Looking for a new perspective on heroes and villains? Don’t miss these fantasy short stories.
It’s an absolute joy to discover wondrous new tales. But while there are so many incredible stories available both online and in print, there’s often too little time in our frenetic existence to seek them out. So discovering a quality story is an experience worth celebrating and sharing with other lovers of the written word. Here are a few that I’ve read recently that I whole-heartedly recommend. All three of these fantasy short stories showcase classic heroes and villains, but present them in fresh and unique ways.
“Eadric” by Kathryn Wilmotte
As a child, I was enamored with mythological tales from various cultures across the world. And to this day, I’m still excited to read new interpretations of classic tales. Fudoki Magazine showcases fresh takes on myths, folk tales, and fables, primarily as easily digestible pieces of flash fiction. Kathryn Wilmotte’s “Eadric” offers a new perspective on Beowulf, specifically his confrontation with the beast Grendel in Heorot. Wilmotte not only subverts our understanding of the classic character’s personality in a fascinating way, but also skillfully portrays an intimate, action-packed scene in vivid detail. Click here to check it out.
“Prophecy” by Jessica Jo Horowitz
Jessica Jo Horowitz’s “Prophecy” presents a delightful deconstruction of the hero and villain archetypes in fantasy literature. It’s a quick read with pleasantly minimal descriptive language that gives the story an enchanted, dream-like tone, and it focuses on an enthralling conversation between two unique, yet achingly familiar, main characters. When it comes to the age-old battle between good and evil, Horowitz’s story questions the futility of conflict and the tragedy of miscommunication, while postulating that one can always strive towards betterment at any point in their personal journey. Click here to read it at Daily Science Fiction.
“Do Not Look Back, My Lion” by Alix E. Harrow
Alix E. Harrow’s “Do Not Look Back, My Lion” was recently nominated for the Hugo award for Best Short Story, and it’s very much deserving of the honor. Set in a society led by a warlord bent on conquest above all else, Harrow’s story subverts several tropes of the high fantasy genre, not the least of which include gender roles and the psychological effects of war. It’s a tale that asks many questions, with perhaps one of the most poignant being, what is worth fighting for? Add in some stellar world-building, gorgeous lyricism, and stunning imagery (oh, the ever-present blood-red motif!), and you have a story that will linger with readers long after they’ve finished. Don’t miss this one. Read it right now at Beneath Ceaseless Skies.
If you’re looking for more short story recommendations, particularly some from the sci-fi end of the speculative fiction spectrum, click here.
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