Monday, April 9, 2012

Fantasy Gives me Heroes

I'm a little behind in the A-Z. I've decided not to feel guilty about that considering my last post on Exhaustion, but I am now in catchup mode so I'm going to kill three birds with one stone.

Fantasy Gives me Heroes

I am a big fantasy nut. I grew up with my older brother's cast-offs of Narnia, The Hobbit and The Northern Lights. It's always been one of my staples, what I go back to when I'm feeling the desire to get well and truly lost in a world. I love the made up creatures, worlds and magic. And I love the heroes and heroines that every fantasy story has.

I'm half-way through Green Rider by Kristen Britain at the moment, and I love Karigan; she's what a heroine should be. Strong but willing to ask for help, and not blindly walking into dangerous situations that could have been avoided with a bit more forethought.

Froi, of Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta, will do whatever needs to be done, is fiercely loyal but also fiercely intelligent. Even if he doesn't think so himself. His life didn't have heroic beginnings but kindness from others, and the loyalty those deeds generated in him, raised him above his past. He is an excellent, if unlikely, hero.

Valek, from the Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder is not the main hero in the story but he plays his part well. Not controlling, he never tries to steal the show from Yelena, but he's there when he needs there. And he's just kind of ... awesome.

Do you have a favourite hero or heroine? Here's a some inspiration from a hero story that breaks all the rules.

9 comments:

  1. Hey I like your blog. You should check mine's out, It's one big fantasy story and I've just began. So there's not much catching up. It's called Traveri.

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  2. I actually bought the CD soundtrack for the rendition of this song.

    I'll put it on repeat sometimes when I'm writing an action scene just like this one.

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  3. They're not from fantasy books, but my literary heroes when growing up were Robin Hood & Sherlock Holmes. I'm still inspired by them both today!

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  4. Great post! My favorite series growing up was the Belgariad by David Eddings, and I loved the MC in that series, Garion. He came from humble beginnings, but turned out to be one of the most powerful sorcerors in the land. But he was so humble and nice about it, you rooted for him the whole time. You're reminding me now that I need to revisit that series!

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  5. I'm a big fantasy geek myself. In fact I love it so much that I'm actually writing fantasy :) haven't read Green Rider but I'll definitely check it out.
    Great A-Z post!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  6. One of my favorite heroines is Beka Cooper from the series of the same name by Tamora Pierce. :)

    Great post!

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  7. I actually just rewatched that movie this weekend. It and the third one. Shrek can definitely teach us some things about heroism.

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  8. I've been watching Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Phryne is quickly becoming one of my favourite heroins! She super smart, has a great sense of style and isn't afraid to say her piece in a society dominated by men. Love it!

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  9. How cool to find more heroes to become involved in. I really enjoy reading and am an avid reader and viewer of murder mysteries. Thanks for the really interesting post. Best regards to you. Ruby

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