By Gabriel Foster
What makes fantasy poetry different from any other kind of poetry? The answer to that question is its’ “subject matter” as opposed to its’ style. Fantasy poetry belongs to a broader group known as “speculative poetry”, which also includes science fiction and horror. They all share the same label of defining themselves by their subject matter, no matter the style, genre, subgenre, or form they may hold.
So, we have pinpointed that it’s the subject matter that sets fantasy poetry apart (like other speculative fiction) from its poetry siblings. Any poem that’s sprinkled with fantasy elements qualifies as a fantasy poem. And as I have said previously, it doesn’t matter what genre of poetry the poem belongs to, if it contains fantasy elements like magic, magical creatures, magical places, magical people and magical things, then it’s a fantasy poem, no matter it’s form.
Low Fantasy Poetry
An example of a low fantasy poem would be “Dig Deep………..Depression Knocks”, written by me. This is low fantasy because the poem itself talks about depression in a poetry form, how to deal with it and how to fight it etc. The only thing that sets the poem apart from the real world, is my opening sentence of “Even for mermaids and humans alike, Depression is the only illness that cowards in the fright of your light.” The word mermaid is the only magical element of that poem, and it doesn’t repeat itself. The rest of the poem paints a tapestry of beautiful poetry in our world.
High Fantasy Poetry
An example of a high fantasy poem would be “The Dragon Cup”, also written by me. Throughout the poem, magical references and descriptions persist about a magical cup and what magic it is doing etc., making this poem a high fantasy poem. It’s also a narrative poem, so it tells a short story of the dragon cup and the two brothers that are in need of the cup. As you read through the poem, you begin to see magic and it’s influence happening on almost everything and everyone in the story surrounding it, not just one line or one or two reference about the fantasy/magical elements taking place.
In Conclusion
Now that you understand a little more about fantasy poetry and how it works, try reading some of the more famous fantasy poems out there like the following:
- Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll: Poem filled with fantastical creatures and imagery, from Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There.
- Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti: Narrative poem tells the story of two sisters who encounter tempting, magical fruit sold by goblins.
- The Kraken by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: Poem about a mythical sea creature slumbering in the ocean depths.
- The Fairies by William Allingham: Poem tells the story of a child who is taken by fairies for seven years.
- The Riddle of Strider by J.R.R. Tolkien: Featured in The Lord of the Rings, this poem foreshadows Aragorn’s true identity and destiny.
These diverse famous poems will help to broaden your understanding further and possible love of the many styles of fantasy poetry that exist.
GF Poetic Wisdom | The genre of fantasy poetry is an intoxicating experience of worlds undreamed of and a fiery thrill that excites its readers. ~ Gabriel Foster
