Fantasy literature, as a genre, has a rich and intricate history that stretches back centuries, even before the term “fantasy” became associated with the fantastical stories we enjoy today. The origins of fantasy novels are a subject of much debate, with scholars and readers offering different viewpoints on which work truly deserves the title of the “first” fantasy novel. This article aims to delve into the origins of fantasy literature and uncover the first work that might just deserve this distinction. We will explore key elements of fantasy storytelling, significant works that influenced the genre, and analyze the claim of being the “first fantasy novel.”
Fantasy Literature
Fantasy, as a genre, involves the use of supernatural elements, magic, and imaginary worlds that break away from the boundaries of our everyday existence. It is a genre that allows readers to escape into realms of wonder, where the impossible becomes possible. The genre is often defined by its inclusion of mythical creatures, epic quests, and magical systems that shape the narrative. While we think of modern fantasy as an epic and intricate genre, it has historical roots that trace back to ancient myths, folklore, and legends.
For centuries, stories of gods, heroes, and mystical realms formed the foundation of storytelling traditions across cultures. From ancient Greek myths to the epic tales of King Arthur in the medieval world, the seeds of fantasy were planted long before the genre as we know it emerged. However, the term “fantasy novel” specifically refers to works of fiction that combine these mythical elements into a novel-length narrative. So, when we speak of the “first” fantasy novel, we are referring to the very first work that encapsulated these elements and set the stage for the genre to evolve.
The Rise of the Fantasy Novel
To understand the development of fantasy novels, it is essential to look at the historical context in which they emerged. During the 19th and 20th centuries, there was a significant shift in the way people thought about literature. The idea of fiction as a form of entertainment, rather than as a tool for religious or moral instruction, opened the door for new forms of imaginative writing.
As the Industrial Revolution transformed society and people sought new forms of entertainment and escapism, the demand for novels that transported readers to other worlds grew. The Victorian era, in particular, saw a surge in the popularity of fairy tales, Gothic literature, and adventure stories. But it was in this period that a shift occurred that laid the groundwork for what we now understand as the fantasy genre.
Authors began to craft more substantial and complex works that blended elements of myth, legend, and the supernatural into cohesive, novel-length narratives. It was during this time that the genre of fantasy truly began to take shape.
John Ruskin and the Fairy Tale Influence
Before we can identify the first true fantasy novel, it’s important to acknowledge the influence of fairy tales and folklore, which laid the groundwork for much of the genre. One of the early figures in shaping the fantasy genre is John Ruskin, an English critic, and writer, who contributed significantly to the development of fairy tale literature. In his writings, Ruskin brought attention to the intersection of the imaginary and the real, helping to define what we would later come to recognize as fantastical storytelling.
Ruskin’s work, particularly in his contributions to the fairy tale genre, helped establish some key principles that would later manifest in the fantasy novel. He popularized themes of adventure, magic, and the exploration of otherworldly realms that would inspire later authors, such as George MacDonald.
George MacDonald: The First True Fantasy Author?
When considering the origins of fantasy novels, one of the most significant figures to mention is George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and minister. His works are often cited as some of the earliest and most important examples of fantasy fiction. MacDonald was influenced by Romanticism, and his works combined elements of fairy tales, mythology, and Christian allegory, which created a deep sense of otherworldliness and the supernatural.
MacDonald’s most notable works include Phantastes (1858) and The Princess and the Goblin (1872). Of these, Phantastes is often regarded as the first true fantasy novel. It tells the story of a young man named Anodos, who journeys into a fantastical world of fairies, strange creatures, and magical realms. The narrative structure of Phantastes is dreamlike and often surreal, with MacDonald using allegory and symbolism to explore themes of self-discovery, morality, and spirituality.
Phantastes is often considered the precursor to modern fantasy literature. Its blend of mythical elements and an otherworldly narrative makes it a pivotal work in the genre’s history. While it may not have achieved widespread popularity at the time of its release, its influence on future writers, including C.S. Lewis, is undeniable. Lewis even credited MacDonald with shaping his own approach to fantasy literature.
The Influence of The Lord of the Rings
When considering the first true fantasy novel, it’s essential to acknowledge the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. While Tolkien’s work is not the first fantasy novel, it arguably defined and popularized the genre in the 20th century. Tolkien, a scholar of ancient myths and languages, created a rich, immersive world in Middle-earth that combined elements of ancient myth, language, and folklore with a novel-length narrative.
Tolkien’s works brought the genre into the mainstream and defined many of the conventions of modern fantasy. However, his influence is only possible because of the foundational works that came before him, such as those of George MacDonald.
Other Early Fantasy Works
There are several other early works that have been cited as potential firsts in the fantasy genre. One such work is The Well at the World’s End (1896) by William Morris, which is often regarded as one of the first epic fantasy novels. Morris’s work combines elements of medieval romance, adventure, and myth, creating a narrative that has many of the hallmarks of modern fantasy.
In addition to MacDonald and Morris, writers like Lord Dunsany and E.R. Eddison also contributed significantly to the development of the genre. Lord Dunsany’s works, such as The Gods of Pegāna (1905), offered readers a unique blend of myth and fantasy, while Eddison’s The Worm Ouroboros (1922) was an early example of high fantasy, with its rich world-building and epic storyline.
The Case for Phantastes as the First Fantasy Novel
While there are several works that could be considered precursors to the modern fantasy novel, Phantastes by George MacDonald is often cited as the first true fantasy novel. Its dreamlike structure, blending of mythological themes, and exploration of self-discovery set it apart from earlier works of fiction. Moreover, MacDonald’s work laid the foundation for many of the themes and conventions that would come to define the genre, including the use of magical realms, mythical creatures, and allegorical narratives.
MacDonald’s influence on later fantasy writers is undeniable, with authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien citing his work as a major inspiration. His focus on spiritual growth, moral lessons, and the transformative power of the imagination made Phantastes an important milestone in the development of fantasy literature.
Conclusion
The question of what constitutes the “first” fantasy novel is one that may never have a definitive answer. However, it is clear that Phantastes by George MacDonald holds a special place in the history of the genre. While earlier works may have contained fantastical elements, MacDonald’s novel represents the first fully formed example of what we now recognize as the fantasy novel. Its influence on later authors, its imaginative use of magic and mythical creatures, and its dreamlike narrative structure set it apart as a foundational work in the genre’s history.
As the fantasy genre continues to evolve and expand, it is important to remember the works that laid the groundwork for modern fantasy. From the early tales of myth and legend to the first true fantasy novels, these stories have shaped the way we think about imagination, adventure, and escapism. And while the genre has grown and changed over time, it is clear that Phantastes will always hold a special place as one of the first and most influential fantasy novels of all time.
