Are You Writing Serious Fantasy?

[Eol]

Fantasy has many definitions. One of them is where you have something in the story that talks, that usually would not ( animals, trees, inanimate objects, the fantstical).

I don't think you meant to say, Eol, that fairy tales cannot be thought provoking.

I did not mean to say they are not thought provoking, though not done well can be quite boring.

Eol: What fantasy stories can you point to that show that a "most evil" opponent (I will not say absolute, for that goes beyond what I think ultimately real) is not necessary?

Honestly, it has been a while since I have read a GOOD fantasy story. The first one that I can come to mind is Mists of Avalon. Though I am not possitive that it had an "prominate evil villian".

The story I am writing has no "prominate evil villian". This way, I can show the agenda of each side and why they think their "adversary" is evil.

the need for an evil that goes deeper than mere villain. Especially if the fantasy story is a serious one.

Here is my challenge,IMP. Give examples of fantasy stories that do not have the "evil" element that is not serious but is still good.


Very interesting discussion that has developed. Lets see if we can find a definition of fantasy, and how to stay true to it, if that something we wish to do.