Is Europe Losing Its Unique Appeal?
The world of fantasy literature has long been dominated by the rich tapestry of medieval European history, mythology, and literary traditions. From the towering castles and gallant knights of England, to the mystical Norse sagas and Arthurian legends, the European setting has been a staple in the genre [1][4].
This Eurocentric influence can be traced back to the detailed narrative styles and settings embedded in European historical contexts, a legacy inherited from biblical stories and Greek epics [1]. However, as the genre evolves and globalizes, other cultural influences are beginning to emerge, enriching fantasy literature with new perspectives and storytelling traditions.
Writers are now drawing from African, Asian, Indigenous, and Middle Eastern cultures, among others, to create immersive and unique worlds. This diversification challenges the medieval European norm and introduces new magic systems, social structures, and worldviews.
The rise of these other influences is driven by several factors. Globalized publishing and readership are making it easier for stories from diverse cultures to reach a wider audience. There is also an increased awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity, and authors from underrepresented backgrounds are actively seeking to tell their own stories within the fantasy genre.
For instance, the author of this article enjoys reading about knights, castles, dragons, and adventures in lush countrysides. However, he acknowledges that the European setting can become redundant and believes that introducing other settings can help a story become unique. He suggests writers change things up and add Chinese or Middle-eastern cultures to their stories.
Classic historical stories like Beowulf and The Legend of King Arthur have undoubtedly influenced the fantasy genre. Yet, the author does not intend for European culture to be the only influence in his work. He also loves Asian, African, and Native American cultures and finds inspiration in them for his writing.
If you're a fan of fantasy literature, you might enjoy our related articles about epic fantasy novels, the first line in writing, and urban fantasy. Share this article on various platforms (X, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, Email) to spread the word about the exciting changes happening in the world of fantasy literature.
[1] The influence of European realism on fantasy literature. [4] The historical dominance of European culture in fantasy literature.
Books from diverse cultures, such as African, Asian, Indigenous, and Middle Eastern ones, are enriching the fantasy genre by introducing new perspectives and storytelling traditions, challenging the medieval European norm. To create unique and immersive worlds, authors are drawing from these cultural influences and incorporating them into their works, moving away from the traditional European settings.
