Fantasy in Sweden and Scandinavia – A Broad Concept

Fantasy is a very broad term that can refer to various elements of culture, such as literature, cinematography, different types of games, and sometimes even painting. In the most general sense, fantasy encompasses everything that is impossible in the real world.

In literature, the term "fantasy" refers to a specific way of creating a story. It involves constructing a fictional world that, in one way or another, significantly differs from the real world we live in (often blending with factual elements such as physics or history). Authors usually achieve this by adding magical elements and characters, inventing an entirely new land or a backstory preceding the main events, creating their own languages, and many other techniques. A perfect example of this is J. R. R. Tolkien’s famous trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. The story unfolds in Middle-earth, a world created by the author, and features unique beings such as dragons, hobbits, dwarves, and elves.

However, despite the apparent originality, authors often seek inspiration in pre-existing works—both fictional and those rooted in reality. This is why many fantasy works incorporate elements drawn from fairy tales, mythology, historical chronicles, traditions, and folklore.

Another defining feature of fantasy is its flexibility and fluidity. Its boundaries can be easily shifted and modified. It is difficult to place fantasy within rigid confines, which adds to its uniqueness and provides immense room for creativity and imagination. Fantasy stories can cover almost any topic, from love and friendship to politics, social issues, adventures, and explorations, all the way to themes of death, crime mysteries, and even murder.

THE HISTORY OF THE GENRE FANTASY IN SWEDEN

Supernatural and fantastical elements have appeared in literature since ancient times. These elements were already present in mythology, which narrated human destinies and attempted to explain the history of the world and various phenomena.

For example, the comedies of Aristophanes, who wrote in ancient Athens, were filled with fantastic components. A noteworthy example is his play The Birds, in which an Athenian builds a city in the clouds with birds, challenging the authority of Zeus, the supreme Greek god. However, fantasy was not exclusive to Greek literature; it also appeared in Roman works. Influential pieces such as Metamorphoses by Ovid and The Golden Ass by Apuleius contributed to the development of the genre. Drawing from mythological elements, these renowned authors demonstrated how myth could be seamlessly integrated into literary works. Both of these texts contain complex narratives in which humans transform into animals and even inanimate objects.

There are also many works where the boundary between reality and fantasy is blurred. Considering the limited knowledge and awareness of different topics throughout history, it is unclear whether authors genuinely believed in the fantastical elements they wrote about or saw them as pure fiction. For this reason, pinpointing a specific moment in literary and world history when fantasy, in its modern sense, first emerged is difficult.

MODERN SWEDISH FANTASY LITERATURE

Although the history of fantasy literature in its contemporary form began with The King of the Golden River by John Ruskin, published in 1841, the true pioneer of the genre is considered to be the Scottish writer George MacDonald. His works, such as Phantastes (1858) and The Princess and the Goblin (1872), significantly influenced later fantasy literature. Phantastes is often regarded as the first fantasy novel written specifically for adults. Over time, MacDonald's writing profoundly impacted major fantasy authors like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, fantasy literature began to gain widespread popularity. This period saw the emergence of a subgenre known as the "lost world," which captivated readers. Several classic fantasy works were published during this time, including Peter Pan by Sir James Matthew Barrie and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

Fantasy works were generally more accepted when targeted at children and young readers rather than adults. Consequently, many fantasy stories were classified as children’s literature. This was the case with The Lord of the Rings, which, for a long time, was categorized as a book for younger audiences.

As the years passed and societies underwent political and social transformations, literature adapted to these changes. Popular trends and new literary movements influenced how people perceived fantasy. For example, in 20th-century China, scientific advancements and the influence of Western nations led to the perception of magic, enchanted objects, and fictional lands as superstitious and outdated. The rise of communism further hindered the genre's development. Only after the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976 did fantasy begin to re-emerge in Chinese literature.

In Western countries, fantasy gained popularity through pulp magazines—affordable periodicals filled with popular fiction and printed on low-quality paper. These magazines played a crucial role in spreading fantasy literature, particularly in the United States and Great Britain. As a result, the science fiction subgenre began to thrive. In 1923, Weird Tales, the first magazine entirely dedicated to fantasy, was published in America.

Over time, fantasy literature continued to develop and attract an increasing number of enthusiasts. By the late 1960s, the "high fantasy" subgenre had emerged, featuring stories entirely set in imaginary worlds. Works like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien brought fantasy into the mainstream. Other significant contributions that solidified the genre’s position included The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis and Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin.

In the 21st century, fantasy literature remains highly popular, with its influence continuing to grow. Timeless series such as Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling and The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski serve as prime examples of the genre's lasting appeal.

SUBGENRES OF FANTASY

Fantasy is generally divided into three main subgenres:

• Fantasy
• Science Fiction
• Horror

Fantasy is a subset of speculative fiction distinguished by its use of magic, supernatural occurrences, and mythical creatures. Though the stories are unrealistic, they maintain internal consistency and logic. The narratives often take place in fictional worlds governed by their own rules. Authors frequently draw inspiration from folklore, legends, myths, historical records, and oral traditions. Unlike fairy tales, fantasy literature avoids phrases like "once upon a time" or "in a distant land," as time and space are usually well-defined within the fictional setting.

Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) is based on speculative elements that are not real but do not exclude the possibility of becoming real. Unlike fantasy, science fiction focuses on technological progress and the potential future impact of scientific advancements on individuals and societies. It explores futuristic concepts, space exploration, and parallel worlds.

Horror (also known as dark fantasy) aims to evoke fear, unease, and even disgust in readers. The genre often features eerie creatures such as monsters, werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and zombies. Common themes include paranormal phenomena, possessions, haunted objects, and graphic depictions of violence.

SCANDINAVIAN FANTASY

Although English-language fantasy novels dominate the global market, authors from other countries also contribute significantly to the genre. Notable examples include Andrzej Sapkowski, whose The Witcher series has been translated into numerous languages, and Stanisław Lem, a foundational figure in Polish speculative fiction. Similarly, Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have produced compelling and intriguing fantasy works.

Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, best known for her children’s literature, also wrote three fantasy novels: Mio, My Son (1954), The Brothers Lionheart (1973), and Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter (1981). Meanwhile, horror and supernatural fiction fans may appreciate Let the Right One In (2004) by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Norwegian fantasy has also gained recognition, particularly through Siri Pettersen’s The Raven Rings trilogy, inspired by Norse mythology.

Fantasy literature remains a dynamic and evolving genre, continuing to captivate readers worldwide.