1. Fantasy Stories with elements that violate the natural, physical laws of our known world. Traditional fantasyTraditional fantasy –Oral tradition (myths, legends, folk stories, tall tales, etc.) Modern fantasyModern fantasy –Written. Stories where we know the author (literary fairy tales, fantasy novels, fantasy picture books, etc.)

2. The rules Fantastic elements cannot be employed casuallyFantastic elements cannot be employed casually Authors not only create a new set of physical laws but they must then conform unerringly to them.Authors not only create a new set of physical laws but they must then conform unerringly to them. Critics hold this genre to the same basic critical standards as they do other genres. For instance, modern fantasy must have strong, believable characters and should examine issues of the human condition, the universal truths found in all well-written books.Critics hold this genre to the same basic critical standards as they do other genres. For instance, modern fantasy must have strong, believable characters and should examine issues of the human condition, the universal truths found in all well-written books. Fantasy isn’t nonsense, but it may be unconventionalFantasy isn’t nonsense, but it may be unconventional Willing suspension of disbeliefWilling suspension of disbelief

3. Influences on fantasy Fairy stories are sources of much of the content found in contemporary fantasyFairy stories are sources of much of the content found in contemporary fantasy –Elves, dwarves, dragons, witches, etc. Classic myths have often inspired the plotlines as well as contributing characters to the fantasy genreClassic myths have often inspired the plotlines as well as contributing characters to the fantasy genre –Heroes, quests, fairy stories, Greek myths, conflicts between good and evil

4. Development of fantasy The folk (fairy) stories of Germany, etc. were handed down through the agesThe folk (fairy) stories of Germany, etc. were handed down through the ages –The Brothers Grimm –Hans Christian Anderson Children’s fantasy storiesChildren’s fantasy stories –Developed and became popular during the 1800s A few fantasy stories aimed at adults, but the genre considered to be lower quality than traditional drama writingA few fantasy stories aimed at adults, but the genre considered to be lower quality than traditional drama writing Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland

5. Science fiction became a significant subgenre in late 1800s with H.G. Wells and Jules VerneScience fiction became a significant subgenre in late 1800s with H.G. Wells and Jules Verne At the beginning of the 20 th Century, “lost world” fantasies were developed and became popular, making adult fantasy a recognized genreAt the beginning of the 20 th Century, “lost world” fantasies were developed and became popular, making adult fantasy a recognized genre Horror films became popular in the 1930s and beyondHorror films became popular in the 1930s and beyond The ‘high fantasy’ works of C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien raised fantasy to a high literary standard and increased its popularityThe ‘high fantasy’ works of C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien raised fantasy to a high literary standard and increased its popularity

6. 1950s science fiction films and TV shows enhanced the popularity of fantasy with wide audiences1950s science fiction films and TV shows enhanced the popularity of fantasy with wide audiences Continuing but rather cult-status interest in fantasy until Star Trek franchise and then Star Wars film seriesContinuing but rather cult-status interest in fantasy until Star Trek franchise and then Star Wars film series Expanded interest in fantasy, especially with J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter seriesExpanded interest in fantasy, especially with J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series

7. Fantasy video games among the most popular, especially in the role-playing genreFantasy video games among the most popular, especially in the role-playing genre –Dungeons and Dragons –Final Fantasy

8. Some categories Talking Animals: The fact that animals can talk is the main difference from reality.Talking Animals: The fact that animals can talk is the main difference from reality. Toys and objects that come aliveToys and objects that come alive Tiny humans: people are small. Things happen in miniature.Tiny humans: people are small. Things happen in miniature. Imaginary worlds: Sometimes people cross between worlds and sometimes the whole story is in an imaginary world.Imaginary worlds: Sometimes people cross between worlds and sometimes the whole story is in an imaginary world. Magical powers: People (or one person) can do magicMagical powers: People (or one person) can do magic Supernatural tales: sometimes spookySupernatural tales: sometimes spooky Time-warp fantasies: Time travel or somehow crossing timeTime-warp fantasies: Time travel or somehow crossing time High fantasy: Clear battle between good and evilHigh fantasy: Clear battle between good and evil

9. Six Fantasy Motifs Even though all modern fantasy stories contain some sort of magical element, some stories have a higher fantasy quotient than others. If a story contains all six, it is either a classic fairy tale or an example of modern high fantasy. However, if a story contains only the motif of magic, a necessary ingredient, it is still classified as fantasy literature. 1.Magic 2.Other worlds 3.Good verses evil 4.Heroism 5.Special characters 6.Fantastic objects

10. 1. Magic. Magic is fantasy literature's most basic element. In fact, each of the other five motifs is tinged by magic to some degree. Magic is often a part of the setting, explaining otherwise inexplicable events. The ability of the animals to think and speak like humans is most common form of magic in fantasy. 2. Other worlds (secondary worlds). In much of fantasy, a special geography or universe is established, a place wherein magic may freely operate. Sometimes, the whole story is in the secondary world, and sometimes characters move in and out of it. 3. Good versus evil. The ancient, archetypal theme of good versus evil is the basis for much fantasy. Fantasies can show how good and evil works out in individuals. It’s usually easy to tell who is good and who is bad.

11. 4. Heroism. The hero's quest is an age-old pattern that is the backbone of many of today's fantasy stories. This "hero's round" is a circular journey, ending where it began. It’s most common structure contains six elements. 5. Special character types. These often come from our legendary/folk literature past: fairies, pixies, giants, wicked witches, ogres, vampires, wizards, dwarves, elves, and so on. Or new characters, like playing card people and grinning cats. 6. Fantastic objects. Characters often employ magical props in accomplishing their heroic or evil deeds: magic cloaks, swords, staffs, cauldrons, mirrors, etc.

12. The Value of Fantasy No genre better fosters creativity than fantasy. Allows for the imagination to create and extend metaphors in a safe (fantasy) place.No genre better fosters creativity than fantasy. Allows for the imagination to create and extend metaphors in a safe (fantasy) place. Children who have rich fantasy lives are less likely to be violent than children with low fantasy lives (Biblow).Children who have rich fantasy lives are less likely to be violent than children with low fantasy lives (Biblow). All the advances in science would not be possible without the capacity to imagine.All the advances in science would not be possible without the capacity to imagine. Fantasy leads to the ability to imagine possibilities and to organize and structure reality.Fantasy leads to the ability to imagine possibilities and to organize and structure reality.

13. Why do we like them? EscapismEscapism SimplificationSimplification Basic, primal themes, and charactersBasic, primal themes, and characters Sense of wonderSense of wonder

14. Fantasy as Metaphor Some people dismiss all fantasy as meaningless. Yet these adults miss the point that good fantasy actually tells the truth about life. It clarifies the human condition and captures the essence of our deepest emotions, dreams, hopes, and fears. If fantasy does not do these things, it fails.Some people dismiss all fantasy as meaningless. Yet these adults miss the point that good fantasy actually tells the truth about life. It clarifies the human condition and captures the essence of our deepest emotions, dreams, hopes, and fears. If fantasy does not do these things, it fails. Fantasy casts light on the realities of life much as a metaphor illustrates truth.Fantasy casts light on the realities of life much as a metaphor illustrates truth. In its broad definition, metaphor is figurative language and strengthens writing in at least three ways:In its broad definition, metaphor is figurative language and strengthens writing in at least three ways:

15. Fantasy as Metaphor cont. 1.Metaphor speeds understanding. 2.Metaphor creates interest. 3.Metaphor adds emotional appeal. –Children can read directly about friendship, sacrifice, selfishness, the fear of death, and death itself, but the insight is somehow more meaningful when shown metaphorically through the lives of characters in fiction.

16. Measuring the Motifs Activity Heroic epics and fairy tale trace back to oral traditionHeroic epics and fairy tale trace back to oral tradition Fairy tales are not “moral” in the conventional senseFairy tales are not “moral” in the conventional sense Eucatastrophe – the sudden and feliciticous turn of a protagonist’s fortunesEucatastrophe – the sudden and feliciticous turn of a protagonist’s fortunes –Fate, providence, chance, luck –Gives the fairy tale a happy ending Read the myth/fairytale selection on your ownRead the myth/fairytale selection on your own Map the story your read for the Hero’s JourneyMap the story your read for the Hero’s Journey

17. Small Group Discussion Get into groups of 3 (one of EACH story type)Get into groups of 3 (one of EACH story type) ON THE BACK OF YOUR HERO CHARTS..ON THE BACK OF YOUR HERO CHARTS.. –Generate a list of common motifs and eucatastrophes in the folktales –What other themes did you notice? –What do these themes tell us about humanity’s deepest aspirations?