High Fantasy
The Hobbit
A foundational work following Bilbo Baggins on an adventure with dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. Establishes many fantasy tropes that would become genre staples.
Learn More →Fantasy Fiction for RPG Inspiration
Literary Foundations
Fantasy literature provides rich inspiration for tabletop roleplaying games, offering elaborate worlds, memorable characters, and narrative structures that can enhance any campaign. Many RPG systems and settings draw directly from these literary works, from character archetypes to magic systems and worldbuilding techniques.
Fantasy Subgenres
High Fantasy
Set in secondary worlds with their own consistent rules and often featuring clear moral distinctions. Magic typically plays a significant role. Examples include The Lord of the Rings and The Wheel of Time.
Epic Fantasy
Large-scale narratives often featuring world-changing events, ensemble casts, and complex political landscapes. Often spans multiple volumes with intricate plotting and extensive worldbuilding.
Grimdark
Characterized by moral ambiguity, graphic violence, and cynical worldviews. Typically features flawed protagonists and explores darker aspects of human nature. A reaction against more idealistic fantasy.
Sword & Sorcery
Focuses on personal, low-stakes adventures of skilled warriors facing supernatural threats. Often episodic with emphasis on action and atmosphere over comprehensive worldbuilding.
Classic Works
These foundational texts established many conventions of the fantasy genre and continue to influence both literature and tabletop roleplaying games today.
Sword & Sorcery
Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser
Chronicles of two roguish adventurers—the barbarian Fafhrd and the nimble thief Gray Mouser—as they seek fortune in the ancient city of Lankhmar. Defined the sword and sorcery subgenre.
Learn More →Mythic Fantasy
The Last Unicorn
A lyrical tale about a unicorn who discovers she may be the last of her kind and embarks on a journey to find others, encountering a bumbling magician and a bandit's group.
Learn More →High Fantasy
A Wizard of Earthsea
Follows young Ged through wizard school and beyond as he confronts his own hubris and a shadow he unleashed. Pioneered concepts of true names and balance in magic.
Learn More →Sword & Sorcery
Elric of Melniboné
Chronicles the albino emperor Elric and his cursed sword Stormbringer. A deliberate subversion of typical fantasy heroes that helped establish the concept of the anti-hero in fantasy.
Learn More →High Fantasy
The Sword of Shannara
A quest narrative following the half-elf Shea Ohmsford as he seeks the Sword of Shannara to defeat the Warlock Lord. Credited with popularizing fantasy literature for modern audiences.
Learn More →Modern Series
These influential series showcase the diversity and evolution of fantasy literature over the past several decades, each offering distinct approaches to worldbuilding and storytelling.
High Fantasy
The Lord of the Rings
3 volumes
The archetypal high fantasy epic following Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship on their quest to destroy the One Ring. Established countless conventions for the genre including comprehensive worldbuilding and invented languages.
Learn More →High Fantasy
The Belgariad
5 volumes
A coming-of-age story following farm boy Garion as he discovers his magical heritage and destiny to confront the evil god Torak. Known for its character-driven narrative and approachable style.
Learn More →High Fantasy
The Shannara Chronicles
Over 30 volumes across multiple subseries
An expansive series spanning multiple generations in a post-apocalyptic world where magic has returned. Chronicles the adventures of the Ohmsford family and their struggles against various magical threats.
Learn More →Epic Fantasy
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn
3 volumes (original trilogy)
A kitchen boy becomes entangled in a complex political conflict following a king's death. Praised for its nuanced characters and exploration of the consequences of war. Heavily influenced later fantasy works.
Learn More →Grimdark
A Song of Ice and Fire
5 of planned 7 volumes
A sprawling political fantasy centered on noble houses competing for power. Known for moral complexity, realistic consequences, and willingness to kill main characters. Adapted as 'Game of Thrones'.
Learn More →Grimdark
The First Law
3 volumes (original trilogy)
A deconstructionist fantasy featuring morally ambiguous characters like the torturer Glokta and the Northman Logen Ninefingers. Examines the futility of war and the corrupting nature of power.
Learn More →Epic Fantasy
Malazan Book of the Fallen
10 volumes
An expansive military fantasy with a complex magic system, multiple converging storylines, and thousands of years of history. Known for its philosophical depth and unconventional narrative structure.
Learn More →High Fantasy
The Wheel of Time
14 volumes + 1 prequel
An epic saga where the Dragon Reborn must prepare for the Last Battle against the Dark One. Features extensive worldbuilding, a unique magic system divided by gender, and themes of destiny and free will.
Learn More →Epic Fantasy
Discworld
41 volumes
A series set on a flat world carried by four elephants standing on a giant turtle. Begins as fantasy parody before evolving into sharp social satire while maintaining its humor and heart.
Learn More →Epic Fantasy
The Broken Earth Trilogy
3 volumes
Set in a world wracked by seismic activity where certain people can control energy through the earth. Explores themes of oppression, climate change, and family bonds. Each book won the Hugo Award.
Learn More →From Page to Table
When drawing inspiration from fantasy literature, focus on specific elements that resonate with your group rather than attempting to recreate entire works. Consider borrowing thematic elements, character archetypes, or worldbuilding techniques rather than specific plot points.