8 Good Reasons Why Everyone Should Read Fantasy

I’ve had a strong affection for fantasy literature ever since I was a young child. It all started with a well-worn copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, handed down from my older cousin. Bilbo Baggins’ adventures captured my attention, and before I knew it, I was avoiding giant spiders, climbing the perilous Lonely Mountain, and solving fun riddles with Gollum.

I became more and more amazed by this magical subgenre. I found myself traveling through the wardrobe to the snowy world of Narnia with the Pevensie children, sneaking past Aslan, and exploring the halls of Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, and Ron in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. My world and my imagination grew with each new page.

Years later, as an adult, I discovered more about the breadth and depth of more challenging fantasy series like Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight, and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. These books introduced me to characters who felt as real to me as anyone I knew, and they took me on grand adventures that crossed continents and entangled me in complex political intrigues.

I am certain that fantasy has shaped me, molded my mind, and expanded my worldview. I’m here to persuade you to enter this genre if you’re still on the fence about it.

Here are eight reasons why everyone should read fantasy books:

1. You can discover new fictional worlds through fantasy

The realm of fantasy is one of infinite possibilities. It’s a genre where writers are free to use their imaginations to create complex, painstakingly detailed worlds that are never seen before. You are suddenly transported from the busy streets of our reality into a universe filled with imposing castles, enigmatic creatures, and mythical races.

For instance, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn introduces us to the Final Empire, a planet where some people have the capacity to ingest metals and acquire special abilities.

The Final Empire is a world covered in a continuous ashfall. It is an immersive experience that challenges our capacity for imagination and compels us to imagine and comprehend societies, cultures, and beings that are very dissimilar from our own. In addition to fostering our creative thinking, this discovery of new worlds also promotes cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for diversity.

2. Fantasy promotes deep thought

Fantasy encompasses more than just dragons and magic. This genre explores deep themes and timeless truths using fantastical elements. Take Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series as an example. On the surface, it appears to be an epic tale of good versus evil, but if you look closer, you’ll discover that it is rife with issues regarding time, fate, and free will.

This series challenged me to ponder on the cyclical nature of time and the balance between predestination and personal choice. Such complex narratives compel reflection, allowing us to consider our own beliefs and values critically and challenge accepted norms and conventions.

3. Fantasy helps you see the world in a new light

Fantasy provides us with new insights into societal issues, human nature, and the larger world by holding up a warped mirror to our reality. For instance, George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is a rich tapestry of political intrigue, power struggles, and moral quandaries that mirrors our contemporary conflicts and difficulties.

I had to rethink how I viewed leadership, power, and sacrifice in light of Daenerys Targaryen’s ambitions and Jon Snow’s honor-bound responsibilities. The genre offers us a secure setting in which to reevaluate our assumptions and re-imagine possibilities that go beyond the bounds of our present reality.

4. It develops empathy and understanding

The characters in fantasy come from a wide variety of backgrounds. No matter how different they are from us, we can relate to them because we see the world through their eyes and experience their worries, hopes, and problems.

The Harry Potter series introduced us to an orphan who grew to be a hero. Name of the Wind gave us Kvothe, a talented musician and ardent student, and Mistborn gave us Vin, a street brawler who became a revolutionary hero.

The journeys of each character help us to comprehend and value various points of view, developing a deeper sense of acceptance and empathy that transcends the confines of a book.

5. Fantasy promotes bravery and tenacity

Fantasy book protagonists frequently go through a lot of hardships. They are forced to take on dangerous missions and overcome impossible challenges. But they keep going despite everything. In The Wheel of Time, we see Rand al’Thor develop from a straightforward farm boy into the Dragon Reborn.

His journey, which was filled with arduous obstacles and difficult sacrifices, is proof of the bravery and resiliency of people. Through the experiences of these characters, we are reminded that there is always hope and strength to get through even the most challenging situations. On a few difficult occasions, I thought, ‘What would Harry do in this situation?’ and that gave me courage.

6. Fantasy encourages innovation and creativity

Fantasy values imaginative thinking. Whether it’s the complex Allomancy magic system in Mistborn or the bewitching Hogwarts lore in Harry Potter, each distinctive element inspires our imagination and challenges us to think creatively.

Fans frequently create their own fan fiction, spells, maps of fantastical worlds, and other fan-created content. This creative exercise has practical applications as well; creativity and original thought are highly prized in a variety of industries, from science and technology to the arts and entertainment.

7. Fantasy provides pure escapism and relief

Let’s face it; life can be challenging. We all experience a fair amount of daily stress. Occasionally, all we require is a brief respite from our concerns. Here is where fantasy really excels. It provides us with a window into a universe where anything is conceivable.

Our daily worries are greatly relieved by joining Frodo on his arduous journey to Mordor or fighting alongside Daenerys and her dragons against her enemies. But it’s not just about escape; when we return to our own reality after a brief period of disengagement, it frequently gives us new perspectives and insights.

8. Fantasy gives you the taste of Many other genres

The flexibility and inclusivity of the fantasy genre are what make it so beautiful. This genre incorporates elements from numerous other genres.

Fantasy frequently offers a delectable fusion of romance, suspense, horror, and more, from the romantic arcs in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander to the gripping mysteries in Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files or the chilling themes in Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight. There is a fantasy book out there for every reader’s taste, whether they prefer suspenseful mysteries, heartwarming romances, or action-packed adventures.

Final thoughts:

There is much more to the world of fantasy than meets the eye. It’s a treasure trove of fantastical creatures, unfamiliar worlds, endearing characters, and compelling stories that enrich, enlighten, and empower us rather than just entertain us.

Fantasy takes us to new places, expands our minds to inconceivable possibilities, and tests our capacity for imagination. It challenges us to consider challenging issues, frequently provoking reflection and critical thinking. It enables us to see reality in a new light by reflecting on our own world through a fantastical lens, prompting us to doubt conventional wisdom and consider alternative viewpoints.

It fosters our empathy and understanding while teaching us to value and respect differences through its diverse cast of characters. These characters’ struggles serve as an example of bravery and resiliency that we can use in our everyday lives. Fantasy has an unrivaled ability to spark creativity, inspiring us to dream, invent, and push the limits of our thinking.

Fantasy is fundamentally a haven from the struggles of everyday life. It offers escape without disengagement, giving us not only a short-term retreat but also new knowledge and viewpoints. Finally, because of its diversity and inclusivity, the romance, mystery, thriller, and horror subgenres all fit within it.

I can vouch for the transformative power of this genre as an avid reader of fantasy. Fantasy has always been a part of my life, whether I was a young child exploring Middle-Earth, Hogwarts, or Narnia or an adult navigating the complex worlds of the Wheel of Time and Westeros. Fantasy has influenced my worldview, sparked my creativity, and given me solace when things are hard.

I strongly advise you to explore this magical world if you haven’t already. Choose a fantasy book, then allow yourself to be carried away on a fantastical adventure. You might discover, as I did, that fantasy not only changes how we read but also how we live.