Reconstructing High and or Heroic Fantasy

I've noticed that as of recently theres been a lot of time and effort put into deconstructing the fantasy genre recently. (though I could be wrong, I don't tend to read as much as I should, rather getting my information of modern fantasy from either the trope pages or other medias) I'm working on a story that helps to reconstruct tropes within the genres. I've already have a vague path set up already, even reading into both western and 'non-western' folktale and myth. (the plot itself basically being a St. George and the Dragon story) I hope will subvert or avert some fantasy cliques as well (such as having a predominately black cast, a world based in a more 'faerie-world' setting than historical one, a world that isn't basically Medieval Europe (maybe e a more 'modern' looking magic setting, though more folkloric in design) a focus on more folkloric magic as oppose to making up or using an existing system for it (i.e., normal wizards can't just cast 'lightning-bolt', no matter how powerful he becomes) and a original bestiary, or at least subverting classic monsters,) So I was wondering, what do you think so far, As well as to ask what do think should be addressed when aiming towards reconstructing the genre.

edited 15th Dec '13 4:44:07 AM by SmokingMirror

Coming from someone who's trying to do a similar thing, I'd say what you've given us so far is rather vague. While I can say that what ideas you've proffered so far do sound interesting, I fail to see how they're a part of a reconstruction.

If there's a reconstruction, there usually needs to first be a deconstruction- or at least, that's what is heavily implied by the word "reconstruction". As it stands, I feel like I'm missing an awful lot of context, and since the concepts of deconstruction and reconstruction deal with the ambient context that influences how Fantasy is written- the milieu of codified tropes and ideas common to the genre- I can't exactly tell what it is about High/Heroic Fantasy you're trying to reconstruct.

Could you mention some of the Fantasy works you've read that you found deconstructive of typical High/Heroic Fantasy? What aspects of both genres did you find in need of deconstruction in the first place?

Also, you use the word subvert a lot when referencing things about how your work differs from most Fantasy. Be careful to note that subverting a common Fantasy trope is not the same as deconstructing/reconstructing it. Subverting a trope is merely defying the expectation that you yourself set up for the appearance of that trope within the story. For example, it would only be a subversion if you let on early in the work that the cast would be predominantly white. As it stands, having a predominantly black cast is merely an aversion. Deconstruction/reconstruction however is something altogether different, and holds an element of analysis that subversion lacks.

edited 15th Dec '13 3:16:11 AM by gault

I would like to add "Gore, sex, and everyone is racist" is not a deconstruction, so don't list those. My two coins just in case.

Then you are not qualified to either de- or reconstruct the genre.

I tend to agree with what imadinosaur said. If you don't have anything more than a passing and second-hand familiarity with the genre, you are in no position to take it apart or put it back together. Further, what you're listing as things you think will be "subversion" or "aversions" are far from universal in Fantasy or Heroic Fantasy.

edited 15th Dec '13 8:41:02 AM by Madrugada

So then what do you suggest looking at first if I do want to get a proper grip on modern fantasy literature to carry this out? (aside from Tolkien or Martin) Also, gore sex and racism isn't what I was talking about either, given that two of the three seem to be somewhat common place in folktales as well.

edited 15th Dec '13 9:48:26 AM by SmokingMirror

Read as much as you can. Not just the biggest names; all sorts of it.

I know, thats why I put the two biggest names, so I could look elsewhere. I was just wondering what other authors or creators that are best to look at if I wanted to go through with this is all, or if literature is the only source I should look at. (also, sorry if I sound like an idiot for asking, but what did you mean by "what you're listing as things you think will be "subversion" or "aversions" are far from universal in Fantasy or Heroic Fantasy."?)

Martin's ASOIAF is more of a fantasy aversion. Tolkien is the Trope Codifier for modern fantasy. The Sundering is the anti-Tolkien fantasy subversion/deconstruction.

I would say if you want a good all around feel of fantasy, to read not only modern authors, but also ancient myths and legends. Tokien adapted a lot from Norse mythology. Also, manga, anime, and even video games have perpetuated a few fantasy tropes themselves.

edited 15th Dec '13 2:23:58 PM by shiro_okami

well, truth be told, the reason i have a love for the fantasy genre is actually all those medias you mentioned(in fact my official 'introduction' actually being the Peter Jackson films when I was little). I have played a good share of fantasy games too (Dark Souls, Dragon's Age, Skyrim, Oblivion, and of course, the Zelda series) and some animes as well ( FMA Brotherhood is my favorite cartoon of all time) and some comics (...I loved the Bone series..) also, i've also had a love for myth and legend ever since I was young too, starting with wanting to know more about my culture and branching out from there( even went to the library a few days ago for some books) So although I've looked at in those medias, I still think I lack any real ground from Literature(I can only really back up reading Tolkien and C.S. Lewis stuff, and Coraline), which is why I put the reading thing up. Anyways, thanks for putting that one story up, it looks interesting to look in

edited 15th Dec '13 4:12:32 PM by SmokingMirror