High fantasy (also Epic Fantasy) is a subgenre of fantasy literature that typically takes place in a secondary or imaginary world with its own set of rules, laws, and magical systems. The stories often involve a battle between good and evil, mythical creatures, and epic quests. High fantasy can be characterized by its grand scale, intricate world-building, and emphasis on the hero's journey.
One of the defining features of high fantasy is the creation of a fully realized and immersive fictional world. This can involve developing a unique mythology, history, geography, and cultures, often with a detailed map and glossary to help readers navigate the world. High fantasy also often includes magical systems and creatures that are unique to the world, such as dragons, elves, dwarves, orcs, and wizards.
Another common feature of high fantasy is the use of epic storytelling, which typically involves a heroic journey or quest that often spans multiple books or series. The protagonists in high fantasy are often chosen or destined for greatness, and they must overcome great challenges and obstacles in order to fulfill their destinies and defeat evil. The themes of high fantasy can vary, but often include the battle between good and evil, the struggle for power and control, and the importance of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Many high fantasy stories include elements of epic fantasy, such as a large cast of characters, intricate world-building, and epic battles. The works of J.R.R. Tolkien, for example, are often considered both high fantasy and epic fantasy, as they feature a richly imagined world and a large-scale battle between good and evil. Similarly, the works of George R.R. Martin, including the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series (adapted into the television series "Game of Thrones"), are often considered both high and epic fantasy due to their intricate world-building, complex political intrigue, and large cast of characters.
However, there are also some differences between high fantasy and epic fantasy. High fantasy usually emphasizes the magical and mystical aspects of the world, while epic fantasy focuses more on the heroic deeds and epic battles that take place in that world. High fantasy often features a more intricate world-building and more emphasis on the internal struggles of the characters, while epic fantasy focuses more on external conflicts and the physical struggles of the characters. Nevertheless, these differences are often blurred, and many works of high fantasy are also considered to be epic fantasy, and vice versa.
* This is the reason why on Risingshadow we don't make a difference between high/epic fantasy and we have classified all these books as high fantasy.