complete. And there are different races of people or creatures involved, with magic playing a strong role. The trick is finding an author who combines originality with good story-telling.
Probably the most famous fantasy epic is The Lord of the Rings, considered a classic in the genre. It has dwarves and elves, evil wizards and magic rings, castles and great swords, and trees (even some that talk). However, as much as I love this story (it is my favorite since I first read it in ninth grade), it is not my first choice as an introduction for several reasons. One, all the characters tend to be one-dimensional. Two, there is no strong female character (though the movies do a great deal with the Lady Arwen). And three, I think it's too long of a book to recommend as an introduction to the genre.
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