Low fantasy
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Low fantasy is an umbrella term, describing various works within different sub-genres of fantasy, to contrast specific works with high fantasy. Though a very vague term, features that may indicate low fantasy downplaying of epic or dramatic aspects; includes de-emphasising magic; real-world settings; favoring of realism, cynical storytelling; and dark fantasy. The archetypal example of low fantasy would be a story taking place in a quasi-historical setting where the protagonists lack a clear moral initiative and might be haunted or driven by a dark past or character flaw, and where conventional fantasy elements such as magic, elves, or dwarves are lacking or are absent.
There are many arguments about what constitutes the line between Low and High fantasy, but invariably in High Fantasy there is a moral dichotomy of altruistic good and unredeemable evil, and in low fantasy there are many shades of gray, where the "main character" is often an anti-hero. For instance, immoral elves or mercenary dwarves could commonly appear in a low fantasy tale, but rarely in high fantasy.
The Lord of the Rings is seen as the quintessential high fantasy tale that all others either emulate or studiously avoid, and so elves and dwarves and a commonality of magic are seen as the hallmarks of High Fantasy, but in truth it is the stark black and white separation of good and evil that locks it into the "High Fantasy" realm. Shadowrun, and the lore behind Shadowbane, are both examples of fantasy that includes elves and dwarves, in a setting without a clear good/evil dichotomy. Many of the White Wolf role-playing games would also be considered low fantasy, while including magic and/or "fantastical" races and themes because of the moral ambiguity of the setting. Also you have Star Wars that lacks typical High Fantasy races and has a sci-fi setting, yet maintains the High Fantasy good v. evil theme.
The Sword and Sorcery genre is the the style of fantasy writing most associated with Low Fantasy.
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[edit] Low fantasy in gaming
'Low fantasy' exists in role-playing games such as Shadowrun, Hârn, Seventh Sea, and the products of many d20 manufacturers like White Wolf, and Skirmisher Publishing LLC. [1] Examples in computer and video games include Darklands, Shadow Hearts, Shadowbane, Wurm Online, ArmageddonMUD, The Witcher and the Age of Conan.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- The Demarcation of Sword and Sorcery by Joseph A. McCullough V
