Microsoft Word final-current Developments at the Intersection of British Children-online-version doc

7.1
 
Outlook 
The present study has revealed current trends in the genre on the basis of which a 
prognosis about its future direction can be attempted. In accordance with the topical 
development of an opening of once set borders, the genre tends towards opening itself even 
more for new stimuli. By fanning out, fantasy incorporates elements of other genres – the 
prime example being Harry Potter – thus widening its spectrum. This leads to a fruitful 
coexistence of a plurality of elements. In addition to the liberalisation, the mechanisation of 
magic, spearheaded by Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series, is already in full swing. Over the next 
few years the mechanisation of magic will increase, leading to an interesting symbiosis of old 
and new. Incompatible as traditional and innovative magic may seem at first glance, the two 
“schools” complement one another. While old magic provides an ancient, mysterious side, 
new magic contributes an innovative, more rational since technical side. High-tech gadgets 
spice up
the sometimes stale image of magic. Familiar features of old magic, be it spells, 
magical accessories like wands, cauldrons, cloaks of invisibility or grimoires, are already used 
in various combinations side by side with new magical-technical accessories like neutrino 
lasers, mechanical wings, camfoil etc. In Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series, the fairy Holly Short 
illustrates this state of hybridity. Despite the fact that her equipment is fully technicised, she is 
required to perform an ancient ritual at Tara for replenishing of her magic force. No fantastic 
area is exempt from new kinds of magic. While authors like Colfer or Brennan arm their 

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fairies to the teeth, McGowan even makes hell go online. As far as magic is concerned, future 
novels will increasingly introduce and develop fairyland’s equipment with new media, thus 
uplinking fairyland and reality. However, this does not mean that traditional magic is being 
made redundant. Fantasy novels à la Tolkien will always be written and read, as for instance 
the American Paolini shows with his bestselling Inheritance cycle. Here as in popular topical 
computer games nostalgia for archaic ways of life is kindled. If the characters of the novels 
live simple lives devoid of today’s stress and hectic, they can concentrate on the essentials in 
life; i.e. their own personality and development as well as their social network. In those 
historical fantasy novels, conflicts are solved with the sword or the wand instead of futuristic 
weapons, and the overall slower pace of life offers time out from reality’s current speed of 
life. While the current trend of introducing gadgets involves the risk of overlaying the plot, 
historical fantasy novels such as Crossley-Holland’s Arthur trilogy compensate for the lack of 
special effects by their art of storytelling.
As ever, fantasy novels centre on the eternal battle between good and evil, which is 
now being fought in new dimensions and with the help of new weapons. It can be observed 
that an increasing number of fantasy authors use biblical motifs, figures like Adam and Eve, 
good and fallen angels, parables and commandments. Among those authors it is undoubtedly 
Pullman who, with His Dark Materials, pursues this path most persistently with his re-
working of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. Adapted to social, political, ethical and 
religious realities at the turn of the millennium, Pullman’s trilogy updates the biblical story of 
Adam and Eve according to a new, individual rendering. On account of the given views on 
temptation, knowledge, responsibility and choice but also on the demonstrative death of a 
powerless puppet that usurped the role of God, Pullman’s trilogy intentionally provokes a 
discussion of controversial and unorthodox statements. By implying that God is dead and 
Heaven must be rebuilt as a republic, the traditional view of the Kingdom of Heaven is 
presented as overcome.
In our time religious and ethical issues will continue to play an important role, since 
the search for meaning and stability is intensified in times of crisis. As a result, future fantasy 
novels will continue to incorporate supernatural beings in order to meet the demand for 
guidance, support, sense of security and hope. Even if one views the idea of a god with 
scepticism or even denies his existence, angels or comparable beings may be easier to accept. 
In general, angels are depicted as possessing more affinity with human nature and therefore 
being more approachable than a rather abstract god. Novels like Almond’s Skellig, Taylor’s 
gothic fantasies or even djinn-stories such as Kerr’s The Children of the Lamp or Stroud’s 

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