Why I Write Epic Fantasy

My main motivations and influences for writing fantasy fiction include:

1.      Interest in Human Behavior: In a past life I was engaged in the analysis of psychological principles and sociological factors that underpin human behaviour and the factors that influence it. This experience has helped me to develop the complex characters and richly detailed societies I have created in my fantasy fiction.

2.      Curiosity about Storytelling: Through the development of my characters, plot structure, and narrative techniques required to create complex fantasy stories I have been able to express my keen interest in storytelling and the craft of writing. My primary motivation is to use my experience and learning to create engaging and compelling narratives in a fantasy world of my own creation.

3.      Passion for Fantasy Genre: My deep passion for the fantasy genre, motivates me to create complex character profiles and build believable worlds where they can express a range of beliefs and behaviours. The imaginative possibilities of fantasy fiction, including creating elaborate worlds, exploring magical systems, and crafting epic adventures, provide endless inspiration for story telling.

4.      Desire for Authenticity and Realism: Underpinning my love of the fantasy genre is the desire to understand the 'what' and the 'why', of what produces appropriate and deviant behaviours that make sense in the environment I have created. To achieve this I have deployed forensic investigation and psychological profiling techniques to infuse my fantasy fiction with authenticity and realism. In this way, my characters and their behaviours should be believable and perhaps predictable in a way that makes them 'real' and as a consequence, truly resonate with readers.

5.      Exploration of Universal Themes: My stories investigate human needs, the ability to express agency, to enjoy peace, to live without fear, to be happy, and to enjoy psychological well-being; universal themes that need to be understood when contrasted or challenged with the dark forces that emerge to threaten them. How they respond, reveals their true character and deeper meanings and beliefs that emerge to challenge their perception of the truth. Fantasy allows me to do this safely, inspiring me to weave themes of identity, purpose, and resilience into my narratives, creating stories that resonate on a profound level.

Overall, my main motivations for writing fantasy fiction are rooted in a combination of curiosity about human behaviour, a passion for storytelling, a love for the fantasy genre, a desire for authenticity, and an exploration of universal themes. These influences inspire me to persevere in my efforts to create richly imagined worlds, complex characters, and compelling narratives that captivate readers and invite them on epic adventures.

The Enduring Power of Stories

The power and importance of storytelling are deeply ingrained in human history and culture, transcending time, place, and medium. Here are some key aspects highlighting its significance:

1. Connection and Communication: Storytelling is a fundamental means of human connection and communication. Through stories, people share experiences, beliefs, values, and emotions, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of community among individuals and across cultures.
   

2. Preservation of Culture and History: Stories serve as a vehicle for preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, traditions, and history from one generation to the next. They encapsulate collective wisdom, knowledge, and identity, ensuring that important lessons and narratives are passed down through oral traditions, written literature, and other forms of media.
   

3. Education and Learning: Storytelling is an effective educational tool, engaging audiences and facilitating learning in diverse subjects and disciplines. By presenting information in narrative form, complex concepts become more accessible, memorable, and relatable, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
   

4. Inspiration and Empowerment: Stories have the power to inspire, motivate, and empower individuals, offering glimpses into different perspectives, possibilities, and potentials. They can ignite imaginations, spark creativity, and instil hope, resilience, and a sense of agency, encouraging people to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges.
   

5. Cultural Reflection and Critique: Stories often reflect and critique the social, political, and cultural realities of their time, offering commentary on issues such as power dynamics, social justice, inequality, and human rights. Through storytelling, people can explore complex themes, grapple with moral dilemmas, and envision alternative futures, fostering dialogue, awareness, and social change.
   

6. Entertainment and Escapism: Storytelling provides entertainment and escapism, transporting audiences to imaginary worlds, realms of fantasy, and realms of possibility. Whether through literature, film, theatre, or other forms of media, stories offer moments of joy, wonder, and excitement, allowing people to temporarily escape the stresses and pressures of everyday life.
   

Overall, storytelling is a potent and versatile tool that plays a central role in shaping individual and collective identities, fostering connections, transmitting knowledge, inspiring change, and enriching human experience. Its power lies in its ability to captivate imaginations, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on hearts and minds.

Origin and Purpose

Medieval Setting:

While there is considerable diversity within the genre, several common characteristics are frequently associated with the Western European Epic fantasy tradition that set it apart:

Western European epic fantasy, is a product of medieval European history, culture, and mythology, where settings commonly feature feudal systems, knights, castles, and a social structure reminiscent of medieval Europe. For example:

Chivalric Code and Heroic Figures:

The concept of chivalry, with its emphasis on honour, bravery, and noble conduct, is a recurring theme. Protagonists in Epic fantasy often embody heroic ideals, undertaking quests, battling monsters, and seeking to uphold a code of honour.

Magic and Mythical Creatures: 

The presence of magic and mythical creatures, such as dragons, elves, dwarves, and wizards, is a hallmark of Western European epic fantasy. These elements being deeply rooted in European folklore and mythology.

Epic Quests and Journeys: 

Narratives frequently revolve around 'epic' quests or journeys undertaken by the main characters. These quests may involve retrieving a powerful artefact saving the realm from a dark force, or fulfilling a prophesied destiny.

Good vs. Evil: The struggle between the forces of good and evil is a central theme. Dark lords or malevolent entities often threaten the stability of the world, and heroes must rise to confront these evils.

Feudal Societies and Monarchies:

Western European Epic fantasy often features societies organised along feudal lines with kings, queens, lords, and vassals. Political intrigue, power struggles, and dynastic conflicts are common elements.

Tolkienesque Influence: 

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien, particularly 'The Lord of the Rings,' have had a profound impact on modern Western European Epic fantasy. With many authors in the genre drawing inspiration from Tolkien's world-building, languages, and narrative structures.

Cultural and Religious Influences:

Elements of Western European history, culture, including the Judeo-christian tradition, are woven into the fabric of these fantasy worlds, where religious orders, moral quandaries, and allegorical themes are often explored.

Courtly Love and Romantic Subplots:

The tradition of courtly love often appears in romantic subplots. Characters may navigate complex relationships within the context of chivalric ideals and societal expectations.

Epic Scale and High Stakes: 

The genre explores large-scale conflicts and high-stakes scenarios, with the fate of entire realms or worlds hanging in the balance, contributing to the epic nature of the storytelling.

These features are deeply embedded in Western European Epic fantasy. However, many more modern authors, perhaps in pursuit of different objectives in their storytelling, seek to emphasise what they would consider to be the dynamic and evolutionary potential of Epic Fantasy by blending elements from various other cultures and contemporary works.

However, in my view, this risks obscuring the storytelling value of the genre by subverting the genre's authenticity and true purpose. What do you think?