1. Very good article. Besides fantasy, I’ve noticed that in science fiction the aliens are always smarter, more moral, more thoughtful and beautiful, stronger, and better than humans (e.g., Vulcans on Star Trek). Human beings always take a beating in fantasy and science fiction, and we, as writers, need to work to change this.

    • Esther Wallace says:

      I’ve only watched the older Star Treks, but even there, you’re right. Vulcans of course had it right.(lol)

  2. Hm…that’s kind of interesting. I think there’s a lot of stories that do sneer at humans (especially ones where environmentalism is a heavy theme) but a lot of times I kind of interpreted fantasy and such to be supportive of humans. Like, in spite of getting looked down on by other races, seeming less powerful, etc there is often still a lot of focus on humans. Many times there seems to be the undertone of proving that humans can still be effective or be worth fighting for in spite of the criticism they receive.

    Honestly, even if there are plenty of stories that overplay the importance of superpowers/magic, many do not. And it isn’t the presence of powers that automatically negates the power of regular humans or choices. If someone has powers, their choices still matter a lot, otherwise they’ll wreck everything or become a threat everyone wants to destroy.

    Have you read Wings of Fire Legends: Darkstalker by Tui T Sutherland? It’s really good. The three main chars have powers, but in a lot of ways the story puts more emphasis on the psychological aspect of choices and how those powers are used. And in the Wings of Fire series itself, there are lots of main chars and heroes without powers at all.

    • Esther Wallace says:

      Thanks for your input! I agree, human choices are very important, magic or non. I just find that people miss that truth, focusing on the magic or superpower instead.
      I haven’t read Wings of Fire Legends, although I’ve seen them frequently. Thanks for the suggestion.

  3. You make very good points, Esther. I’ve never thought much about the treatment of humans in fantasy/fiction, but you are right.
    I’ve placed your book on my TBR list; I can’t wait to read it.

  4. Colleen K Snyder says:

    Thought-provoking. And agreed. The “world” needs to see “normal people” doing extraordinary things. In Christian fiction, they need to see them doing it within the will of the Lord, and through His strength. I always go back to the little Dutch clockmaker and her sister, who rescued countless Jews, suffered terribly but did it all for the glory of the Lord. Regular people doing amazing things through God.

  5. Weasy says:

    I’d like to point out that in worlds full of Elves, Superheroes, and magic, normal humans usually always tend to be the most numerous and prosperous instead of being on the constant verge of extinction.

What do you think?