1. What is fantasy fiction? Fantasy fiction is a genre of writing in which the plot could not happen in real life (as we know it, at least). Often, the plot involves magic or witchcraft and takes place on another planet or in another — undiscovered — dimension of this world. Most often the overall theme of the setting is medieval in tone, meaning that some combination of the architecture, clothing, language, and technology resembles the European Middle Ages. Many times, the plot also involves mythical creatures or talking animals (that might wear clothes and live in houses), and witches or sorcerers. (Fantasy of the 20th Century, 2001.)

2. What is fantasy fiction? Often, writers of fantasy fiction devote a series of books to the same world or characters. Some of the most famous examples of fantasy fiction are The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, His Dark Materials (which begins with The Golden Compass), and The Wizard of Earthsea collections. Note that the Harry Potter series also qualifies as fantasy fiction, even though the books take place on contemporary Earth. Fantasy fiction is frequently confused with science fiction, which might incorporate some of the same tones and themes, but the plot of a science fiction story will also rely on technology that is advanced beyond what we know today. The Star Wars movies are an example: Even though Star Wars is set in the past, takes place in another galaxy, and has mythical creatures as characters, the plot also centers on science (space travel, as well as weaponry and other technology that humankind has yet to invent). Therefore, Star Wars is science fiction rather than fantasy. (Fantasy of the 20th Century, 2001.)

3. The origins of fantasy The Odyssey by Homer (circa 800BC) Homer's second epic poem, following on from The Iliad, is the heroic tale of Odysseus and his ten-year journey back to Greece following the Trojan War. Gods, goddesses, nymphs, sirens and monsters make for a rousingly good tale of adventure with plenty of action and intrigue. Scholarly debate still surrounds the work, but the beginnings of modern fantasy are definitely here. The Odyssey by Homer (circa 800BC) Homer's second epic poem, following on from The Iliad, is the heroic tale of Odysseus and his ten-year journey back to Greece following the Trojan War. Gods, goddesses, nymphs, sirens and monsters make for a rousingly good tale of adventure with plenty of action and intrigue. Scholarly debate still surrounds the work, but the beginnings of modern fantasy are definitely here.

4. Origins of fantasy n Beowulf Author Unknown (circa 700AD) Epic poem probably composed during the Anglo- Saxon settlement of England in the 7th century. Many of its key elements - heroes, monsters, mythic theology - are quite common in religious writings. What sets Beowulf apart is that many believe it was composed for pure entertainment, albeit with a decidedly Christian bent. Irish poet Seamus Heaney's translation (2000) was a surprise bestseller.

5. Origins of fantasy n Inferno by Dante Alighieri (1308-21) The first and most famous part of Dante's Divine Comedy, generally recognized as one of the most significant literary works of the Middle Ages. Escorted by the Latin poet Virgil the author takes a trip through the nine circles of Hell. Fortunately, those checking out the ride won't suffer the fate warned of at the Gate of Hell - "Abandon all hope, you who enter here". Brilliant.

6. Origins of fantasy A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare (1600) Eternally popular Shakespearean comedy about lovers and fairies in the woods of ancient Athens. The story has three threads, all drawn together in the end through typically farcical circumstances - with the King of the Fairies and his servant Puck driving the mayhem. One of the Bard's best, possibly his funniest and definitely his most fantastical. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare (1600) Eternally popular Shakespearean comedy about lovers and fairies in the woods of ancient Athens. The story has three threads, all drawn together in the end through typically farcical circumstances - with the King of the Fairies and his servant Puck driving the mayhem. One of the Bard's best, possibly his funniest and definitely his most fantastical.n

7. Types of Fantasy Fiction High Fantasy tales often have a serious tone, with events on an epic scale and usually takes place in a pseudo-medieval setting. A common theme in these novels is the fight against evil and characters many times have a quest they must complete. Often they include fantastical races or creatures. Examples of high fantasy include: The Lord Of The Rings trilogy by JRR TolkienJRR Tolkien

8. Types of Fantasy Fiction Sword & Sorcery tales have plenty of action along the lines of classic epics like The Odyssey and The Iliad. Examples of sword & sorcery include: The Conan series

9. Types of Fantasy Fiction Contemporary Fantasy (also called Urban or Modern Fantasy) takes place in the modern world. Travel to alternate worlds may be possible, or the existence of hidden magic. Examples of contemporary fantasy include: The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling Abarat by Clive Barker Abarat

10. Types of Fantasy Fiction n Dark Fantasy is closely related to and often includes elements of the horror genre. The supernatural, or supernatural creatures, such as vampires, are often a main ingredient. Many times, these novels are officially labeled either fantasy or horror, depending on which genre they lean more towards. Examples of dark fantasy include: The work of HP Lovecraft The Work of Neil Gaiman The Elric stories by Michael Moorcock

11. Types of Fantasy Fiction Historical Fantasy incorporates a fantasy storyline into history or invents a fantasy history that mirrors our own. Some example of historical fantasy include: The Crown Rose by Fiona Avery Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell by Susanna Clarke The Crown Rose

12. Types of Fantasy Fiction Fairytale Fantasy encompasses many diverse works.both modern fairytales and reworking of classic stories. They may be aimed at children, or contain more adult themes and content. Also closely related is Mythic Fantasy, which draws on mythology. Some examples of fairytale fantasy include: The Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey The Sword of the Rightful King The Fairy Godmother

13. Map of Speculative Fiction

14. From Shakespeare to Pulp Now that you know the origins of fantasy fiction we can move to the time of fantasy pulp fiction, 1930’s through 1970’s. “The pulps were cheap thrills in the truest sense. At rates of a quarter, a half, and one penny per word, you had to be a pretty prolific writer to make ends meet.” (Fantasy of the 20th Century, 2001.)

15. From Shakespeare to Pulp “As pulp magazines became more specialized and catered to different genre tastes, writers turned to spinning yarns of all types, often adopting several pseudonyms to do so.” (Fantasy of the 20th Century, 2001.)

16. From Shakespeare to Pulp “There was a fair amount of hack material printed, but from these magazines that were generally regarded as lowbrow entertainment emerged a surprising amount of excellent writing by craftsmen who, in terms of quality, were worth way more than the minimum word rates.” (Fantasy of the 20th Century, 2001.)

17. Your Turn to Explore Check out the collection of pulp fantasy fiction novellas right here on the table!

18. Activity 1 Time Traveler Writing Prompt Pick something that exists in the present but may not exist in the future. Imagine getting a visit from a time traveler who wants you to explain what the object is and what it does and why it is so important to this time.

19. Activity 2 Fantasy Fiction Illustrations

20. Fantasy Fiction Illustrations Now read the story that corresponds to the number illustration you wrote your prediction on. When you are finished reading the story answer the following questions. n What is depicted in the illustration? n What is the overall theme of the illustration? n After reading the story what scene/theme is portrayed in the illustration? n How accurate is the illustration to the story? How would you have created a different illustration to convey the scene or theme of the story? n Compare your prediction based on the illustration to your read on the story. Was your prediction accurate? Why or why not?

21. Illustration 1 Fantastic May-June 1953, Vol. 2 No. 3

22. Illustration 2 Fantastic May-June 1953, Vol. 2 No. 3

23. Illustration 3 Fantastic September-October 1953, Vol 2 No. 5

24. Illustration 4 Fantastic September-October 1953, Vol 2 No. 5

25. Illustration 5 Fantastic January-February 1953, Vol. 2 No. 1

26. Activity 3: Fantasy Mad Libs

27. Activity 4 Author/Illustrator Profile

28. Activity 5 Activity 5 Fantasy Fiction Short Story

29. Activity 5 Science Fiction and Fantasy Story and Situation Starters Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998).