The Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Today, the genre is more diverse and expansive than ever before.

These games allowed players to create their own characters and explore richly detailed fantasy worlds, inspiring many authors to further explore the possibilities of fantasy action storytelling. The growing popularity of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons in the mid-to-late 20th century also played a role in the genre’s evolution. Meanwhile, Howard’s Conan the Barbarian series and Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia introduced new elements of action and adventure to the genre, expanding its scope and appeal. Tolkien, in particular, is often credited with creating the modern fantasy genre with his epic high-fantasy novel, “The Lord of the Rings.” This sweeping tale of hobbits, wizards, and dark lords captured the imaginations of readers around the world and inspired countless imitators and adaptations. With their groundbreaking stories and richly imagined worlds, these authors helped to define the genre and set the stage for generations of writers to come. The Evolution of the Genreįantasy action as a distinct category really took off in the 19th and 20th centuries, with writers such as J.R.R. Later, epic poems like “Beowulf” and “ The Odyssey” added new layers of depth and complexity to the genre. In the Middle Ages, chivalric romances like “ Tristan and Isolde” and “ The Song of Roland” introduced elements of courtly love and adventure to the fantasy genre. From the epic tales of the Greek gods and heroes to the legends of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, these stories have captivated audiences for centuries.Īs the genre evolved, it began to incorporate more diverse influences, drawing from a wide range of cultural traditions and literary styles. These tales of gods, heroes, and fantastic creatures inspired the imaginations of countless future writers. The roots of fantasy action literature can be traced back to ancient mythology and folklore.

The Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs