fantasy stories in ancient and medieval history – why they still speak to us

Fantasy has often been thought of as a modern genre – something born of the 20th century with the works of Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. But its roots are far older. Long before printed novels or digital media, human beings were telling stories of gods, monsters, heroes and magical realms. From the epic poems of ancient civilisations to the courtly romances of the medieval period, fantasy has been a constant in human history. These tales didn’t just entertain – they offered meaning, connection, and hope to the people who told and heard them.

the ancient origins of the fantastic

Ancient cultures were steeped in the fantastical. The Epic of Gilgamesh, written over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, tells of demi-gods, divine interventions and quests for immortality. Greek mythology is filled with shape-shifting gods, fire-breathing creatures, and heroes overcoming impossible odds. In Norse myths, the nine realms teemed with giants, elves, and a world-serpent destined to destroy the cosmos during Ragnarök.

These stories were not considered separate from reality. For the people of the time, the supernatural was part of their worldview. Myths explained the origins of the world, justified social norms, and offered moral guidance. But beyond that, they also allowed listeners to imagine a universe larger and stranger than their own lives. The fantastical made the everyday seem part of a grander, more mysterious design.

For many, engaging with these stories was a way of grappling with uncertainty. Myths reassured them that life’s chaos was governed by some greater order, even if that order was capricious or cruel. Hearing of heroes who faced monstrous challenges and triumphed could inspire resilience and courage in their own lives.

medieval fantasy – faith, chivalry and wonder

By the medieval era, fantasy took on new forms. While mythology persisted, Christian Europe’s stories blended biblical themes with older folklore. The Arthurian legends, for example, wove together Celtic myth, Christian symbolism, and chivalric ideals. Knights faced not only human foes but dragons, enchanted forests, and magical temptresses.

In other parts of the world, medieval fantasy flourished in different ways. The Arabian Nights stories – a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian tales compiled over centuries – brimmed with flying carpets, genies, and hidden treasures. Japanese and Chinese folklore spoke of supernatural spirits, celestial beings, and realms beyond the mortal world.

What people gained from these medieval fantasies often depended on their place in society. Nobles might see them as reinforcement of their values – honour, loyalty, divine justice. Common folk might find in them escapism from daily hardship, imagining themselves as clever tricksters or brave adventurers. The fantastical provided a sense of possibility – that the world was not merely what it appeared to be, and that destiny could change in the blink of an eye.

the emotional pull of the fantastical

At their core, ancient and medieval fantasy stories met deep psychological needs. Firstly, they offered imaginative escape. In a world with few comforts and constant threats – from famine to war – the idea of a hero slaying a dragon or journeying to a magical kingdom provided a mental refuge.

Secondly, they encouraged moral reflection. Myths and legends often carried cautionary elements: hubris leads to downfall, greed corrupts, kindness is rewarded. Even when dressed in wonder and magic, these stories reinforced cultural values and social lessons.

Thirdly, they provided a shared cultural identity. In oral traditions especially, storytelling was communal. Hearing the same myths tied people together, creating a sense of belonging and continuity with past generations.

Finally, they offered a space to explore the unknown. Fantastical worlds allowed people to grapple with mysteries that had no ready answers – the nature of death, the origin of the universe, the forces of fate. In that sense, they were a safe arena to confront existential fears.

modern fantasy – meeting the same timeless needs

While the trappings of modern fantasy differ – sprawling epic book series, blockbuster films, immersive video games – the needs they meet are remarkably similar to those fulfilled by ancient and medieval stories.

Modern audiences still turn to these tales for escape not just from personal challenges, but from an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Fantasy worlds provide a safe space to explore themes of injustice, identity, and hope without the constraints of our own political and social realities.

They also foster community, just as ancient oral storytelling did. Fandoms, conventions, and online discussions allow people to share their interpretations and experiences, forging bonds over shared love for a world or a character.

Moreover, modern fantasy retains the moral and philosophical weight of its predecessors. Questions of power, loyalty, corruption, and sacrifice remain central, offering readers and viewers a framework to think about their own choices.

And, like the myths of the past, these stories encourage us to imagine beyond the known, to believe that there is more to life than what we see, that the impossible might yet be possible. In doing so, they remind us of the same truths that comforted our ancestors: the world is bigger than we know, and our role in it matters.

the enduring value of the old fantastical

Engaging with ancient and medieval fantasy is more than a nostalgic exercise. These stories are cultural artefacts that connect us to our ancestors’ hopes, dreams, and anxieties. They show that fantasy is not escapism in the shallow sense, but a way of making sense of reality.

By revisiting these tales, we tap into the same imaginative wellspring that nourished humanity for millennia. They encourage us to dream beyond our limitations, to see ourselves as part of a larger narrative, and to understand that even in times of hardship, wonder has its place.

In a way, the endurance of these stories proves their power. They have been told and retold across centuries, adapted to new cultures and contexts, and still they speak to us. Whether around a Mesopotamian fire, in a medieval great hall, or through the pages of a modern novel, the need for fantasy – and the human benefits it brings – remains constant.