Exploring the Allure of Rider Fantasy: The Enchantment of Shared Powers and Bonds
"Slaying dragons, riding high above the fray." Experiencing the primal thrill of bonding with a magnificent winged beast has been an enduring fantasy since time immemorial. The allure lies not only in the ancient desire to conquer the skies but also in the quest for a companion who truly understands us.
As we journey through the expansive realm of fantasy literature, we notice the rider-mount relationship has evolved significantly. The bond unafraid to label masters as partners, shaping narratives that mirror emerging values of connection and mutual respect.
Revolutionizing the Base
Long gone are the days of "taming" beasts and making them submit to our will. Petty horses with wings are now epic companions possessing unique personalities, independent thoughts, and rich emotional lives. The days of mere "servitude" have passed, replaced by a marriage of strength, respect, and understanding.
These enlightened ties expand beyond mere telepathy or practical partnership, transcending borders to forge connections that resonate deeply with readers.
Unearthing the Souls
The most alluring rider fantasies delve into realms where the connection between human and beast becomes something deeper: souls blend, identities cross, but remain distinctly separate.
In my Ravenglass Throne series, I delve into this esoteric bond through the intricate ravenglass network that amplifies the natural connection between riders and their wyverns. The bond extends beyond the daily grind, becoming an integral part of the greater tapestry that binds the entire kingdom.
Embracing Interconnectedness
Our awareness of the intricate web of interconnections that make up the world is reflected in the rider-mount narrative. The relationship impact directly upon the larger community, forming ripple effects that reverberate far beyond the individuals involved.
Politics at Play
As the rider-mount bond evolved, so too did the exploration of its political implications. Who gets to bear this honor? What privileges does it confer? And how does it shape power dynamics within the kingdom?
The most insightful modern fantasies wrestle with these questions, exposing the potential pitfalls of a select few gaining exclusive access to such extraordinary powers.
In Ostreich, the military advantage Wyvern riders possess create distinct hierarchies and tensions, while the threat of corrupted bonds jeopardizes the kingdom's very foundations.
Tangled in Corruption
Narratives probing the darker side of the bond engage with the possibility of corruption, whether it's external or internal threats that challenge these sacred connections.
In my series, the corruption spreading through the ravenglass network serves as a stark reminder that even the strongest ties are vulnerable.
It forces characters to question trust, challenge preconceived notions, and grapple with the constant labour required to maintain healthy relationships.
Fractured Identities
A recurring theme in contemporary rider fantasy is the exploration of broken or imperfect bonds. Once perceived as invincible, the bond is increasingly portrayed as vulnerable to threats from within and without.
This shift reflects our contemporary understanding that all relationships require nurturing, even the magical ones.
Communities United
No longer is the focus solely on the exceptional rider-mount pair - modern narratives delve into the formation of communities and cultures woven from multiple bonded pairs.
The wyverns in Ostreich form their own social structures that intertwine with human hierarchies, creating a complexity more reflective of real-world animal societies.
The Future of Flight
As we soar into the future of rider fantasy, we can anticipate several monumental developments:
- Exploration of non-Western cultural influences on rider relationships, stepping away from the predominantly European historical framework.
- Environmental impact and responsibility will rise in prominence, mirroring our current global concerns about humanity's relationship with nature.
- Psychological aspects of the bond will be analyzed with increasing depth, potentially incorporating our growing understanding of neuroscience and consciousness.
- Consent and choice within the bond will remain a central focus, reflecting our changing values around autonomy and partnership.
My Ravenglass Throne series endeavors to continue the tradition while pushing into new horizons, embodying the essence of this ancient yet ever-evolving fantasy subgenre.
Soaring Beyond Reality
Ultimately, the most compelling rider fantasies transcend mere escapism, urging us to peer deeply into the fabric of connection, trust, and partnership. To forge an understanding of the world that could be, while illuminating the world that is. As we embark on the journey, who knows? Perhaps we may even discover the secret to embracing the skies on the back of a magnificent winged companion.
Join me in the skies above Ostreich, as the ravens of Ravenglass Throne continue their monthly instalments, available on all major ebook platforms. Remember - the best fantasy doesn't simply entertain; it provides insight into the depths of connection.
Speculative fiction within fantasy novels explores the complexities and depths of the rider-mount relationship, often going beyond conventional bonding to delve into soulful connections. These books transcend the realms of entertainment, offering readers insight into the intricate tapestry of connections that mirror our own lives.
As the series progress, contemporary fantasies like Ravenglass Throne strive to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of this ancient subgenre. By delving into themes such as environmental impact, consent, and cultural diversity, these books not only entertain but also reflect our changing values and understanding of relationships, both real and imagined.
