Head of the Throne(b)|奇幻的权力游戏

Head of the Throne

by William Ryan

Have you indulged in any high fantasy books or TV shows recently?

　　The best-selling works of George RR Martin focus on a sub-genre known as high fantasy fiction. In this realm, the focus is on philosophical questions, such as the human condition and the meaning of life. The genre is defined by long, epic events which usually rely on sub-plots to maintain continuity. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is oftentimes cited as a classic example of high fantasy. Long, difficult journeys along with swords, dragons, dwarfs, and elves are some of the typical features of high fantasy. Another feature is the common use of the good-versus-evil theme, along with the absence of moral ambiguity. Furthermore, these stories take place in an entirely imaginary world with its own rules. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have both of these features. Stories in which the fantasy world overlaps with the real world are usually not considered high fantasy. In contrast to high fantasy, these stories, which take place in the real world, comprise another sub-genre called low fantasy fiction.

　　Martin's interest in high fantasy has resulted in great success. As the recipient of numerous awards, the novelist has achieved iconic status. With all the recognition he has been given, Martin is truly sitting on the throne of high fantasy.

 

　　乔治．RR．马汀最畅销的作品着重于大家所知的次类型文学──奇幻史诗文学。在这个领域中，着重于哲学性的问题，象是人类生存的条件以及生命的意义。这类题材被定义为长篇史诗事件，并常常仰赖小说中分支情节来维持其故事的连贯性。《魔戒》三部曲时常被拿来当作奇幻史诗的经典范例。漫长又艰辛的旅程，伴随着宝剑、龙、矮人族及精灵的出现，这些都是某些典型奇幻史诗文学的特色。另外一项特色就是常常使用的『正邪对决』主题，没有道德上的模糊地带。此外，这些故事发生在一个完全虚构的世界，而这个世界有着自己的运行法则。《哈比人历险记》和《魔戒》兼具上述两项特色。故事中的幻想世界若与现实世界有所重叠，那这一类的故事通常不会被认为是奇幻史诗文学。与奇幻史诗文学比起来，发生在现实世界的幻想故事则构成了另一个次类型的奇幻文学。

　　马汀对奇幻史诗文学的爱好使他获得极大的成功。身为众多奖项的得奖人，这位小说家已经达到指标性的地位。有了众人的认可，马汀是真正在奇幻史诗文学领域执牛耳的人。