High VS Low Fantasy | EXPLAINED

I took it upon myself to investigate the distinctions between these two sub-genres to discover the defining characteristics of high fantasy vs low fantasy. I also briefly touch on epic fantasy and portal fantasy. We're all fans of fantasy books but which sub-genre do you prefer to read?? Let me know!

Want to support the channel?

Where to find me:

Want to send me something? Here's my PO Box:

Jay Kennedy
PO Box 21085 Polson Po
Vernon, BC V1T 9T7
Canada
#fantasy #books

[CapturedInWords]

Which do you prefer, high or low fantasy? Any recommendations for either?

[pantherpress]

My dude! I read the first 2 or 3 amulet books when I was in middle school, then I completely forgot the name. For the last 10-15 years, I’ve thought about it from time to time, but never figured out what it was called. You just mentioned it and showed a brief picture and now I’m gonna go and read them all. Thanks dude!

[brothertaddeus]

I think the "walk into a bookstore" bit is a bit misleading. Like yeah, all the High Fantasy stuff will be in the Fantasy section. But the thing about Low Fantasy is it often ends up in other sections of bookstores. Like Outlander, for example. Definitely Low Fantasy, but you're definitely going to find it in the Romance section of any bookstore as opposed to the Fantasy section.

[haley]

As someone who is returning to the genre as an adult, these videos are invaluable. Thanks for your hard work!

[wanderingshade]

While I think your definition for Low Fantasy is fine, I think there's a better term for that. Urban Fantasy. Fantasy stories set in the real world, but also with magic.

Low Fantasy, in my experience, refers more to fantasy stories and settings where magic is rare. Low Fantasy stories can absolutely have their own unique worlds and highly fleshed out lore. The Gentleman Bastard books fall under this definition of Low Fantasy, as do the early books of the Song of Ice and Fire, and the Queen's Thief books.

[Yesica]

Thank you! I'd never even heard of "high" vs "low" fantasy until I found Booktube.

Now, if you could just explain magical realism!

[dinocollins]

Would love the see the subgenre ultimate guide video!!! Cant wait for that!

[calvinbrinenestoris]

I'm currently making a Low Fantasy book that's literally NAMED "Low Fantasy".

I hope naming the book after the genre doesn't wind up being a bad decision.

[joanhoffman]

What you’re calling low fantasy is also called urban fantasy. I read a mix of types. What are my favorites? How much time do you have? 😁 I don’t care what you call it, I just want to read good stories! 😊

[RedFuryBooks]

Another great video - I think your editing is getting even better (and I already thought it was the best on booktube)

[BoomdroopInfernal-Chi]

2:56 I'm probably still new to fantasy but i noticed every fantasy world is just Skyrim. Just a bunch of Skyrim clones.

[coolbrotherf]

I think almost all the fantasy books I've read end up being high fantasy. Exploring the history and lore of the world is just as fun as the story itself to me.

[WhimsicalCreature]

I absolutely adore the high fantasy genre so much

[wildeskompositum]

These videos are so damn good, keep em coming!

[christoffersjursen]

Great video, I’ve had the definition wrong . I always thought it was about the magic system. High fantasy was fantasy where the magic is “endless” or you can do so much with it (like HP, WoT etc). And low fantasy was when there was little magic

[dinocollins]

Amazing video!!! I never new the actual distinction and definitions!!!

[atherasybil]

wow such a short and concise video. i was surprised when it ended early hahah. looking forward to more fantasy videos!

[LiamsLyceum]

Sword & Sorcery can be in secondary or primary world, and is not epic (coined by Fritz Leiber in the 60s). It’s good to remark that the term “High Fantasy” was coined by Lloyd Alexander in 1971.

[cbarsm]

Great video today! Thank you for an easy place to point all my friends and family for a quick, intelligent way of organizing all this info!

[ethans]

I get the feeling that a fair number of people confuse low vs high fantasy with low vs high magic. Hard to blame them tbh