. . . but a friend (who asked to remain nameless for fear of being labeled a "goober") asked me today what the difference was between heroic fantasy and epic fantasy, and, after some thought, I provided a quick and dirty opinion based on my reading experiences and listening to the ArmadilloCon 27 panel discuss "New Directions in Heroic Fantasy."

Here's what I said:

Heroic and epic fantasy can be exactly the same, but they can also be quite different. Heroic fantasy involves, as you'd expect, a hero -- someone who rises to the occasion to combat some evil being or group or some awful event or force of nature. Epic fantasy involves a long tale, often stretched over a multi-volume span and usually with multiple characters and perspectives, and can include heroic fantasy. However, unlike heroic fantasy, epic fantasy can have a protagonist or set of protagonists with strong anti-hero elements or just elements of gray, rather than black or white.

The panel members discussed how it is hard to add new developments to heroic fantasy because of the nature of what a hero is. To them, epic fantasy is far more malleable, and they discussed, among other things, George R.R. Martin's work as an example of more realistic non-heroic epic fantasy, which is a change from the majority of what has come before in the field.

I know there's a lot more to be said and addressed on the topic than that, so, if anyone feels the urge to share their thoughts, scathing or otherwise, please do so.