Within the realm of speculative fiction, there is a world where magic intertwines with the mundane: Low fantasy—a sub-genre that captivates readers with its realistic take on the fantastical. Join me in this blog post as I delve into the world of low fantasy and examine its essence, why I love it, commonly used tropes, and its special appeal to readers.
What is Low Fantasy?
Low fantasy combines magic and multiple realities into the real world. While high fantasy is known for its epic quests and noble heroes, low fantasy tells more intimate stories in familiar settings. In low fantasy, magic is typically subtle, enigmatic, and seamlessly woven into mundane everyday life. Perhaps one of the strongest appeals of low fantasy is its relatability. When magic infiltrates a world we are already familiar with, readers naturally feel a deeper connection to the story.
Common Tropes
Low fantasy often features reluctant heroes, unassuming figures whose lives are suddenly intertwined with magic. This magic may come as an old family trinket with secret powers, a mystical creature crossing their path, or a curse passed down generations. The setting mirrors our world but is infused with a sprinkling of enchantment. It’s the ordinary characters with no predetermined destiny or grand mission. These are everyday people—tailors, farmers, tavern owners—who are suddenly thrust into unexpected situations and forced to acknowledge the magic that exists around them. The magic that was always there but unnoticed. “Magic in plain sight” —where ordinary things often have extraordinary purposes—is a classic trope in Low Fantasy stories, but what about others?
- Urban Settings: Many low fantasy stories take place in urban environments, where magic and the mundane coexist in bustling cities filled with intrigue and danger.
- Anti-Heroes: Protagonists in low fantasy are often morally ambiguous and must grapple with their own flaws and inner demons as they navigate a world of gray morality.
- Ambiguous Magic: In low fantasy, magic is seldom explained, which leaves room for mystery and wonder. It often comes with a cost or consequence that adds depth to the narrative.
Why I Like It
There’s just something about the enigmatic magic system that draws me in. The charm of the unknown, the allure of the subtle, it’s like savoring a delicate flavor in a complicated dish. It’s not about flashy spells or blatant magical artifacts; it’s about the unexplained chill you feel when passing an ancient tree, or how an old woman in town always seems to know when it’s going to rain. Low fantasy isn’t just about escapism; it’s about exploring what’s already here with an added sprinkle of magic. Its unique appeal lies in blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. It encourages readers to question their perception of reality and marvel at the potential magic lurking within the mundane. This genre lets us believe there’s more to our world than meets the eye—that just around the corner lies a secret alley where mythical creatures gather, or whispering to plants could make them grow faster.
Why YOU Should Explore Low Fantasy
The special appeal of low fantasy lies in its ability to make readers question reality. It blurs the line between the ordinary and extraordinary in such a way that one looks for magic in their everyday life. Here are a couple of options to explore when thinking about trying to write in low fantasy:
- Relatable Characters: Low fantasy often features characters who face real-world struggles and challenges, making them more relatable and compelling to readers.
- Rich Worldbuilding: Despite its grounded setting, low fantasy worlds are often richly detailed and immersive. Readers can catch a glimpse into fantastical realms that feel both familiar and exotic.
- Exploration of Themes: From power and corruption to identity and destiny, low fantasy explores a wide range of thematic elements that resonate with readers.
Overall, low fantasy combines magic and everyday life to create captivating stories that deeply connect with readers. No matter if you’re into gritty urban fantasy or epic historical fantasy, the captivating realm of low fantasy offers something for every reader. Let’s venture into the world of everyday magic, shall we?
Low Fantasy Novels We Love
My favorite low fantasy book is The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima. The Warrior Heir had one of the best prologues I have ever read, and even twenty years later I think of it often. The action, character-driven story, and it all happening in Ohio? Sign me up.
I used to think I wasn’t a big fantasy reader until I realized SO MANY of the books I read as a teenager can be considered low fantasy. Who here remembers Meg Cabot (of The Princess Diaries fame)? Did you know she tried her hand at low fantasy-leaning stories, too? She published the Mediator series, writing as Jenny Carroll for the first four books. I loved (and still do) that series as a teenager and return to it often as an adult. You’ve got a teenager who can see ghosts, one of which she falls in love with. Imagine all the fun she gets into! Sure, some may argue that supernatural stories aren’t necessarily low fantasy, but I’m going to make the argument that, in this case at least, this supernatural story is.
Generally, I choose to stick to epic/high fantasy when I’m reading within the genre, but there have been some fantastic exceptions over the years. Most recently, I’ve been drawn to Jade City by Fonda Lee. This story offered a fantastic take on urban fantasy, mixing in magical powers from exposure to magical jade mined from the island on which the story takes place. Who doesn’t like mixes between such widely varied material as The Sopranos and Naruto?
Like Randall, I also read a lot of epic/high fantasy, but one of my all-time favorite series, and go-to comfort reads, happens to be low fantasy. The Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck is the first in a five-book series. If you like cursed princes, Indian mythology, quests, and love triangles, this series is for you! Most of the series is set in India, and it’s a beautiful backdrop for a wonderful story with well-written characters.
Now, what are yours?