6 Common Classic Fantasy Tropes
As I read different fantasy books, especially classic older books, I find myself thinking of many different tropes that often show themselves in multiple stories and series. These tropes often help sink the story into being a ‘fantasy’ story instead of another genre. I thought it would be fun to share a few of the ones I’ve been thinking about recently and, hopefully, hear your thoughts on these different tropes.
1. Prophecies
A prophecy that defines the fate of the world is one of the most classic tropes in fantasy stories. There are many books that include this device to create a framework for plot development. Having a prophecy gives direction to many aspects of a book. It gives a direction to the plot as characters try to fulfill or subvert destiny. The trope gives expectations to both the characters themselves as well as the reader. Everyone expects something to happen or expect something to be prevented (depending on wether the prophecy is positive or negative). In many ways, this trope provides suspense for the reader. The story will make you question if the prophecy will come true, how it will come true, and when will it come true.
Examples: Sword of Truth, Belgariad, Sword of Shannara, Wheel of Time, A Song of Ice and Fire
Personally, I happen to really like this trope. It is always really exciting to think of a grand destiny that a person or a world has fixed in their future. When that destiny is bad and world ending, it is amazing to see the characters come together to fight that seemingly futile fight and win or to see them help destiny along to ensure that good things come to pass.
2. Born with a Destiny
The main character of a fantasy story is often born for greatness even though he or she is unaware. It seems that this trope usually has the character born into more humble means and later it is revealed to them that they are actually a very important person who will change the world. This could be the person who is going to fulfill a prophecy, or he or she might be destined for something that is great and world changing but the details are yet unknown. This can really help build a character up and entice the reader to know how they will handle their awesome future.
Examples: Sword of Shannara, Belgariad, Sword of Truth, Darksword Trilogy, The Furies of Calderon
I really like this trope as well because it inspires me to feel like there is a great destiny to out there that I can enjoy and experience right alongside the characters in the book. It is thrilling and always leads to a great adventure. Plus I like to see how the character evolves into someone who is meant to change the course of the world.
3. Group of Heroes
In many fantasy books, there isn’t just a main character. Instead, there is a whole group of characters that are important to the story and to the success of whatever journey they are on. Sometimes there is still a central character that will be the lynch pin in the end, and sometimes all the characters are equal in importance and focus. These stories allow readers many different kinds of characters to connect with and care about. This can help draw the reader deeper into the story since he or she has many fictional friends to engage with.
Examples: Dragonlance, Belgariad, Lord of the Rings
This kind of story can be a nice change from time to time. I am a character focused reader, meaning I really need to connect and enjoy the characters in order to like and connect to the story. Having a group of heroes really helps give me plenty of characters to enjoy and relate to. Plus, it is nice to see how the group acts as a whole and in their relationships with each other.
4. Magical Swords
Another common aspect in classic fantasy stories is having or finding a magical sword. This could include a sword that has magical powers, a consciousness of some kind, or magic that has been placed upon it to restrict how it is used or by whom. Usually, these swords are used by the main character and is often combined with other fantasy tropes (like having a prophecy or a character with a great destiny). Fantasy worlds are generally without advanced technology and weaponry, so it makes sense that the sword would be a prominent magical weapon in these stories.
Examples: Sword of Truth, Sword of Shannara, Darksword Trilogy
I have always enjoyed the idea of a magical sword that only the most worthy of heroes could use. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a classic fantasy novel not having a sword of some kind at least since it is such a staple. The first book I read with this trope was the Darksword Trilogy, and I was amazed at the concept of a sword that could nullify magic. This is a trope I hope to continue to see in new fantasy books with new ideas behind them.
5. Evil Characters Shrouded in Black Cloaks
The evil black cloak wearing villain aesthetic was probably founded by fantasy novels. Many stories have evil men, monsters, and magic users wearing black cloaks to signify them as mysterious and evil (or at least antagonists to the main character(s)). It is so popular, that it has become an announcement that all mysterious people walking around in a black cloak are likely to be an antagonist in some way. Though, some authors do try to take this idea and surprise their audience by subverting expectations.
Examples: Lord of the Rings, Sword of Shannara, Belgariad, Harry Potter
Even though this concept is so common, and is often in other types of stories beyond fantasy, I still find the imagery of an imposing figure wrapped in a dark cloak and concealing their features to be scary and intriguing. I honestly can’t say what I’d replace it with. Bad things happen in the dark, and strangers are scary. Having a stranger be unseen and wrapped in darkness is the perfect way to make me uneasy and inquisitive on what will happen next. So, even if it is a little cliché, I still think it is great to have in a story, especially if the author finds a way to make it fresh and new.
6. Wizard Guide
Magic often gives authority or power over other. Learning how to handle the responsibility of magic and to use it wisely helps create a very powerful and wise person. It is often this wise and powerful person who takes on the task of guiding the main character through the world and through different trials until he or she is able to complete the task bestowed upon them. The wizard helps teach the main character, helps them travel the world, and can protect them when necessary. This trope is mainly used when magic is a selective trait instead of commonly used by most people.
Examples: Lord of the Rings, Belgariad, Sword of Shannara, Sword of Truth, Wheel of Time
This trope works well in the stories I have seen it in, but it can only work well in certain worlds. I think it is completely subjective to the magic system the world has. If anyone can use magic, then it doesn’t really matter that the guide character has magic. It doesn’t grant them any authority. When magic is selective and only a distinct few can use it, the wizard guide trope works really well and adds a lot of depth to the guide as a defining trait.
What do you think of these six tropes? All of them are unique and have their own uses in their fantasy novels. I’d love to hear your thoughts about them as well as any other tropes you can think of!
