What is Historical Fantasy?

By Dusk Peterson

Sections below:

* Definitions of Historical Fantasy
* Historical Fantasy at This Domain

DEFINITIONS OF HISTORICAL FANTASY

The definition of historical fantasy differs widely, depending on who uses it. The term is being used for various types of stories these days:

1) A fantasy story set in an imaginary world that is based on a historical period in our world, but where the supernatural plays a central role. (Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series; Patricia A. McKillip's Riddle-Master trilogy.)

2) A fantasy story set in an imaginary world that is based on a historical period in our world, in which any supernatural elements are of lesser importance than the historical elements. (George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series; Katherine Kurtz's Deryni series.)

3) A fantasy story set in an imaginary world that is based on a historical period in our world, in which the imaginary setting is used as a device by which to explore aspects of the real historical period. (Guy Gavriel Kay's novels.)

4) Historical fiction with fantasy elements. (Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy; Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.)

The most common definition of historical fantasy is #4. The first three categories might be defined as secondary world historical fantasy or otherworld historical fantasy.

If you wish, you may also browse through other sites' definitions of historical fantasy.

HISTORICAL FANTASY AT THIS DOMAIN

If you have come to this domain specifically to read my fiction, here's what you will want to know:

I've written all four types of historical fantasy. Most of my early stories fall under the first or second category; most of my recent stories combine the second and third categories. I've only written one work of historical fiction with fantasy elements.

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