Religion is often a defining characteristic of a culture. Fantasy fiction authors can use theology as a point of conflict between characters, as motivation for the protagonist or antagonist, or to add to the richness and depth of the world they have built. Limiting the inclusion of theology to passing references is a squandered opportunity. [...]
Fantasy fiction theology: Robin Hobb
Filed under Trends & Tropes on October 21, 2008
Tagged: fantasy fiction, Farseer trilogy, Liveship Traders, religion, Robin Hobb, theology
Fantasy fiction theology: David Eddings
Filed under Trends & Tropes on July 15, 2008
Tagged: David Eddings, fantasy fiction, pantheon, polytheism, The Belgariad, theology
The first fantasy fiction I ever read that included a pantheon of gods integral to the story was David Eddings’ The Belgariad. Eddings follows classic polytheism in many ways, with the gods being related (a father and seven brothers). The gods were involved in the creation of the world. They scheme against each other, use [...]
Fantasy fiction theology: Chalion
Filed under Trends & Tropes on July 1, 2008
Tagged: Chalion, fantasy fiction, polytheism, religion, theology
Polytheism is common in fantasy fiction, likely due to its roots in the mythology of cultures that worshiped a pantheon of gods. Not all fantasy worlds include deities (or spirituality, for that matter), and those that do have their own unique twists. This series will look at the use of gods and religion in fantasy [...]
