Definitions

So just what is Science Fiction?

The science fiction genre is a form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge or speculation in its plot, setting, theme or another aspect of the story. 

The story is generally somewhat true or it could become true if we could invent a machine or solve a scientific problem.

Some science fiction is set in our future on Earth.

In other stories and books we could have solved the problem of intergalactic flight and so the story is set on another planet, in another universe or parallel universe, where there is usually alien beings and monsters. The Star Wars universe is a great example of the genre and there are many books written by different authors within this universe.

Science fiction is often used to explore philosophy issues like what makes up our identity as thinking humans. Sometimes the story uses artificial intelligence and explores what it takes to be considered human.

Another favourite theme is to explore social culture about how we might be living if we started all over again somewhere else. 

Here is a really old image of what a future
Earth may have been like.

The scientific principles involved in these works are largely possible and indeed some of the science in early works of science fiction have been invented and are being used today. These early works speculated that we would be able to communicate with anyone on our planet. That is what we can do now when we use a mobile phone. Some early works also speculated that we would land on the moon and use jet packs and hovercraft. NASA invented the jet pack but it is dangerous and hovercraft are used today to ferry people around.

Science fiction has been commonly abbreviated to Sci-Fi since the early 1950s.

So what is Fantasy Fiction?

The fantasy fiction genre is a form of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary plot element, theme or setting such as the Middle Ages within Earth’s History. 

Fantasy fiction usually includes wizards, sorcerers, witchcraft and magical items and life forms like dragons. 

Common works can have Merlin and other similar magicians, wizards and witches. King Arthur is the classic example of a fantasy king, the actual man may not have ever existed.

Archaeologists have found places within the story of King Arthur and the Round Table like the fortress of Tintagel. 

The ruins of Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, England.

Here is a link to an archaeology website that is dedicated to the Arthurian legend.

Is King Arthur real?

Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common. Generally speaking horror is usually avoided.

Some authors mix the themes of science fiction and fantasy. They mesh well together although how you would get a full sized dragon into a space suit is a whole story in itself.