Science fantasy

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Cover of Other Worlds, October 1952

Science fantasy is a mixed genre within the umbrella of speculative fiction which simultaneously draws upon and/or combines tropes and elements from both science fiction and fantasy. In a science fiction story the world is scientifically possible, while a science fantasy world contains elements which violate the scientific laws of the real world. Nevertheless the world of science fantasy is logical and often is supplied with science-like explanations of these violations.[1][2]


Eric R. Williams lists the following "microgenres" which can belong to science fantasy: Discovery, Dying Earth, ET Relations, Mad Scientist, Space Opera, Sword and Planet.[2] Carl D. Malmgren classifies science fantasy by the type of the violation of science and distinguishes the following main types: the time-loop motif, the alternate-present world, the counterscientific world, and the hybridized world.[1]

Versus science fiction[edit]


Historical view[edit]








See also[edit]


  2. ^ a b Eric R. Williams, The Screenwriters Taxonomy: A Collaborative Approach to Creative Storytelling, p. 121
  5. ^ Nussbaum, Abigail (April 2, 2015). "Science Fantasy". In Nicholas, Peter. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. Retrieved May 25, 2017. 

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