[Ciuva]

Don't know if this has been discussed before, but I just wondered...
Every fantasy book I read seems to have a main character that is very young, doesn't admit that magic exists or at least doesn't like it, and just want to live in peace, and suddenly he finds out that his best friend/one of his relatives is one of the most powerful sorcerer/sorceresses in the world and that he is the only one who can save the world from this evil guy who also is extremely powerful. Of course, the main character turns out to be the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. Not to complain, but is this supposed to be original? Please don't misunderstand me, I enjoy these books -- Eddings, Jordan and so on -- but does everyone have to write about the same? (Yes, I know there are a lot of authors that have written about completely different themes and characters, and I know there are plenty of books that I haven't read yet.) Anyone who have an opinion about this?

[ChrisW]

no.:p

[Shef]

What you just said is the stereotype of fantasy. It is what the majority of people read and write. I believe that the purpose for this "innocent new comer" is to let us, the readers, view the world from the view of a person who is learning things that we do. The fact that he becomes a powerful mage, warrior, leader or whatever is just typical character development.

Ciuva:
"Yes, I know there are a lot of authors that have written about completely different themes and characters, and I know there are plenty of books that I haven't read yet."

Well if you no that go out and read the dang books! :D

[Killer Chicken]

I agree with Caldazar.

No:D

Actually I have opinions but no time to write them. Sorry.

[asimovian]

Ciuva,

quote
Is this supposed to be original?????
unquoe

No, it isn't....
There are several threads on this forum where the lack of originality in much of modern fantasy has come up, check them out...

[Alucard]

I agree with you, Ciuva. The farm boy saves the world theme, although classic, is a bit overdone. Which is why I have drifted to a lot of the contemporary fantasy (Like Niel Gaiman and Johnathan Carroll), or people that use a swords and scorcery theme in an original way (Like Robin Hobb and George Martin). I do like the classic theme if it's really well done, but I can only read so much of it . . . which is why I read a lot of stuff out of the fantasy genre, too.

[Bond]

Well the more I read on this forum, the more I tend to believe that everything original in fantasy gets appropriated by another genre. Let's face it the horror genre for example could probably be considered a glorified subsegment of fantasy.

BTW, the boy saves world motif is hardly unique to fantasy.

[ezchaos]

Yeah, the unknowing-youth-becomes-the-king stereotype is a little old :eek: . But, it's a tried and true formula, and if done correctly, can make for a great story. Nowadays, unless I hear rave reviews about these types of stories, I tend to stay away from them just because I've read a zillion of em.

Also, I think authors use this formula a lot because the average reader can identify with the main characters. You know, the rags to riches thing.

[Elan Morin Tedronai]

Nope! :D

[milamber_reborn]

Jordan puts a slight twist on it with Rand.