Fantasy Story Ideas & Prompts to Spark Your Next Epic Adventure
Crafting fantasy stories isn’t just about conjuring up a fire-breathing dragon or weaving an ancient prophecy into your tale (although those can be amazing touches).
It’s about coming up with fantasy story ideas so compelling and immersive that your readers can’t imagine the magic, the characters, or the world existing apart from each other.
You want readers to lose themselves in the intrigue, the heart-stopping twists, and the breathtaking settings—all in one fell swoop. That’s no small feat, but with a little inspiration and a few prompts, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a tale that lingers long after the final page.
If you’re feeling stuck or looking for a spark to ignite your next epic fantasy tale, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, you’ll find fantasy story ideas, tips, prompts, examples, and more.
But before we dive into those, let’s talk about why brainstorming can sometimes feel like the hardest part.
Why brainstorming fantasy story ideas is harder than it seems
Let’s be honest: fantasy writing is a beast. It’s not just about crafting an interesting plot; it’s about creating entire worlds, societies, and systems that feel real. Toss in characters with layered motivations and stakes as high as the mountains of Eldarion, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The trick? Break it down. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, start small: a single scene, a magic system, or a quirky character. Often, ideas for fantasy novels grow from a tiny seed. One moment you’re jotting down a character sketch, and the next, you’ve got an entire trilogy planned.
How to generate fantasy story ideas
If you’re staring at a blank page (or worse, your cat, waiting for them to speak words of wisdom), here are some ways to get the creative juices flowing:
1. Steal from history and mythology
History is full of drama, intrigue, and larger-than-life characters—perfect fodder for ideas for a fantasy story. For instance:
Take a historical event: What if you reimagined the French Revolution in a world where magic is controlled by an elite class, and a rebellion is sparked by commoners rediscovering ancient, forbidden spells?
Borrow from mythology: Imagine a world where the gods of Norse mythology have been dethroned, and their artifacts scattered across the mortal realm. A blacksmith’s apprentice discovers one and is thrust into a battle between gods and mortals.
2. Use “what if” questions to explore new angles
“What if” questions are the gateway to endless possibilities. Here are some prompts:
What if magic came at the cost of one’s memories? Would your protagonist risk losing their identity to save their kingdom?
What if dragons weren’t apex predators but enslaved beasts used to power cities?
What if your main character was an antihero tasked with dismantling a corrupt hero guild?
3. Think character-first
Sometimes, a great character can lead you to an even better plot. For example:
A mute assassin whose every kill brings them closer to finding their voice.
An orphaned baker who discovers their pastries have the power to influence dreams.
A reluctant villain whose only goal is to save their cursed sibling.
4. Dive into your own experiences
Your life might not feel “fantastical,” but personal experiences can provide the emotional core of your story. For example:
Ever felt like an outsider? Channel that into a character navigating a society where magic users are shunned.
Gone through a tough loss? Write about a protagonist wrestling with grief while facing an apocalyptic threat.
The best fantasy stories are grounded in real emotions, making even the most magical settings relatable.
Fantasy story prompts to inspire your next masterpiece
Still need a boost? Here are some fantasy story prompts to help you get started:
A group of rebels discovers an ancient artifact that holds the key to toppling their oppressors. The catch? It’s sentient and has its own agenda.
In a land where seasons last decades, a kingdom faces its first winter in 50 years—and the frozen creatures that come with it.
A scholar stumbles upon forbidden texts that detail the creation of the world—and learns they’re not from this world at all.
Two kingdoms have been at war for centuries, but their heirs are forced into an arranged marriage to unite them. Except, one of them is hiding a dark secret.
A cursed forest appears overnight, trapping an entire village within its magical borders. The villagers must solve the mystery of the forest before they are consumed by it.
An alchemist discovers a formula that can bring paintings to life, but their creations begin to rebel.
In a desert kingdom, water is sacred and controlled by a tyrant. A young thief discovers the mythical source of water and must decide whether to share it or keep it hidden.
A child of prophecy is born, but to the wrong parents, and must navigate a life of misunderstanding and danger.
A city built atop the skeleton of a giant awakens the creature during a festival, threatening the lives of all who live there.
A healer discovers their powers work in reverse, causing harm instead of healing, and must journey to undo the curse.
A forgotten god demands worship once again, threatening to unleash chaos unless an ancient pact is fulfilled.
A library holds books that rewrite themselves to record the stories of anyone who reads them—but one book begins writing events that haven’t happened yet, drawing the reader into a dangerous prophecy.
A warrior cursed to relive the deaths of everyone they’ve failed to protect discovers a relic that could break the cycle, but it demands a steep price.
A secret society of shapeshifters plots to overthrow a kingdom, but their leader begins to question their motives.
A magical storm sweeps through a land, granting random powers to those it touches, with unpredictable consequences.
A musician discovers a song that can open portals to other worlds, but each time it is played, something escapes into their own.
Exploring fantasy tropes to inspire creativity
Fantasy tropes are recurring themes or conventions that appear across stories in the genre. While some might dismiss them as clichés, tropes can be incredibly useful as building blocks for crafting unique tales. Here are some popular fantasy tropes and tips on how to use or subvert them in your story:
1. The chosen one
This trope features a protagonist destined to save the world. To make it unique, consider flipping the script:
What if the chosen one refuses their destiny and someone else must step in?
What if the prophecy is misinterpreted, and the chosen one is actually the antagonist?
2. The mentor
The wise and experienced figure guiding the hero is a classic trope. Why not:
Make the mentor unreliable or secretly working against the hero?
Have the mentor’s teachings backfire, creating unintended consequences?
3. The quest
From hunting magical artifacts to rescuing kidnapped royalty, quests are a staple of fantasy. To make your quest stand out:
Focus on the internal journey of your characters rather than just the physical journey.
Introduce unexpected hurdles, like a moral dilemma that splits the group.
4. Magic with a price
Magic systems that come with a cost add depth to your world. Instead of just using the classic “magic drains life force” angle:
Explore emotional costs, such as losing memories or suppressing emotions to cast spells.
Make magic dependent on rare, finite resources, forcing characters to make tough choices.
5. Found family
A group of misfits banding together to face adversity is a fan-favorite trope. Add a twist:
What if the found family starts to fracture under the pressure of the adventure?
What if one member is secretly working against the group?
Here's a great video on 7 fantasy tropes that work every time by Jed Herne, a fantasy editor ⬇️
Turning fantasy story ideas into novels
Once you have an idea, the real challenge is fleshing it out. Here’s how to take your fantasy story ideas from spark to story:
1. Develop your plot
Ask yourself:
What does my protagonist want?
What’s standing in their way?
What’s at stake if they fail?
For a deep dive into structuring your story, check out how to plot a fantasy novel like a pro.
2. Build your world
Worldbuilding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with what’s relevant to your plot. For example:
Is magic commonplace or rare?
What are the social hierarchies?
What’s the geography like?
If you need help organizing your thoughts, my Worldbuilding Workbook (below) is a lifesaver ⬇️.
3. Craft a unique magic system
Magic should have rules and consequences to keep it interesting. For instance:
Does magic drain a user’s life force?
Is it only accessible through ancient artifacts?
Are there societal taboos around certain types of magic?
Final thoughts: make your fantasy story ideas unforgettable
Remember, no idea is too small or too strange. The key is to take your spark and fan it into a flame with a mix of creativity, structure, and persistence. And if you’re feeling stuck, lean on tools and resources—like my free Fantasy Prompt Generator Tool or the Worldbuilding Workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a fantasy story compelling?
A compelling fantasy story balances strong, relatable characters with a richly detailed world and high stakes. Readers should feel invested in the protagonist's journey while being immersed in a setting that feels alive, with its own rules, history, and challenges.
How do I avoid cliches in my fantasy writing?
Cliches can be avoided by adding your unique twist to familiar tropes. Instead of abandoning common elements entirely, think about how you can subvert expectations or combine ideas in unexpected ways. For example, make the wise mentor unreliable or the chosen one reluctant to fulfill their destiny.
What’s the best way to outline a fantasy novel?
The best approach depends on your writing style, but a common method is the three-act structure: introduce the world and conflict, escalate stakes and character development in the middle, and resolve everything with a satisfying climax.
