Mastering Symbolism & Foreshadowing in Fantasy Writing

In fantasy stories there are two powerful techniques that elevate readers to a more immersive level. Symbolism and foreshadowing. 

By using foreshadowing, authors are able to hint at future plot events with little clues. It keeps the readers turning the pages by hooking them into the story. On the other side, symbolism provides a more in-depth meaning and at times hidden from the usual meaning. It can be as simple as colours creating certain emotions in a reader to creating objects making characters resonate for more than what they represent on the surface.

These literary devices help to add layers of complexity to the narrative, creating stories that readers will never forget. For more tips on building immersive worlds, check out Building the World by King Darryl.

Now, let’s break down how the role of symbolism and foreshadowing can create depth in fantasy stories. 

The Essence of Foreshadowing in Fantasy: Creating the Premise for What’s to Come

Understanding the foreshadowing definition is crucial for writers. The role of foreshadowing in fantasy provides them with a way to suggest the upcoming action, building suspense or curiosity.

For example, direct foreshadowing clearly presents clues about upcoming events, often revealing their significance early in the story. This could be a prophecy about your main character, stating that they will one day become a legendary hero and save the world.

Subtle foreshadowing, however, can be a lot more difficult to pick up. It’s often sewn into the narrative in such a way that it’s only clear after certain events have unfolded, and it gives the reader a nice “Aha” moment when they realise how long ago it was planted. Perhaps we learn that a character cannot swim, then during the climax of the book, they get thrown into a river and have to fight to survive.

Common Types of Symbolism in Writing Fantasy

If you’ve read a fantasy book before, odds are that you have experienced symbolism, even if you didn’t notice it at first. 

Different types of symbolism can make characters, events, or objects take on meanings beyond their literal existence. The symbols used in books can serve many purposes. They might highlight character development, foreshadow events, or underscore the story’s central themes. 

Characters as Symbols

In fantasy writing, characters can often represent larger societal issues, concepts, or archetypes. They can symbolise virtues like hope or courage, or darker traits like betrayal or despair. 

A character’s arc may be directly tied to the thematic forces they symbolise. For example, a character who starts as a symbol of innocence and purity may be gradually consumed by their flaws, symbolising the loss of innocence and the destructive potential of unchecked power. 

The transformation of such characters becomes a useful narrative tool, as it mirrors the thematic journey of the story.

Magical Artifacts as Symbols

Magical objects in fantasy often carry symbolic weight far beyond their physical form. These items are frequently imbued with powers or themes that symbolise larger forces. This could be the struggle between good and evil, fate and free will, or love and sacrifice. 

We see this in A Fool’s Errand, the first book in the In All Jest series. In this first book, there is an amulet that protagonist Lani takes possession of and it becomes a poignant symbol. 

As the story unfolds, we can see that this is more than a mere token. The amulet is not only the key to an ancient secret but also becomes a symbol of Lani’s evolving role. With hidden history and connected to an eight-hundred-year-old mystery, the amulet becomes a powerful symbol in this story. 

Colours as Symbols

Colours are a powerful way of symbolising emotions, themes, and attributes in fantasy. The use of colours by writers aims to portray the mood of the scene, or to emphasise some characteristics concerning a character or environment. The symbolism of certain colours is often ingrained, such as red for anger or passion, or yellow for happiness or black for mystery or hidden secrets.

A colour might also be used to highlight a transformation, such as a character shifting from innocence to experience, or to foreshadow a change in the world itself. Perhaps a villain decked in black clothes sheds his cloak and wears white when he joins the good side. 

Landscapes as Symbols

Landscapes in fantasy stories often carry significant symbolic meaning. The state of the environment can reflect a character’s emotional journey, or it can symbolise the larger themes of the story. 

The lush forest that symbolises abundance and peace is turned into a dark landscape filled with dead trees and ominous fog to symbolise a darker presence. The physical transformation of landscapes is often a visual reflection of the thematic elements of the story.

Types of Foreshadowing: A Writer’s Guide to Unseen Clues

Direct foreshadowing provides explicit clues about the future, clearly pointing towards what will happen. These clues often manifest in dialogue, prophecies, or dreams that forecast major events. 

Direct foreshadowing works best when it’s presented in a way that leaves room for interpretation, keeping readers engaged without revealing too much too soon.

Subtle foreshadowing is the most understated form. It involves small details that will mean little until all the key events have taken place. They may be given out through dialogues, descriptions, or even character behaviour that one finally feels great about when it dawns upon them later in the story. Sometimes, these only make sense in a reread of a book, when the reader can fully appreciate the depth of foreshadowing added.

The Power of Symbolism in Character Development

The power of symbolism lies in its ability to reveal a character’s inner conflicts, motivations, and growth. Symbolic objects, actions, or even relationships often reflect a character’s emotional journey or thematic arc.

Does a character have a ‘safety blanket’ object that symbolises them holding onto their past? Perhaps a character collects magical artefacts that represent their greed and hunger for power? As the story progresses, they may abandon or change their path. As they overcome or succumb to the symbolism tied to these objects, their character arc becomes more defined and emotionally resonant.

Unveiling the Enchantment – Mastering Symbolism and Foreshadowing in Fantasy

Symbolism and foreshadowing are indispensable tools for fantasy writers. 

These techniques help to build anticipation, deepen the meaning of objects and events, and create a more immersive world. By mastering foreshadowing and symbolism, writers can guide their readers through a rich and engaging narrative, where every detail has purpose and meaning.To explore more fantasy character archetypes, see A Guide to 8 Fantasy Subgenres.