Fantasy: Difference between revisions

[[Image:Rubens.jpg|thumb|The [[Iliad]], Achilles and Hector]]Fantasy literature is a [[genre]] of [[narrative]] [[fiction]] that grows out of supernatural elements, like magic.  Fantasy refers to the imaging of something that is not actually there. Sometimes coupled with the [[science fiction]] genre, fantasy differs in that it steers clear of scientific themes. In comparison, science fiction deals with elements that have not been proven but could potentially happen, and fantasy deals with elements thought to be generally impossible.<ref name="Fantasy Literature">Kelleghan, Fiona. Classics Of Science Fiction And Fantasy Literature. Pasadena, Calif: Salem Press, 2002. eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 1 July 2015.</ref>

Some of the earliest works of the fantastic, such as the [[Iliad]] and the [[Odyssey]], contributed prominent elements to the modern day fantasy, including themes of transformation and journeys to exotic lands.<ref>Kelleghan, 2002</ref> Because of its lengthy and rich heritage, fantasy is believed to be the antecedent from which all other genres came.  

Fantasy is notable as the only form of literature that consistently blurs the boundaries between adult fiction and children’s fiction.<ref>Sanchez, Matt. "Genre Fiction As Literature - Fantasy - Page 2." Genre Fiction As Literature - Fantasy - Page 2. 2005. Web. 2 July 2015. <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring05/Sanchez/fantasy2.htm></ref> In recent years, fantasy has conquered box offices and best seller lists with novels and novel based films, like the ''Harry Potter'' and the ''Lord of the Rings'' series. Fantasy also plays a major role in the video gaming world where players potentially write their own storylines through interactions made within the game.