Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of art that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. more...

The genre is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by overall look, feel, and theme of the individual work, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three (collectively known as speculative fiction). In its broadest sense, fantasy covers works by many writers, artists, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends, to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today.

As with other forms of speculative fiction, actions and events in fantasy very often differ from those possible in consensus reality. In many cases, especially in older works of fantasy but in many modern works as well, this is explained by means of divine intervention, magic, or other supernatural forces. In other cases, most frequently in works of modern fantasy in the high fantasy subgenre, the story might take place in a fantasy world that is wholly different from our own, complete with distinct laws of nature that permit magic.

Definition

The defining characteristics of fantasy fiction and its many overlapping sub-genres are the subject of debate among writers, scholars and fans of the genre.

One characteristic often cited to delineate the boundary of fantasy is that the story's setting differs from our own universe in a manner that is not the result of science or technology, but rather the result of magic or other anomalous phenomena. This criterion is commonly, but not universally, accepted. For example, much of children's literature might fit this definition (e.g. the works of Dr. Seuss), but is nevertheless considered by many to be a separate genre.

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