History of Fantasy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction characterized by the inclusion of supernatural elements, magical systems, and mythical creatures that do not exist in the physical world. Unlike science fiction, which typically relies on grounded or projected technological logic, fantasy centers on the extraordinary, the impossible, and the archetypal. Stories often take place in secondary worlds with unique geographies, cultures, and histories, though some subgenres—such as urban fantasy—intersect with the real world. Key narrative components frequently include the hero’s journey, a battle between good and evil, and the presence of magic as a foundational force. Fantasy allows authors to explore profound human themes, ethics, and societal constructs through allegorical settings, providing an imaginative escape that pushes the boundaries of reality. From classical folklore and epic myths to modern high fantasy literature and gaming, the genre continues to evolve as a primary vehicle for creative storytelling.

1923: Publication of Weird Tales

In 1923, the magazine Weird Tales was published, marking the first time a periodical was dedicated entirely to the fantasy fiction genre.

1949: Founding of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

In 1949, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction (F&SF) was founded, playing a critical role in expanding the reach of fantasy literature in the United States and the United Kingdom during the peak of pulp magazine popularity.

1950: Expansion of Sword and Sorcery Fiction

By 1950, the sword and sorcery subgenre experienced a significant increase in its audience, largely driven by the continued popularity of Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian tales and Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories.

1975: Inaugural World Fantasy Convention

In 1975, the very first World Fantasy Convention (WFC) was held, establishing an annual gathering for professionals and enthusiasts of the fantasy genre to discuss literature and art while presenting the World Fantasy Awards.

1981: Release of Fantasy: The Literature of Subversion by Rosemary Jackson

In 1981, Rosemary Jackson published 'Fantasy: The Literature of Subversion', a critical work that challenged existing definitions of the fantasy genre. She argued that fantasy is a cultural mode that functions by subverting societal norms, rather than merely acting as an escapist vehicle for wish fulfillment.

1999: 1999 RPG Popularity Survey

In 1999, a survey conducted in the United States revealed that six percent of individuals between the ages of 12 and 35 had participated in role-playing games, with two-thirds of regular players identifying as Dungeons & Dragons gamers.

2005: Dungeons & Dragons Market Dominance

By 2005, products branded under the Dungeons & Dragons name accounted for more than half of all role-playing game product sales.

2008: Publication of Rhetorics of Fantasy

In 2008, Farah Mendlesohn published the book 'Rhetorics of Fantasy', in which she introduced a comprehensive taxonomy for fantasy literature based on how fantastic elements are introduced into the narrative world.

2012: Final Fantasy Franchise Milestone

As of 2012, the Final Fantasy series solidified its status as an iconic role-playing video game franchise, remaining one of the top ten best-selling video game series in the industry.

2013: Tor Books Fantasy Author Gender Statistics Analysis

In 2013, data released by Tor Books revealed a gender divide in fantasy subgenres, showing that men dominated historical, epic, and high fantasy at 67%, while women accounted for 57% of writers in urban fantasy and paranormal romance.