The origins of the fantasy genre in literature have long been debated. Many books have contributed to the development of this genre, but when we look for the first fantasy book, one stands out in particular. Understanding what is considered the first fantasy book requires a deep dive into the evolution of storytelling, mythology, and literature as a whole. While modern fantasy, shaped by authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and George R.R. Martin, may seem to dominate the landscape today, the roots of the genre go far deeper into the past. What Is Considered The First Fantasy Book? In this article, we will explore the origins of fantasy literature and analyze what is widely regarded as the first fantasy book.
The Birth of Fantasy
Before we can discuss the first fantasy book, it’s important to understand the broader roots of the genre. The elements that define fantasy—magic, mythical creatures, and alternate worlds—are deeply embedded in ancient mythologies, folklore, and religious texts. From the stories of gods and heroes in Ancient Greece and Rome to Norse sagas and Celtic legends, these ancient tales laid the foundation for modern fantasy literature.
Mythological tales were among the first to weave magic and adventure into the narrative. In many ways, these early myths acted as the precursor to what would eventually become the fantasy genre. For example, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey contain a wealth of magical elements, such as gods intervening in mortal affairs, shape-shifting, and epic quests. Similarly, the Norse Eddas and Sagas introduced readers to fantastic realms, magical beings, and heroic quests that became staples of fantasy literature.
These early mythological works were not necessarily considered “fantasy” in the way we understand it today, but they offered a rich tapestry of the supernatural and extraordinary, which would later become central to the genre.
The Evolution of Fantasy in Literature
As civilization progressed and the influence of the Church grew, much of the ancient mythology was relegated to the realm of legend or superstition. However, the desire for tales of magic and adventure never completely disappeared. The Middle Ages, with its chivalric tales, knights, and dragons, provided fertile ground for the growth of the fantasy genre. Epic poems like the Song of Roland and the Arthurian legends, most famously told in Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory, began to blend the ideals of medieval knighthood with the allure of supernatural forces.
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, literature took a turn toward reason and rationality. Yet, in parallel, there remained a fascination with the mystical and the unknown. Early works of fantasy literature continued to emerge in different forms, from fairy tales to allegorical texts, which frequently featured magical elements. The work of writers like John Milton (Paradise Lost, 1667) contributed to this growing interest in the supernatural, as Milton’s epic narrative explored divine beings, angels, and a cosmic battle between good and evil.
The First Fantasy Book
Now, we arrive at the central question: what is considered the first fantasy book? Several candidates could be considered the “first” fantasy novel, depending on how we define fantasy. Modern definitions typically involve a narrative that contains elements of magic, mythical creatures, and an imaginary world that is not bound by the rules of the real world.
One of the earliest works widely considered to be the first true fantasy novel is The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678) by John Bunyan. This allegorical story, though not fantasy in the modern sense, is often seen as a precursor to the genre. It tells the story of Christian, a man on a journey to the Celestial City, and is filled with fantastical beings and places. However, it is not necessarily a “fantasy” novel as we think of it today, since its primary focus is on spiritual and moral lessons rather than the exploration of magical worlds.
However, if we are talking about fantasy literature in the modern sense—complete with magic, mythical creatures, and a fully realized alternate world—the crown for the “first fantasy book” is most often attributed to The Faerie Queen (1590) by Edmund Spenser. This epic poem is a cornerstone of English literature, combining allegory, myth, and fantasy in a richly imaginative work. It tells the story of the knights of the Red Cross, who embark on a quest to fight evil and defend virtue. The work is filled with supernatural creatures, such as dragons, witches, and monsters, and introduces readers to an entire magical world.
Though Spenser’s The Faerie Queen contains many elements that would later become hallmarks of fantasy literature, its blend of allegory and mythological references means it’s not strictly a “fantasy novel” in the modern sense of the term. But it’s important to recognize that Spenser’s influence on later generations of writers, including those of the Romantic and Victorian eras, set the stage for the development of the fantasy genre.
The Birth of the Modern Fantasy Novel
The first true modern fantasy book is generally considered to be The Hobbit (1937) by J.R.R. Tolkien. This groundbreaking work introduced the concept of a secondary world populated by hobbits, elves, dwarves, dragons, and wizards. It was one of the earliest novels to fully embrace the idea of an entirely fictional world that operated on its own set of rules, a hallmark of modern fantasy literature. Tolkien’s success in creating a fully realized world in The Hobbit—and later in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (1954-1955)—was a major influence on the development of the fantasy genre.
Tolkien’s world-building was unparalleled in its depth and intricacy. His writing was inspired by European mythology, linguistics, and his love for epic storytelling. In The Hobbit, the protagonist Bilbo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey that involves magic rings, treasure hoards, and a host of mythical creatures. Tolkien’s work is rich with elements of high fantasy: a hero’s journey, a struggle between good and evil, and an intricate backstory.
In many ways, The Hobbit was the catalyst that defined what we now consider modern fantasy. Tolkien’s influence on the genre is profound, and his work helped pave the way for countless authors who would go on to explore similar themes in their own fictional worlds.
Other Early Influences on Fantasy Literature
While The Hobbit is widely considered the first modern fantasy book, there were other authors who laid the groundwork for the genre even before Tolkien’s rise to prominence. The works of writers like George MacDonald and Lord Dunsany were instrumental in shaping the early stages of modern fantasy.
MacDonald, in particular, was a major influence on Tolkien and other writers of the genre. His works, such as Phantastes (1858) and The Princess and the Goblin (1872), featured elements of magic and fairy tales, blending fantasy with profound philosophical questions. MacDonald’s writing was imbued with a deep sense of wonder, and he was one of the earliest authors to write fantasy for an adult audience.
Lord Dunsany’s The Gods of Pegāna (1905), which introduced readers to a fantastical pantheon of gods and cosmic forces, is another key early work in the development of modern fantasy literature. Dunsany’s works were steeped in myth and were among the first to introduce the idea of a completely imaginary world.
The Impact of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Tolkien’s works had an immeasurable impact on the fantasy genre, ushering in what is known as the “Golden Age” of fantasy. Authors such as C.S. Lewis, who penned The Chronicles of Narnia series, and later writers like Robert Jordan and George R.R. Martin, drew heavily from Tolkien’s influence, shaping their own worlds of magic, politics, and adventure.
Tolkien’s use of language and mythology in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings became the gold standard for world-building in the genre. The depth of his storytelling, combined with the rich backstories and complex characters, set a precedent for subsequent authors. These works also introduced the concept of high fantasy—stories set in entirely fictional worlds with epic struggles between good and evil.
Conclusion
The question of what constitutes the “first fantasy book” may not have a definitive answer. It depends on how one defines the genre and the elements that are considered essential to fantasy. While works like The Faerie Queen and The Pilgrim’s Progress contain early elements of fantasy, it is The Hobbit that is often regarded as the first true fantasy novel in the modern sense of the term.
Through its magic, adventure, and world-building, The Hobbit helped lay the foundation for the genre as we know it today. Its influence on fantasy literature is immeasurable, and it remains a beloved and timeless work that continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike.
