What does Fantasy mean to you?

Sitting down to write this post, I really had not thought much of what fantasy means or how it resonates with so many. When we hear of the word “Fantasy” we conjure images of epic sagas; blockbuster movies like Lord of the Rings or series like, Game of Thrones, not to mention the millions of fantasy books that have been written over the ages.

What is it about the genre that we either love it or could leave it? Is it a reflection of our own lives, or part of us that we wish to explore or for others, a place that is not for exploring?

Escapism, could be a common reason why fantasy is so popular. An adventure into unknown worlds of fantastic creatures and characters, depending on whether it is low or high fantasy. For those that dislike the concept of fantasy, is it the fear of losing a grip on reality, or something that is just not real enough?

There is a place for fantasy in everyone’s lives. It is about how we perceive fantasy in our thoughts; what it can teach us; what we can take from it; and the ability to connect with it. Like any other genre, whether it is crime, horror or romance, to mention a few, there is a part of us that connects/disconnects with it for some personal reason.

I believe fantasy can be another way to experience the world - an alternative view on life. It can help us to open our minds to endless possibilities and to ask, “What if?” along with just enjoying fantastical stories. A close comparison could also be drawn between fantasy and myths/legends.

Myths and legends of old were used to teach and entertain in cultures. We may no longer rely on myths for learning, but still, they are highly entertaining. Storytelling is an integral part of all cultures and its role will always play a vital function. As a social race we need stories. The art of storytelling has evolved, transcending all forms of art, along with playing an important role in educating children regarding life. The indigenous cultures of North and South America use storytelling to teach children about their culture, identity, their bodies and the world around them. This concept intertwines, becoming part of their lives, passing it on to the next generation in a continuous cycle, rooting it in cultures.

But stories are not only about communicating, entertaining and informing, but the role of storytelling is also to preserve past cultures and traditions. This is most often done through legends and myths, that can be fantastical. Prior to the onset of the written form, events of the past, of great achievements, were recorded orally or through art and dance to recall the times of old, preserving them in the history of the people. This in turn led to the great sagas, myths and legends. It is the social glue to hold the community together, retelling the stories and learning the lessons. The more epic the saga, the more it was enjoyed and remembered.

What role can fantasy offer us today? It can still show of self-determination/belief, social evolution, establishing rights, fighting for justice, the role of governance, love, grief, life struggles, and everything that life throws at us. It is our emotional journey, portrayed through epic sagas in a world that we are not quite so familiar with, or are we?

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