The document discusses different definitions and perspectives on what constitutes fantasy. It explores defining fantasy based on elements like elves/fairies, history, or magic alone but concludes no single definition can cover the genre. Fantasy is loosely defined as an applied mythology where authors create worlds or events that could not exist scientifically, with some blending science fiction elements. Examples of famous fantasy works and dragons are also provided to illustrate elements of the genre.

1. Fantasy ELE 616 Research in Children’s Literature Fall 2008

2. Defining fantasy 1 Definition: Fantasy is about elves and fairies Wouldn’t it be great if we could say that one definition covered it all? But we can’t. Elves and fairies also run amok in children’s stories. Then there are dragons and wizards and a host of other beings that could be included in the framework of fantasy The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy Foreword by Darin Park June 5, 2009 Fantasy

3. Definition: Fantasy is historical That could very well be true. A great number of fantasies, including Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings , could fall into the historical category. But there are endless possibilities for modern day fantasies, or fantasies that don’t even include an announced time period. Foreword by Darin Park Defining fantasy 2 June 5, 2009 Fantasy

4. Defining fantasy 3 Definition: Fantasy is all magic Fantasy does include the use of magic. But what about worlds where magic doesn’t exist? What if it’s a world like our own without science or magic, and people and beasts of all sizes and characteristics inhabit this world? Is it science fiction? Is that the qualifying ingredient? Magic? Even though that would make a nice generic definition to finally label our elusive “fantasy” category, unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Foreword by Darin Park June 5, 2009 Fantasy

5. Fantasy - Explained Loosely, fantasy is an applied mythology, a creation in the mind of an author of worlds or events that could not possibly exist in the scientific realm. There is the tendency to create a sort of mixed breed with stories such as “Star Wars” where there are laser wielding aliens and druids with some sort of magical force. But on the whole, science fiction and fantasy usually has a line of demarcation. Foreword by Darin Park Defining fantasy 4 June 5, 2009 Fantasy

6. What is a dragon? A mythical monster, represented as a huge and terrible reptile, usually combining ophidian and crocodilian structure, with strong claws, like a beast or bird of prey, and a scaly skin; it is generally represented with wings, and sometimes as breathing out fire. The heraldic dragon combines reptilian and mammalian form with the addition of wings. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

7. The Dragon Bestiary At the beginning of the 21st century we are inclined to forget that in former times dragons were thought to be real creatures. They were responsible for natural hazards and other unexplainable phenomena. Today they roam only fantasy stories. And these stories define, what a “real” dragon should look like. The old legends, however, are more and more forgotten. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

8. A famous fantasy title Chronicles of Narnia In C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia we meet children from our own world who end up, under various circumstances, in a different world: Narnia. In Narnia they meet talking animals, fauns, centaurs, unicorns, and other slightly mythological creatures. And they meet Aslan - he who brought them into that world, because of the need for them there and then, and who provides support when they try to help out in critical situations. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

9. A Dragon in The Chronicles of Narnia The boy whose name was Eustace Clarence Scrubb (“and he almost deserved it”) It was very dreary being a dragon. He shuddered whenever he caught sight of his own reflection... He hated the huge, batlike wings, the saw-edged ridge on his back, and the cruel, curved claws. He was almost afraid to be alone with himself and yet he was ashamed to be with the others. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

10. A more famous dragon Smaug “ My armour is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!” The Hobbit , Chapter 12 Inside Information June 5, 2009 Fantasy

11. Another Tolkien dragon Chrysophylax “ Farmer Giles of Ham ” (written in 1947, published in 1949) is a short story written by J.R.R. Tolkien . The story describes a series of encounters between Farmer Giles and a wily dragon named Chrysophylax . It is set in a fantasy Britain of long ago, which has mythical creatures, medieval knights, and primitive firearms. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

12. A nostalgic dragon? Puff, the Magic Dragon In richly-hued paintings of the deepest sea blues and greens, Puff and his friend Jackie Paper frolic in the land of Honalee—traveling in a fantastic boat with billowed sails, climbing red castle stairs onto a balcony to meet with noble kings and princes, and watching pirate ships lower their flags for the roaring dragon. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

13. A Dragon from the author of Captain Underpants Dragon is lonely, but everyone is either too busy, too tired, or too grouchy to be his friend. Then a snake in the grass tricks Dragon into believing that an apple is his friend. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

14. A Dragon for Older Readers Dragon Rider Firedrake, Ben, and their family friend, Sorrel, are in search of the mythical place where dragons can live in peace forever. Together they embark on a journey that takes them to magical lands where they meet marvelous creatures - and one ruthless villain. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

15. A new series Merlin's Dragon trilogy Long ago, at the dawn of Merlin’s world, a strange little creature appeared. Part lizard, part bat, his eyes glowed with mysterious light. Meet Basil—someone very small in size but very large in destiny. June 5, 2009 Fantasy

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