High Fantasy vs Low Fantasy: Key Differences Explained
What really is the difference between low fantasy and high fantasy? Let’s break the two subgenres up and find what lies at their core.
Whether it’s an epic battle between kingdoms in an entirely fictional world or a subtle, magical disturbance in an otherwise normal setting, fantasy fiction continues to captivate readers of all ages. But not all fantasy stories are created equal. Ask any seasoned reader or writer of the genre and they’ll tell you: there’s a world of difference between high fantasy and low fantasy.
So, what is high fantasy? What is low fantasy? And, why does it matter?
From magical creatures to magical powers, let’s find out the answers about low and high fantasy.
Table of Contents
What is High Fantasy?
High fantasy stories are set in an entirely fictional world, similar to other styles of the genre like epic fantasy. These settings are rich with magical elements, fantastical creatures, and mythical powers that go far beyond the scope of our reality. The rules of physics might bend, dragons may rule the skies, and magic is all around.
Think of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings, or the Seven Kingdoms of A Song of Ice and Fire. These are worlds that feel vast, ancient, and fully realised. They often feature sprawling casts, deep histories, magical elements, and grand coming-of-age stories, all set against the backdrop of epic battles and dark forces rising. The primary world of these stories is one that is made up entirely and can cross over into other genres such as dark fantasy or epic fantasy.
What is Low Fantasy?
Low fantasy is often in a world similar to our own or even set in our world with some fantasy elements included. A low fantasy setting might be a modern city haunted by supernatural powers, or a historical version of Earth where myth bleeds into fact. The rules of reality still apply, but magic whispers from the shadows.
You’ll often find urban fantasy, magical realism, and historical fantasy falling under the low fantasy umbrella. The effect is subtler, but no less powerful.
Low fantasy stories can be set in an alternate world and some fantastical elements, but these fantasy stories include more subtle world building. There may only be minor magical and fantasy elements in low fantasy novels, in fact it could pass as our own reality with small changes in an otherwise normal world.
Why Does it Matter to Readers?
Understanding the high fantasy vs low fantasy difference allows you to unlock more of what you love in reading. For your next fantasy novel are you pulled towards a more contemporary fantasy, or a traditional fantasy story?
High fantasy offers escapism on a grand scale, with entire cultures, languages, and histories to explore. Low fantasy, on the other hand, delivers magic close to home, raising questions about the world we live in and the hidden forces that might be at play.
Knowing what genre and subgenre a book is helps you know what to expect when starting a new read. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a strict binary.
Many stories blend both elements, existing somewhere on a spectrum. Star Wars, for example, is often considered science fiction, but it contains strong fantasy elements like magic (the Force), epic battles, and chosen heroes. Meanwhile, some modern fantasy fiction may look like low fantasy but contain sprawling world-building typical of high fantasy.
In short: fantasy fiction is as fluid and imaginative as the worlds it creates. The only hard part is finding enough room on your TBR to include all the books that spike your interest.
Common Tropes in High Fantasy
When readers crack open a high fantasy novel, they’re often stepping into familiar themes. These stories lean into epic fantasy tropes that speak to our love of myths, legends, and larger-than-life quests. Done well, these tropes aren’t clichés, they act as building blocks.
Some common tropes you’ll find in the high fantasy genre include:
- The chosen one
- A dark lord
- An epic quest
- Intricate world-building
- Found family
- End of the world
- Magical artefacts
Common Tropes in Low Fantasy
In low fantasy stories, the magic may be hidden or limited, but the storytelling is no less powerful. These tales often blend the real world setting with supernatural elements, and the tropes they explore reflect the tension between the mundane and the magical.
Low fantasy tropes you’ll often see include:
- Hidden magic
- Secret worlds
- Learning magic
- Hidden protagonists
- Magic realism
- Historical retellings
The Magic Lies in the Balance
Whether you’re drawn to high fantasy or low fantasy, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the genre. Both offer powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the kind of imaginative escape that only fantasy fiction can provide.
Whether you’ve been reading fantasy fiction for years or you’re just beginning to dip your toes into the genre, there’s always more to discover.
If you’re new to fantasy, you might start with stories in the low fantasy genre, or perhaps you’re ready to dive headfirst into a completely different realm, where magic systems, ancient prophecies, and epic battles drive the story forward. And if you’re already a fan? There’s still plenty of room to wander. Genres blend, tropes evolve, and new voices continue to reshape what fantasy can be.
Explore More with Fantasy Books
Today, fantasy is a space for limitless creativity. Whether set in a magical kingdom, a normal world touched by the supernatural, or something entirely in between, fantasy fiction continues to evolve while staying rooted in the universal act of imagining something more. It gives up the room to hope, learn empathy, and even just escape into the magical world for a few hours.
Looking for more deep dives into fantasy? Explore more with the great fantasy authors of the genre.