The Nature of Creativity: Why Do Some Cultures Produce More Fantasy Fiction?

The Nature of Creativity: Why Do Some Cultures Produce More Fantasy Fiction?

Ever since I first watched The Lord of the Rings, one question has fascinated me: How did J.R.R. Tolkien imagine such a rich, detailed world? The same thought struck me when reading Game of Thrones and Dune. How do some authors create such immersive fantasy universes while others do not? And more specifically, why do we see more of this in some cultures than others?

The Role of History and Mythology

A common pattern in great fantasy fiction is its deep roots in history and mythology. Tolkien, for example, drew heavily from Norse mythology, Old English history, and medieval Europe. Similarly, George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones is inspired by the War of the Roses in England. Frank Herbert’s Dune pulls from Islamic and Middle Eastern history. These historical and mythological foundations provide a solid framework for storytelling, making the worlds feel grounded despite their fantastical elements.

However, in Turkey, we don’t often see the same kind of large-scale fantasy fiction. I’ve discussed this with friends who studied literature, and an interesting pattern emerges: our historical references tend to be more fragmented or politically sensitive. While Anatolia has a rich mythological past—home to Zeus, Hades, and many other ancient deities—these stories do not feel like our cultural history in the same way Viking legends feel to Scandinavians or Arthurian myths to the British.

The Impact of Intellectual Disruptions

Another factor to consider is the intellectual landscape of a country. Many of the greatest works of literature arise in societies that have had uninterrupted intellectual traditions. In contrast, Turkey—and many other countries—experienced significant intellectual losses in the 20th century due to war, political upheaval, and shifting cultural narratives. The loss of educated elites during times of war and the subsequent restructuring of society may have contributed to a gap in the development of modern fantasy fiction.

The Role of Economic Development

There’s also the argument that high-quality artistic production, including literature, thrives in societies with economic stability. Developed countries provide more opportunities for writers to experiment and receive recognition. They have well-established publishing industries that support niche genres like fantasy. In contrast, in developing nations, literature often focuses more on realism, historical struggles, or social issues because these themes resonate more directly with the lived experience of readers.

As Turkey and other countries continue to grow economically and culturally, we may see a rise in high-quality fantasy fiction. The foundation exists—our history is rich, our mythology is vast, and we certainly have talented writers. The challenge is fostering an environment where such creativity can flourish, where people feel encouraged to build expansive worlds rather than focus solely on social realism.

This is just my perspective on the subject, based on observations and conversations. As I continue exploring this topic, I hope to uncover even deeper insights into the roots of creativity and storytelling.

Let’s see what the future holds. Stay inspired!