Something about the darkness compels humanity to look. Maybe it’s the terrifying knowledge of our individual capacity for evil, put on display. It could be the catharsis of experiencing these events in an imaginary place, from a safe distance. The enduring will of the human spirit under such terrible circumstances is inspiring, and this perhaps plays a role as well. Whatever the case, dark fantasy provides a home for the depraved, the devolved, and the darkness itself.
What is Dark Fantasy?
Dark fantasy exists within the disturbing and the bleak. The speculative elements of fantasy in general are still present, but there’s an added sense of overarching menace and gloom. Common conveyors of these feelings come in the setting and the worldbuilding, along with specific events in the world that add to the feelings of misery and even outright despair. Dark fantasy often merges in these aspects with what we expect to see in post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories. This focus means that the subgenre also shares many elements with horror.
Despite these similarities with other genres, dark fantasy does not necessarily set out to accomplish the same ends with the reader. You often see shining heroes and acts of triumph amidst these dismal settings.
Common Tropes
So much of what makes dark fantasy unique comes in the form of inverses and shifts from traditional fantasy stories. Where we might find golden cities and flower-filled forests in traditional fantasy, dark fantasy greets us with crumbling ruins and poisonous rivers. Here are a few standout examples of dark fantasy tropes:
- Dystopian existence: Human suffering is prevalent in dark fantasy, and this often comes from the circumstances of their societies. Tyrannical kings and queens, monstrous overlords, and crooked soldiers-for-hire abound, looking to exert their will on the protagonist.
- Cursed and corrupted settings: Many elements of Gothic and horror leak into dark fantasy through its macabre settings. Widespread death, magically-induced corruption, and nightmarish curses all feature prominently.
- Supernatural beings: While not specific to dark fantasy, the roles and positions of supernatural beings often take on a different light in this subgenre. Sometimes they are oppressors, and when they do hunt humanity it is often more grisly and visceral than traditional fantasy depictions. A great example of this is John Gwynne’s A Time of Dread, where a group that is roughly equivalent to fallen angels commits terrible atrocities on the innocent to bring their dark lord back from his eternal prison. However, there is also room for them to be portrayed as the victims of persecution; the suffering within the subgenre need not apply to only humanity!
Why I Like Dark Fantasy
Even as a teen, I was drawn to the dark elements of fantasy. The Balrog, demons, corrupted knights, they all drew my fascination. Part of this attraction is in facing the things and decisions we dread and fear, and also in seeing these things resisted. There’s a catharsis in safely and vicariously experiencing resistance against the darkness. However, I’m also drawn to exploring the darker side of the human imagination in general. It’s incredible to experience the twisted creations that spring from the shadowed corners of the mind.
Why YOU Should Explore Dark Fantasy
We’ve already discussed how dark fantasy inverts fantasy expectations, so writing in this subgenre opens the door to many new possibilities in crafting a unique story. Wonder what would have happened if Sauron defeated his enemies and captured all of Middle Earth? Ever thought about Voldemort burning Hogwarts to the ground, or writing a story from the viewpoint of an evil orc mercenary? Dark fantasy might be for you!
- Write as the monster: The supernatural entities that inhabit dark fantasy are often portrayed as the persecuted victims of their worlds. God’s Demon is an excellent example of this, where the protagonist is a fallen archangel condemned to hell. This offers an excellent inroad to exploring a monstrous protagonist, and showing that they may be more morally gray than inherently evil.
- HEA? Forget it!: It isn’t necessary that your main character be morally good, and if they are good, it isn’t necessary for them to achieve their happily ever after. Dark fantasy blends with horror in ways that often leave the two inseparable, so this offers a great opportunity to have an evil “protagonist,” and even to write a true tragedy where your character loses in the end. Flip those fantasy conventions in their heads!
- Lambs to the slaughter: Speaking of flipping heads: Do you like leaving your audience wondering which characters are going to survive? Dark fantasy carries the expectation that many of the central players may not make it to the end. Take those unruly characters and stake them to the gatehouse!
Dark Fantasy That We Love
Most of my writing falls within the fantasy umbrella, and a good chunk of that exists under the tattered, bloody sub-umbrella of dark fantasy. As such, a heavy inspiration for me has been Berserk by Kentaro Miura. This manga is graphically violent, dark, and so beautifully rendered that I can’t help but go back to it again and again. Guts, the protagonist, is the epitome of endurance in suffering. Miura’s work will remain a lasting legacy in the dark fantasy community for years and years to come.
I’m still waiting for Randall’s manuscripts to get picked up by a publisher, but trust that when they do, I will revise this answer to talk about one of his many fabulous dark fantasy stories. Until then, please accept the book that is tiding me over, They Mostly Come Out at Night. Do you love the idea of a world ruled by nightmarish monsters? How do you feel about the prospect of having to protect those you love against said monsters? If you answered anything similar to “sign me up” for either one, you might just love this book (which is part of a series!) by Benedict Patrick.
Now, let’s get one thing straight (the only straight thing about it): Carmilla isn’t just about vampires and spooky castles. This book was way ahead of its time when it was published in 1872. It’s got that deliciously Gothic vibe—mysterious forests, crumbling mansions, moody night skies—but it also explores queerness in a way that feels surprisingly modern. The tension between Carmilla and her young friend Laura is full of longing, subtle flirtation, and, of course, a little murder-y danger.
Let me tell you about my Roman Empire: The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy. The sixth and final book came out last week and to say I am absolutely devastated is the understatement of the century. Do you like retellings with a twist? Well, this one is a King Midas retelling with a twist you wouldn’t expect. The land of Sixth Kingdom is frozen, bleak, desolate, and Auren hasn’t left the cage Midas put her in for ten years. If you’re a fan of character development, then follow Auren as she realizes she’s been manipulated and abused and used her entire life. There are dark themes in this series so please check the trigger warnings before reading. But if you’re a fan of a HEA (kind of?), a large cast of wonderful characters, and books that will break your heart and soul for years to come–then this series is for you.