J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was a British author who is best known for his four-book (if you include The Hobbit) fantasy series The Lord of the Rings. 

J. R. R. Tolkien

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was an American author who is most famous for his fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain. 

Lloyd Alexander

Patricia C. Wrede (1953- ) is an American author who is best known for her fantasy series The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. 

Patricia C. Wrede

- The Lord of the Rings
- The Chronicles of Prydain
- The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

Best-selling/Prize-winning High/Epic/Heroic Fantasy Titles

- J. R. R. Tolkien
- Lloyd Alexander
- Patricia C. Wrede

San Jose State University

- Mythology or legend basis 
- Descriptive settings
- Magic 
- Good vs Evil 
- Quests
- Coming-of-Age themes
- Treachery
- Mythological creatures
- Romance
- Friendship 

Fantasy Elements

Mythology is the study of myths; can also refer to a body of myths from a particular culture or geographic region. The primary focus is on stories the culture believed to be true to explain the universe and humanity.

Mythology

A magic system or a magical system is a set of rules that regulate the magical effects produced in a fictional setting.

Magic System

A quest is a journey toward a goal. The quest usually is a plot device in mythology and fiction, often, a difficult journey towards a goal, symbolic, or allegorical. Tales of quests are found in the folklore of every nation and culture. In literature, the object of a quest requires great exertion by the hero, who must overcome challenges. The object of a quest may include supernatural properties, often leading the protagonist into other worlds and dimensions. 

Quest

A coming-of-age story is a genre of literature, theatre, film, and video games that tends to focus on the transition of a protagonist from childhood to adulthood. Coming-of-age stories tend to emphasize dialogue or internal monologue and the main characters of coming-of-age stories are usually teenagers.

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