 Fantasy: August 07, 2013 Issue [#5824] |
  Fantasy
This week: Why Not Call Them Humans? Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Is an elf a tall majestic warrior? Or is an elf a human with pointed ears and magic? What is the difference between a dwarf, midget, little person? What difference does a fairy have to humans other than a little magic and some wings?
To a fantasy enthusiast, these questions may seem wildly unnecessary. Of course an elf is different cause well they're an elf. But to some they are too similar and that causes some questions. This newsletter starts to look at the possible differences but also the reasons for using the different yet all too similar to human beings in a fantasy story. |
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This topic is thanks to a certain WDC member who used to spend time in chat. If anyone hasn't guessed, I'm a big fan of Fantasy (the username should be the clue on that). I love reading fantasy and can never get enough stories with elves and magic. However, I can see how non-fantasy enthusiasts may have issues. Let's look at a couple different typical fantasy characters (main and/or viewpoint ones in particular) who aren't human but are close:
Elves: What are they? Well according to Leonard and Sheldon from Big Bang Theory, they are "tall immortal warriors." This is based off Lord of the Rings, of course. However, I will admit to all the newsletter readers that I never thought of elves as "tall" unless comparing them maybe to dwarves. Last week's newsletter even explored the different kinds of elves, beyond known pointy eared ones so it might not be just me. The elves I'm writing, for example, aren't immortal or tall. One of them, in particular, doesn't know magic, can't handle a short sword to save his life, and is only okay at the bow. But back to the topic. Looking at an elf from a non-fantasy viewpoint one could make the claim that an elf is nothing more than a human with pointed ears (magic in fantasy can go with any type of character so is a moot point) or just the title of "elf".
Fairies: Sure they have wings and magic but are they too close to humans? I have only read a few novels with fairy characters and very few have them as a few inches tall like Tinkerbell. Often they are the same height as humans though types of wings vary. Fey have a long history in lore and so much more depth behind them than I can do justice in a small paragraph, but let's just say, to a non-fantasy reader or even some fantasy readers, they do have some very human-like qualities in some cases.
Just two examples but what is my point? That some fantasy creatures are similar to humans and there is nothing wrong with it.
Yep. I wrote this newsletter to ramble about human-like characters in fantasy and just to say it doesn't matter they are so close to human but don't worry I have reasons as to why. In fact, I have 2 big reasons why elves, fairies, dwarves, and such are allowed to be very much like humans.
Reason #1
Relation to Reader:
While some readers will have no problem reading about any type of character, no matter how strange or different they are in comparison, a number of readers like to relate to aspects of the character. It's easier to relate to a human-like being with pointed ears who likes dried fruit than say, a beast that is half lion and half warthog. Maybe a bad example. But the basic is: not human-like characters are harder to relate to for some readers. That is why for adult fantasy it's harder to sell a story with animal characters, or at least one of the reasons. It's not impossible but it's not easy either, and some end up self-publishing because their non-human viewpoint characters didn't work in traditional publishing. And with fantasy there are so many other elements that require a reader to suspend belief, it can be nice to have something a little closer to home in the mix.
Reason #2
The Other:
Another reason is that it creates conflict because of otherization. What I mean by that is having different creatures, adding something that makes someone "different," can provide both internal and external conflict. Notice how often the elves don't like the humans or the dwarves don't like the elves in epic fantasy? There is tension created when and also groups created by having non-humans. In some stories this reflects on our own social issues like racism and even issues over sexual orientation. Prime example would be the coming out scene in the X-Men movie, where the "mutation" was the difference but it reflects a teen coming out. The main character can be struggling with how they are different from others, or they can struggle against someone who is different than them. There are many options available, which is what makes it work. And conflict is important.
Or at least, these are my thoughts on the topic. But I'm a fantasy enthusiast and well elves are awesome! What do you think?
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There are many fantasy writers on the site so it wasn't easy picking items out of the plethora available. Also have a few contests to feature.
Stories/Poems:
A fairy poem to enjoy.
Dragons: These aren't human-like but the story is told without humans. Written for a non-fantasy contest, that focused on romance.
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#1924406 by Not Available. |
An elf and 2 mages in one story because I couldn't help myself. Plus it has evil something or other and a magical talisman.
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#1944689 by Not Available. |
A human-like character struggles to accept the difference she has because in the end she isn't human.
An interesting start of a story featuring a character who is "gifted but human". It's the beginning of a novel but caught my attention.
Contests:
This is a flash fiction contest that focuses on different creatures in fantasy. Some have human-like qualities and others not so much, depends on the week and the prompt.
Certain supernatural characters also happen to have a close to human set of qualities to them. This monthly contests allows for a variety of stories
A novel contest that is limited to certain groups but group membership isn't too difficult to acquire. One of the groups is a fantasy group and the other group for the contest is a general writing group with different activities running. Long deadline for novel, so plenty of time to write and edit.
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For a more adult approach, this contest combines fantasy and erotica. And if anything, having human-like characters may make for an easier appeal in this one more than some of the others.
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This is my first fantasy newsletter (I've had a few firsts when it comes to newsletters) but I will be seen again in September back with fantasy so look for any feedback to be featured then. For now I will just ask some questions.
Do you prefer fantasy characters who are human, like human or not like human?
Is there a reason you think the creatures are similar to humans?
Or, do you think that the characters aren't like humans really?
What do you think?
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