Harri - Week Three

What are some archetypes (e.g. common character types) of fantasy fiction?

There are many archetypes or common characters in fantasy fiction. You’ve got your typical characters such as; the chosen one, a wizard or sorcerer, the best friend, sidekick or companion, a love interest, dark wizard or witch, role model or parental figure. The list can go on, but its time for some examples.

Harry Potter is a classic example of the ‘chosen one’ as he bears the scar of a notorious foe – Voldermort. He cheated death, as he was the only being to withstand the great Voldermort as this created the saga of ‘the boy who lived’. Harry Potter overcomes many obstacles and battles with new enemies, although he makes a lot of eminent friends. Everyone knows the legend of ‘the boy who lived’ and because of this Harry is seen as a big threat, but we all know that he is destined to be the prime wizard of all time.

 In fantasy fiction there is always a love interest, and sometimes this can cause distraction or mayhem for the ‘chosen one’. Disney’s adaption, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice illustrates this as Dave turns down the option of being a sorcerer because his childhood crush has feeling for him, and he wants to retain a normal life, without the concept of magic existing. However the plot changes, as Becky accepts Dave fate, and together they overcome barriers that interrupt his journey of becoming a sorcerer.

Now a role model or parental figure is not common in fantasy fiction but is it the reader who can interpret these archetypes. I have seen (more like interpreted) that most characters are independent, however some rely on others to guide them on the right path. In Harry Potter, Hagrid and Dumbledore are like father figures and role models for Harry. Although he may not always be open with them, he knows that there is someone he can always turn to in time of need or advice.

In what ways does Tax (2002) suggest Earthsea may still be relevant today? 

Le Guin’s series of Earthsea is indescribable as Tax (2002) describes her work as “unpredictable books whose meanings are too elusive to be easily controlled”.  Her themes in her stories express all sorts of ideas, which relate to today’s society. Tax (2002) talks about political and social themes that Le Guin uses, for example the concept of the typical male hero, and how women are left to do chores and work such as farming. Although is took Le Guin at least 20 years to produce the third Earthsea book, she wanted to position herself in the book, now showing a female’s perspective, as she wanted to know “what would happen to a woman in a ‘Tolkien’ world”.

I guess Le Guin, opened a door for female writers of fantasy fiction, in a way that sci –fi and heroic fantasy began as the province of men. (Tax, 2002). Despite the fact that there was that time and era that everything was seen from a ‘mans’ point of view and that it was a ‘man’ world, Le Guin has definitely made an impact of the means to be a female writer, and to pour ‘femaleness’ (if it’s a word) into context for all to read. Earthsea lets us “wind into our imagination and help set us free”. (Tax, 2002)