Exploring the Portrayal of Races and Species in Fantasy Literature

This chapter delves into the portrayal of different races and species in fantasy literature, comparing the treatment of races in classic works like Lord of the Rings to modern fantasy narratives. The discussion explores the implications of using the term 'race' in fantasy contexts and reflects on the absence of mixed-race characters like half-dwarves in popular narratives. Species portrayal in human-centric stories, societal accommodations for diverse species, and the complexities of creating fictional species in speculative fiction are all highlighted in this insightful conversation.