Uncover 97+ Awe-inspiring Fantasy Kitchen Sink Tropes You Won't Be Disappointed

Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that is set in modern, urban settings. It often features supernatural elements and creatures living among humans in a hidden world. Think of vampires, werewolves, and witches living in New York City or London. This subgenre is popular for its fast-paced action, gritty settings, and complex characters.

High fantasy is the classic form of fantasy, set in entirely fictional worlds with their own unique set of rules and magic systems. It often involves epic quests, battles between good and evil, and powerful magical artifacts. Popular examples include The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin.

Low fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that is set in the real world, but with magical elements. Unlike urban fantasy, the magical elements in low fantasy are not hidden, and the characters are often ordinary people who stumble upon these magical elements. Examples include Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Magicians by Lev Grossman.

Magical realism is a genre that blends fantasy with realistic elements, often set in a contemporary or historical setting. It explores the relationships between the natural and the supernatural, and often blurs the line between reality and fantasy. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez is a famous example of magical realism.

Alternate history is a subgenre of fantasy that explores what could have happened if certain historical events had unfolded differently. It often involves changes in timelines, technology, and social norms, resulting in a world that is vastly different from our own. Examples include The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick and 11/22/63 by Stephen King.

Mythpunk is a subgenre of fantasy that takes inspiration from traditional folklore and myths but subverts and reimagines them in a punk or rebellious way. It often features marginalized or oppressed characters challenging authority and societal norms. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik and The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter are great examples of mythpunk.

Fairy tale retellings are stories that take inspiration from classic fairy tales and give them a modern twist. These retellings often feature diverse characters, complex themes, and unique interpretations of the original tales. Cinder by Marissa Meyer and The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh are popular examples of fairy tale retellings.

Mythological creatures are a staple in fantasy, from dragons and unicorns to mermaids and centaurs. These creatures are often based on legends and folklore from different cultures around the world. They add a sense of wonder and magic to the worlds of fantasy, and their unique abilities and characteristics make them intriguing to readers.

Multiverse is a concept in fantasy that involves parallel or alternate universes coexisting with our own. It allows for endless possibilities and variations of characters, settings, and storylines. The idea of a multiverse has been explored in popular works like Doctor Strange and His Dark Materials.

Time travel is a popular trope in fantasy that allows characters to travel through time and experience different eras and historical events. It often involves complex rules and consequences, and can lead to mind-bending plot twists and character development. Examples include Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.