Epic/High
·
This
is the trope that non-fantasy readers most heavily associate with fantasy. Some
of the RA sources I reviewed for this presentation made assumptions about the
entire fantasy genre based on their understanding of this trope. It is historically an important part of the
genre, and it’s very big in scope, but it’s definitely not the be all and end
all of fantasy.
·
Epics
are profound in scope as well as size.
They discuss the big questions – about purpose, destiny, what does it
mean to be human, etc.
·
J.R.R.
Tolkien, with his quintessential modern Epic Fantasy stories - “The
Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” brought back the traditional epic, and set
a precedent in fantasy literature.
·
Epic
fantasy doesn’t necessarily need to be S&S – it’s defined by its scope,
mission, and emotional content rather than by the presence of swords and sorcery.
However, much of it does fit into that trope as well.
·
Generally
involves a diverse group of characters heading out to remedy a desperate
situation as best they can. Their different talents make for a strong
group. Sometimes there’s one character
that stands out, sometimes there’s a true ensemble cast. But they’re all heroes.
·
The
fall of a civilization or end of the world hangs in the balance. Desperate times
and desperate measures.
·
Characters
are challenged and you see the best and the worst of the characters. They need
to make difficult decisions and reach down into themselves to find strength
they didn’t know they had. There’s a lot of character development.
·
Internal
and social rules and boundaries often challenged – characters change state –
pig farmer to High King and vice versa, with the accompanying abilities, as in
the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander where Taran does just that.
Magical feats are performed that were
previously thought impossible, right down to crossing the boundaries of death. In David Eddings’ Belgariad series Belgarion
brings a horse back to life, something strictly against the magical rules of
his universe.
·
Elegiac
in tone for two reasons:
o Often at least one character is asked
to make the ultimate sacrifice, and decides the cause is worth it.
o The characters are working
unbelievably hard for a world-shaking goal and when they achieve it it’s the
peak moment of peak moments. But even as
you, the reader, are rejoicing and sharing in the joy, you know that this is
but a moment in time and not only will the story end for you, but there’s no
way that the situation in the fantasy world that has become so real to you, can
be maintained. It is one moment in
history that will not last. And that is
sad.
·
Good
and evil are fairly clearly drawn, if sometimes hidden.
·
The
journeys are often on a grand scale – great distances and taking a long time.
Maps are very common.
·
Can
be very long. Can be many series within the same universe.
·
Has
a definite arc; has an end point with a mission achieved. Often at least one
quest involved.
·
Tends
to get the reader very emotionally involved with both the characters and the
situation.
·
Has
very dark moments, which serve not only the storytelling, but also to highlight
the over-all optimistic tone of the story – the dark is only temporary - and
the triumphant ending. Great heights
require great valleys to be properly appreciated.
·
The
world building is very developed – often several different races of people,
detailed descriptions of places, complex politics, finely drawn cultures and
customs. And often the inference that
there’s much more that you haven’t seen. Landscape itself plays a major part.
·
Destinarian
and with a sense of moral order and symbolism to the adventures.
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