Urban fantasy

Definition

Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that combines magical elements with a contemporary, urban setting. It often features supernatural beings such as witches, vampires, and fae living alongside ordinary people in real-world cities, creating a unique blend of the fantastical and the mundane. This genre allows for the exploration of themes like identity, societal norms, and the clash between the magical and non-magical worlds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urban fantasy often features a protagonist who discovers their own magical abilities or heritage, allowing for personal growth and exploration of their identity.
2. This genre typically includes a hidden society of supernatural creatures that exist alongside the human world, often unknown to most humans.
3. Urban fantasy can serve as a commentary on modern society, using magical elements to reflect on real-world issues such as discrimination and acceptance.
4. The settings in urban fantasy stories are often recognizable cities, which adds to the relatable yet fantastical experience for readers or viewers.
5. Popular urban fantasy series like 'The Dresden Files' and 'City of Bones' have successfully blended traditional fantasy tropes with modern storytelling techniques.

Review Questions

• How does urban fantasy differentiate itself from other subgenres of fantasy, particularly in terms of setting and character development?
  • Urban fantasy stands out by situating its magical elements within contemporary urban environments, making the fantastical aspects feel more relatable to audiences. Characters often grapple with their identities as they navigate both the magical and mundane worlds, leading to deeper personal development. Unlike traditional high fantasy that focuses on epic quests in imaginary realms, urban fantasy often involves personal stakes and conflicts set against the backdrop of real cities.
• Discuss how urban fantasy reflects societal themes and issues within its narratives. Provide examples from known works.
  • Urban fantasy frequently tackles themes like identity, acceptance, and social justice by juxtaposing magical beings with everyday life. For instance, in 'The Mortal Instruments' series, characters face issues of prejudice based on their supernatural backgrounds while navigating human society. This blend allows writers to comment on real-world struggles such as discrimination while still providing an entertaining escape into a world filled with magic.
• Evaluate the impact of urban fantasy on modern storytelling and its influence on audience expectations in terms of genre blending.
  • Urban fantasy has significantly shaped modern storytelling by encouraging genre blending, making it commonplace for narratives to mix elements from various genres like romance, thriller, and horror. This has led audiences to expect complex plots that feature both magical elements and realistic settings. The success of urban fantasy series has opened doors for more innovative storytelling techniques, where creators can explore deep character arcs and societal issues while keeping viewers engaged through fantastical escapism.

Related terms

Magical realism: A literary genre where fantastical elements are woven into a realistic setting, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Paranormal romance: A subgenre that combines romance with supernatural elements, often featuring relationships between humans and otherworldly beings.

Supernatural thriller: A genre that incorporates suspenseful and thrilling elements along with supernatural occurrences, often leading to high-stakes conflict.