Urban fantasy

Definition

Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy literature that combines fantastical elements with a contemporary, urban setting. It often features magical creatures, supernatural events, and mythological themes intertwined with everyday life in a city environment. This genre reflects modern myth-making by reimagining traditional folklore and legends in a contemporary context, thereby exploring the interactions between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urban fantasy often includes protagonists who navigate both the mundane world and a hidden magical realm, showcasing a duality of experiences.
2. This genre frequently employs familiar urban locations, such as cities, neighborhoods, and streets, making the fantastical elements more relatable to readers.
3. The rise of urban fantasy can be traced back to the late 20th century, coinciding with increased interest in mythological themes and supernatural narratives in popular culture.
4. Many urban fantasy works draw on various mythologies and folklore traditions, reinterpreting them to fit modern sensibilities and contemporary issues.
5. Urban fantasy has gained popularity through various media, including novels, films, and television series, leading to a broader acceptance of fantasy elements in mainstream storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does urban fantasy uniquely blend elements of the fantastical with everyday life in a city setting?
  • Urban fantasy creates a unique blend by placing magical beings and supernatural events within familiar urban environments. This juxtaposition allows readers to connect with characters who experience extraordinary events amidst their daily routines. By grounding fantastical elements in real-world settings, urban fantasy makes the extraordinary feel accessible and relatable while inviting exploration of how these elements impact society.
• In what ways does urban fantasy contribute to modern myth-making within contemporary literature?
  • Urban fantasy contributes to modern myth-making by reinterpreting traditional myths and folklore through a contemporary lens. By integrating classic themes and characters into urban settings, authors can address current societal issues while maintaining the essence of ancient stories. This practice not only revitalizes old narratives but also reflects modern experiences, creating new myths that resonate with today's readers.
• Evaluate the significance of urban settings in urban fantasy narratives and how they shape character development and thematic exploration.
  • Urban settings are vital in urban fantasy narratives as they serve as both backdrop and catalyst for character development and thematic exploration. These environments reflect the complexities of modern life, influencing characters' interactions with magic and each other. The juxtaposition of the mundane with the extraordinary allows for deeper exploration of identity, belonging, and societal issues, making the characters' journeys more profound as they navigate their dual realities.

Related terms

Magical realism: A literary genre that introduces magical elements into a realistic environment, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

Paranormal fiction: A genre that includes elements beyond the scientific understanding of the natural world, often featuring ghosts, vampires, or other supernatural beings.

Mythopoeia: The creation of new myths or mythological narratives, often seen in literature where authors invent their own stories inspired by existing mythologies.