Subscribe to the Academy of Ideas Substack for more information on the next Battle and future events: https://clairefox.substack.com/subscribe THE RISE AND RISE OF FANTASY FICTION https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/session/the-rise-and-rise-of-fantasy-fiction/ Fantasy fiction is dominating bestseller lists, and its popularity is on the rise. A new generation of readers are devouring both traditional novels like Lord of the Rings, while also demonstrating a considerable rise in interest in ‘romantasy’ fiction, a contemporary blend of romance and fantasy that has captivated female readers but is often resented by ‘traditional’ fantasy fans. Fantasy fiction even has its own master’s degree in the UK, and fantasy novels are taught in universities alongside the classics of the canon. Is the influence of fantasy fiction still expanding? Fantasy has long been dismissed as escapism – providing an ‘easy read’ for those looking for an uncomplicated ‘happily ever after’. Some also dismiss lots of contemporary fantasy – especially that targeted at women like TikTok bestseller A Court of Thorns and Roses – as lazy erotica in disguise. And with the surge in worries about the manosphere, some are concerned that young men are turning to fantasy for toxic tropes of ‘real’ masculinity. Fantasy stories, with their crafted maps and intricate laws offer a sense of community for the atomised individual – a guide through higher ‘law’ and common cultural references. It allows for the exploration, meditation and individual interpretation of religion and spirituality in the twenty-first century. Often looking back to paganism and medieval religions, fantasy challenges current institutional forms and offers complex emotional relationships and moral choices, asking philosophical questions that may have otherwise been forgotten. Many see fantasy lands and laws as an alternative religion, acting as a guide in the mist of modern moral individualism. The media and the franchising industry has long been captivated by the fantasy genre, with many books being made into TV series or Hollywood films. The accessibility of these stories in multiple forms is deepening their influence and capturing audiences across realms. But fantasy fiction has gone through many phases and forms, so what has really accelerated this trend? Should we give fiction writers credit for influencing political and spiritual narratives through their moralised plot lines and alternative rules of law? With the influence of ancient mythologies, religion and historic codes of conduct, are fantasy fiction writers really constructing new worlds, or simply reflecting our own? Should we praise fantasy fiction for the moral dilemmas and controversies it brings to light, or should we question the dependence on alternative realms and contrived plotlines to grapple with these questions? Speakers Lara Brown commissioning editor, the Spectator; former president, Cambridge Union Dr JJ Charlesworth art critic; editor, ArtReview Helen Dale senior writer, Law & Liberty; author, Kingdom of the Wicked Blair Milo senior fellow, Sagamore Institute Chair Sandy Starr deputy director, Progress Educational Trust; author, AI: Separating Man from Machine