The Allure of the Fantasy Heroine
Female Empowerment in Fantasy Fiction
“Damsel in Distress” Who?
The fantasy genre has long been a favorite of mine. Belle describing her favorite book in Beauty and the Beast pretty much sums up each of the qualities I love about these stories— “Far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!”
However, she leaves out one crucial element—strong female characters! The fierce and courageous women of fantasy fiction (in my not-so-humble opinion) are a key reason why these stories are so alluring and popular.
Nary a “D.I.D.” in sight, contemporary fantasy has seen a rise in strong female leads, making a lasting impact on and stealing the hearts of avid fantasy readers.
The Evolution of Females in Fantasy Fiction
Female characters in fantasy fiction have undergone a significant transformation from passive damsels to complex and powerful figures.
In the past, “many depictions of women in fantasy novels have been greatly misogynistic,” (Choudhury). The females in more “classic” fantasy literature were often depicted as either evil, ugly, and inappropriate, or as victims in need of rescuing. Women were “constantly portrayed inappropriately or carrying out unrealistic actions within the context of danger...like vying for a man’s affections during a brutal wartime crisis,” (Choudhury). The way women were written in the past was a misguided representation of the sex.
In more recent years, however, the fantasy genre has seen a rise in strong female characters. After J.K Rowling established Hermione Granger in Harry Potter as a wickedly smart, resilient, and powerful young woman, “there has been a noticeable increase in intelligent and capable female heroines within fantasy novels,” (Choudhury).
We now have characters like Aelin from Throne of Glass—a highly skilled warrior and assassin turned queen with unyielding physical power and a strategic mind—and Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones—a powerful and courageous ruler who commands the will of dragons to create a free society.
Women are intelligent, powerful, and courageous creatures—It’s about time they were written as such!
Fantasy as a Realm for Empowerment
So, how does fantasy literature empower readers then?
Well, it’s through extraordinary characters with inspiring qualities that readers can explore complex themes and personal challenges within a safe and imaginative space.
In the last post on escapism in fantasy literature, we briefly touched on this concept. From facing overwhelming tests and trials, making tough decisions, and solving conflicts, fantasy characters promote a tangible sense of confidence and empowerment for readers as they face real-world problems.
Let’s dive a bit deeper though, into the many traits of empowered females in fantasy fiction!
Traits of Empowered Females in Fantasy
Strong female characters are nuanced and multifaceted, often exhibiting complex, inspiring, and relatable traits.
So, I thought it might be fun to do a little character study on Aelin from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and the many qualities that make her a strong female character in fantasy fiction!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!! PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
Physical Prowess
Aelin is physically strong.
She is a master assassin and highly skilled warrior who possesses powerful fire magic, making her a formidable opponent in the face of her enemies.
She is professionally trained in tactical combat, allowing her to go hand-to-hand with her enemies when necessary.
In the Salt Mines of Endovier, Aelin (under the alias Celaena Sardothien) is repeatedly whipped in the back without making a sound, physically enduring the sadistic torture of her masters.
Throughout the series, she displays a mastery of her magical abilities—though that wouldn’t be possible without the exceptional amount of time she spends training.
Bravery
Aelin is also incredibly brave!
She consistently draws upon her fiery will as she endures various forms of torture.
When in precarious situations throughout the story, Aelin tells herself the motto: “I am Aelin Galathynius, and I will not be afraid,” (Maas 385) giving her the self-assurance and courage to keep fighting, even when it’s hard.
Compassion
You wouldn’t think so at first glance, but Aelin has a kind and compassionate heart!
She frees 200+ slaves.
She saves a witch who tries to kill her.
She warns Nox to leave the competition.
She gives a few extra jewels to a random barmaid because “the world needs more healers” (Maas 350).
She sacrifices her magic to save her kingdom.
Resilience
Aelin is an incredibly resilient character with unwavering determination.
Aelin endures so much throughout the story:
o She competes in a deadly competition to become the King of Adarlan’s personal assassin.
o She spends a year as a slave in the Salt Mines of Endovier
o She is captured by Maeve and locked in an iron coffin.
o She battles in massive wars.
She faces so much adversity and hardship but never lets that stop or hinder her from saving her kingdom.
Intelligence
Aelin is exceptionally intelligent.
She is extremely strategic and makes up elaborate plans.
She constantly schemes and cons her way into places and situations.
She deciphers a dead language.
She can cast complex spells within days of learning them.
Although she is a character of great strength and fiery personality, she is not without her weaknesses. She is emotionally complicated and using her magic physically drains her.
Just like us, she is complex, nuanced, and multifaceted, making her a relatable and lovable female in fantasy literature.
These are just some of the traits that resonate with readers, inspiring them to emulate her in their personal lives!
Okay, you can come back now!
Challenges and Criticisms
As with all things, there are challenges and criticisms surrounding the “Strong Female Character” trope.
Some critics argue that “writing strong female characters shouldn’t be a trope because women are just as capable of inner and outer strength as any other gender,” (Craiker). The strong female character has become tokenized and wildly oversimplified.
In most fantasy literature with a strong female lead, we get two options:
The “ loud and abrasive characters who often take on traditionally masculine roles or skill sets.”
The “overly modest strong character who doesn’t know what she’s capable of,” (Craiker).
Contemporary fantasy authors must work to overcome these pitfalls by creating truly complex female characters with a wide range of female identities and perspectives. From diverse races and sexual orientations to a wide range of abilities, multidimensional females must be written, for these are the type of characters who most resonate with readers, empowering them to accept and celebrate their own complexities.
Final Thoughts
Girl power in fantasy literature will forever be why I keep coming back for more! The clear evolution from damsels in distress to strong, intelligent, and complex women has made a lasting impact on readers, making room for the fantasy heroine as a powerful figure for female empowerment!
Who’s your favorite fantasy female?✨
Works Cited
Beauty and the Beast. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 22 Nov. 1991.
Choudhury, Niraj. “Women in Fantasy Fiction and Film – Welcome to World Woman Foundation.” World Woman Foundation, 9 Sept. 2016, www.worldwomanfoundation.com/women-in-fantasy-fiction-and-film/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Craiker, Krystal N. “How to Write a Strong Female Character (the Right Way).” Campfire, www.campfirewriting.com/learn/strong-female-characters. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Maas, Sarah J. Empire of Storms. S.L., Bloomsbury YA, 2019.
Maas, Sarah J. Tower of Dawn. S.L., Bloomsbury YA, 2019.