Topic: Medieval vs...

So, a thought was sparked while reading someone's piece.

With Fantasy Stories, at least the kinds with swords, magic, and maybe fantastical beast, you usually get a medieval Europe setting. We've seen it with almost every fantasy story we've read that doesn't have a modern setting.

My question is, can anyone cite an example of a good (or popular) fantasy story  that is "medieval" but not in a Europe type setting.

Like, has someone read a story about Incan mages and their fight against something?

I'll give an example: Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed. It is about a magic user and his disciple but has a middle east setting.

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Re: Medieval vs...

Guy Gavriel Kay has done a good job of stepping out of the classic medieval setting. "The Lions of Al Rassan" is set in a world inspired by Al Andalus - technically still medieval Europe, but my impression is that Spain ruled by the Moors is not a typical fantasy setting. His new novel "Under Heaven", set in Tang Dynasty China, is on my TBR list.

Erin Morgenstern's "The Night Circus", my new favorite novel and also a title that is quickly gaining popularity, is set in late 19th century Europe and America. No swords, but lots and lots of magic.

N.K. Jemisin's "Inheritance Trilogy" is set in a world entirely of her own making. Very difficult to pin it down to a particular period or place that is earth-like. I've only read the first book, but I really enjoyed it.

Those are a few examples. For lesser-known titles, I would recommend Terri-Lynne DeFino's FINDER, set in a Mediterranean-like world complete with swords, magic, and dragons.

I haven't read Saladin Ahmed's novel, but it's been on my TBR list for quite a while. I hope to get around to it soon.

Always too much to read and too little time...

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Re: Medieval vs...

If you can find used copies, you might look at Elizabeth Willey's neglected trio:  The Well-Favored Man,  A Sorcerer and a Gentleman, and The Price of Blood and Honor.  The titles of the second and third books are wonderful.

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Re: Medieval vs...

Thanks njc. I'll bookmark those. I'll looking for a little inspiration.

I'm thinking about doing something that has a south american feel but the problem is....I really don't know what that means. smile

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Re: Medieval vs...

Adrian Lankford wrote:

Thanks njc. I'll bookmark those. I'll looking for a little inspiration.

I'm thinking about doing something that has a south american feel but the problem is....I really don't know what that means. smile

Anywhere in particular in South America? Have you been there? I think Central and South America would be an awesome setting for a fantasy story. (The main character of my short story Lamya of the Sea is loosely inspired by Andean culture.) There is, of course, tons of magical realism coming out of America. Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and most especially Jorge Luis Borges would be good authors to look at for Latin American-style magical themes.

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Re: Medieval vs...

I researched the ancient Mayans, Inca, and Aztecs for one of my chapters. All three would be fantastic settings/cultures for a fantasy story. I focused on the Mayans (technically, it's Maya, but whatever). Their pyramids, monuments, culture, and technology rivaled those of the Egyptians. All three of the aforementioned societies could be quite violent, though, including human sacrifice. If you want to see how bad it might have been, rent Apocalypto.

Dirk

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Re: Medieval vs...

I have been down to South America.

I was thinking of doing something with a bit of a Mayan flair. Mostly because they're the only group that I know off. I'm just not sure what story I want to tell. I would like there to be magic users and warriors. That is about as far as I got though.

Apocalypto was pretty awesome by the way.

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Re: Medieval vs...

Throw some ideas up in the group forum asking for feedback. I suggest using a new thread with a better title to draw more interest. Something like "Need help defining a fantasy story revolving around the ancient Maya". Include a few ideas for stories and see what kind of feedback you get.

Dirk

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Re: Medieval vs...

Have your mages/characters be responsible, whether intentionally or not, for either the rise or fall of the entire Maya civilization, before the Spanish arrive, of course, and kill everyone off with new diseases and weapons. That would give you epic scope. Maybe even more than one book.

Okay, I did the hard part. All you have to do is figure out a few details.
Dirk

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Re: Medieval vs...

Thanks Dirk. Good idea.

Karin, btw, thanks for the input. I'll look those authors up. I'm hoping to read some stuff and hopefully pick up on some themes and ect.

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Re: Medieval vs...

Well, I think the possibilities are limitless with Central American and South American mythology. I had the opportunity to visit Peru many years back, and it's one of the most magical places I've been to. The burial site of the Lord of Sipán (a Moche ruler) inspired some of the early chapters of my second novel, High Maga. Honestly, you could put your story anywhere in Latin America at almost any point in history, and you'd have oodles to work with. I'm very excited about your ideas! Keep us posted. smile

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Re: Medieval vs...

Adrian, below are the details to one of the Kindle books I found to be a great primer on Mayan civilization. If I remember correctly, it was only a few bucks. Charles River Editors make a nice series like this of other ancient societies. I considered Egypt, among others, for my book.

Chichen Itza: The History and Mystery of the Maya’s Most Famous City By Charles River Editors
Harasta, Jesse; Charles River Editors (2013-10-10).

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