65 Enchanting Fantasy Prompts to Spark Your Creativity
Imagine a world where the impossible becomes possible, where mythical creatures roam free and magical abilities are commonplace. This list of fantasy fiction writing prompts is your gateway to such a world.
Whether you're a writer battling the dreaded block, a storyteller seeking fresh inspiration, or a filmmaker searching for your next fantasy story idea, these fantasy prompts are designed to get your creative juices flowing.
From epic fantasy to urban fantasy, fairy tales to dark fantasy, and every magical creature and enchanted realm in between, I've woven a collection of writing prompts that transcends the ordinary.
Let these prompts be the key to unlocking your next great fantasy stories, fantasy novel, or fairy tale and add a sprinkle of magic.
A long list of fantasy prompts
1. Whispers of the Stone Forest
In a forest where the trees are petrified stone, whispers on the wind speak of an ancient magic locked within. A young herbalist discovers that the whispers are the forest begging for release from a millennia-old curse.
2. The Last Librarian of Atlantis
As the waves threaten to engulf Atlantis for the last time, the city's final librarian discovers a spell that could save their world, but it requires a sacrifice they may not be prepared to make.
3. Mirror of Forgotten Dreams
An antique mirror purchased at a flea market doesn't reflect the present but shows the dreams its previous owners failed to achieve. One night, it starts whispering how to make those dreams come true.
4. The Orchard of Time
Deep in the countryside lies an orchard where the fruits ripen into different seasons. Eating an apple can send you to winter; a peach throws you into the heart of summer. A curious child discovers its secret and the guardian who protects it.
5. The Clockwork Dragon
In a kingdom where magic and mechanics collide, a clockwork dragon—the last of its kind—awakens, bonding with a girl who dreams of flying. Together, they uncover a plot that threatens both their worlds.
6. Beneath the City of Bells
The city is known for its beautiful bells, each telling a different tale. But beneath its cobblestone streets lies a silenced bell, whose chime promises to reveal the city's darkest secrets to anyone who can ring it.
7. The Scribe of the Wind
A scribe can capture the essence of the wind with their pen, writing stories that can control the weather. When a storm threatens their homeland, they must write a story bold enough to calm the tempest.
8. The Last Tea Shop of Faerie
In the realm of Faerie, a human runs the last tea shop, serving brews that can alter reality. When faerie royalty seeks a tea that can change fate itself, the shop becomes a battleground for power.
9. The Golem's Heart
In a city where magic is banned, a young mage crafts a golem to protect their neighborhood. They didn't expect it to develop a heart—and its own ideas of protection.
10. The Weaver of Constellations
A celestial weaver mends the tapestry of the night sky but notices a star missing. Their quest to find it reveals a cosmic imbalance only they can resolve.
11. Frostbite’s Promise
A warrior receives a sword that guarantees victory but at a grave cost. With each swing, the sword's frostbite creeps closer to the wielder's heart, turning their passion into an icy tomb.
12. Echoes of the Underground City
An urban explorer finds a map to a city beneath their own, where echoes can materialize into physical form. Navigating this world requires learning the language of echoes, lest one becomes trapped as a mere whisper.
13. The Puppeteer's Shadow
A puppeteer discovers their shadow can manipulate more than puppets; it can control people's wills. Struggling with the morality of their power, they're thrust into a conflict where shadows are weapons.
14. The Ashes of the Phoenix
A small village finds the ashes of a phoenix. Believing it to be a good omen, they soon learn that rebirth comes with its own dangers, especially when the phoenix’s past enemies come seeking revenge.
15. The Ink of Immortality
An immortal offers a tattoo artist their secret ink in exchange for a tattoo that can change with their eternal moods. But the ink has a history, and its previous owners want it back.
16. The Sea Witch’s Nephew
Raised among humans, the sea witch’s nephew discovers his heritage and his unique power over storms. Torn between two worlds, he must choose where his loyalties lie before a war tears both apart.
17. The Gardener of Ghosts
A gardener can see and talk to ghosts, helping them find peace by planting their favorite flowers. A new ghost's request leads to uncovering a murder mystery tied to the town's history.
18. The Book That Eats Lies
A detective acquires a book that consumes lies, revealing the truth on its pages. But some truths are dangerous, and knowledge comes with its own price.
19. The Candle Maker's Magic
A candle maker crafts candles that can burn away sorrows, light the path to lost things, and even pause time. When darkness threatens the town, their candles light the way to salvation.
20. The Dragon’s Librarian
A dragon hoards not gold but books in a library deep within its mountain. When a thief comes seeking a particular tome, they find an unlikely guardian and an even more unlikely friendship.
21. The Star Thief
A thief who steals stars from the sky to light up their underground world faces a dilemma when they're caught by a celestial being. Their punishment: to return each star without extinguishing its light.
22. The Brewer of Sentiments
In a town where emotions are forbidden, a secret brewer concocts drinks that evoke feelings. A stranger's order for a drink of love leads to an unexpected journey into the heart.
23. The Silent Musician
A musician who can play silence as if it were music has the power to calm the fiercest storms and soothe the wildest beasts. But in a city that never sleeps, silence is a dangerous gift.
24. The Rainmaker’s Dilemma
A rainmaker summoned to end a drought faces a dilemma when they discover that their rain feeds a monster threatening the land. Their solution requires a sacrifice they may not be ready to make.
25. The Knight of Shadows
A knight sworn to protect their kingdom from the shadows learns that they themselves are part shadow. To save their kingdom, they must embrace the part of themselves they’ve always feared.
26. The Color of Magic
In a world where magic is color, a colorblind artist discovers they can see magic's true form. Their unique perspective becomes key to unlocking a mystery that could change the fabric of magic itself.
27. The Alchemist’s Last Experiment
An alchemist on the brink of death undertakes one final experiment to create a potion for eternal life. The ingredients: rare magical items that have a will of their own.
28. The Last Flight of the Firebirds
The firebirds are leaving, and with them, the world’s warmth. A young orphan with the uncanny ability to speak with birds is humanity’s last hope to negotiate their return.
29. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
An apprentice discovers their master's spellbook has pages that rewrite themselves, offering infinite knowledge but at a cost. Each spell cast ages the caster, and the ultimate spell offers immortality—with a catch.
30. The Dream Weaver’s Loom
A weaver creates tapestries that can trap nightmares, offering peaceful sleep. When a tapestry is stolen, the weaver must recover it before the nightmares trapped within are unleashed upon the world.
31. The Forgotten Garden of Eden
In the modern world, a botanist stumbles upon a hidden garden believed to be the mythical Eden. Its fruits grant incredible knowledge and power, but its guardians are not keen on sharing their secrets with humanity.
32. The Lantern of Lost Souls
A lantern that shines light on the shadow realm, revealing lost souls wandering in the dark. The keeper of the lantern helps these souls find peace, but one soul seeks not redemption but revenge on the living.
33. The Merchant of Dreams
In a city where buying and selling dreams is the norm, a merchant comes into possession of a dream so powerful, it could change the fabric of reality. But dreams are delicate, and this one is fraying at the edges.
34. The Minstrel's Curse
A minstrel cursed to sing the truth discovers a royal conspiracy. Now a target, they must navigate court intrigue with only their wits and their music, where a single false note could be fatal.
35. The Architect of Illusions
An architect can create buildings that defy the laws of physics, spaces that bend reality itself. When commissioned to build a prison for a powerful mage, they must design a structure that holds more than just physical bodies.
36. The Last Whisper of the Gods
In a world that has forgotten the old gods, a child hears a whisper on the wind, a plea from the divine. Embarking on a quest to restore belief, the child uncovers truths about the gods and humanity.
37. The Sails of Destiny
A ship that can navigate the currents of time itself has lost its captain. A crew of misfits and outcasts sets sail to find their destiny, each seeking something different but finding they are part of something greater.
38. The Shadow that Sought the Sun
A shadow falls in love with the sun and seeks a way to become human to be with its love. A journey across magical lands ensues, seeking a witch who can grant this impossible wish.
39. The Potion of Forgotten Languages
A linguist discovers a potion that allows them to understand forgotten languages. As they unlock ancient texts, they unravel a history the world was not meant to remember, awakening a danger long buried.
40. The Watcher in the Walls
In an ancient castle, a spirit has watched over the inhabitants for centuries. When the castle is set to be demolished, the spirit chooses a human ally to help preserve its home and its legacy.
41. The Heirloom of Seasons
A family heirloom, a simple locket, has the power to change the season around the wearer. A young heir discovers its power and the responsibility it brings when their kingdom faces eternal winter.
42. The Warden of the North Star
The North Star is fading, and with it, the world's sense of direction. A navigator chosen as its warden embarks on a celestial journey to reignite the star, guided by legends and the auroras.
43. The Bridge Between Worlds
A bridge appears every hundred years, connecting the human world to a realm of wonders. A young scientist investigating the phenomenon finds themselves caught between realities, with love and discovery on the line.
44. The Keeper of Lost Things
A small shop in the city returns lost items to their owners, but the newest keeper discovers some items are lost for a reason. They must decide what deserves to be found and what should remain lost.
45. The Echoes of Atlantis
A submarine expedition finds Atlantis not sunken but hidden within a bubble of time. The explorers face a choice: reveal the secret to the world or protect Atlantis's isolation and its mystical advancements.
46. The Tailor of Realities
A tailor can stitch fabrics cut from the fabric of reality, creating garments that grant the wearer abilities drawn from different dimensions. But when a fabric tears, the consequences are unpredictable.
47. The Will of the Woods
A forest that responds to the will of those who walk its paths. A fugitive seeking refuge finds that the forest not only hides them but offers a chance at redemption and a new beginning.
48. The Feast of Eternity
A feast that appears once every century, attended by mortals and immortals alike. A young chef is chosen to prepare a dish, unknowingly embarking on a culinary quest for an ingredient that promises immortality or doom.
49. The Song of the Sea
A lighthouse keeper finds an ancient flute that controls the sea's tides. When pirates seek the flute to rule the oceans, the keeper must protect it, aided by the very creatures of the deep.
50. The Maze of Mirrors
A magician creates a maze of mirrors that reflect not one's appearance but their true self. A thief, intent on stealing the magician's secrets, enters the maze and comes face to face with truths they've long avoided.
51. The Artist of the Aurora
In a northern village, an artist paints with colors directly from the aurora borealis, capturing its magic on canvas. When a mysterious patron commissions a painting, the artist realizes the aurora's colors can do more than just illuminate the night sky.
52. The Librarian of Lost Tomes
A secret library houses books that disappear from history. Its librarian, tasked with safeguarding these tomes, must protect them from a shadowy figure determined to use the books for their own dark purposes.
53. The Baker’s Enchanted Oven
In a quaint village, a baker's new oven bakes goods that grant wishes. But when the villagers' wishes start to twist in unexpected ways, the baker must uncover the oven's true origin to control its magic.
54. The Sorceress of Snow and Ash
A kingdom plagued by eternal winter seeks the help of a reclusive sorceress. She must gather allies from a world on the brink of spring to bring balance, facing her past and the reason for the season's curse.
55. The Clock Tower of Infinity
At the heart of a bustling metropolis stands a clock tower that controls time itself. When the clock starts malfunctioning, a young clockmaker discovers that the tower's gears are realms where time flows differently.
56. The Weaver’s Spell
A weaver discovers their latest tapestry holds a spell that can alter reality. As the fabric of the world begins to unravel, they embark on a quest to stitch it back together, learning the true cost of altering fate.
57. The Riddle of the Sphinx’s Heir
The last living sphinx, guardian of ancient secrets, selects an unlikely scholar as its heir. To inherit the sphinx's knowledge and power, the scholar must solve a riddle that has baffled minds for millennia.
58. The Necromancer’s Redemption
A necromancer seeking redemption for past deeds summons the spirits of the deceased to right their wrongs. But when they raise a spirit seeking vengeance, they must find a way to lay it to rest before it's too late.
59. The Cartographer’s Uncharted Map
A mapmaker discovers a map to an uncharted island that appears only under a blue moon. The island holds the key to an ancient magic, but finding it requires navigating the treacherous waters of the unknown.
60. The Blacksmith’s Fire Heart
A blacksmith forges weapons imbued with magic. When they discover a heart of fire hidden within their forge, they must learn to wield its power or risk becoming its servant, forging a destiny of their own making.
61. The Dance of the Forest Spirits
In a forest where spirits dance under the moonlight, a lost traveler witnesses their secret ritual. Granted ancient knowledge and a path home, the traveler must decide whether to share the forest's secrets or protect them.
62. The Herbalist’s Secret Garden
An herbalist’s garden blooms with plants not of this world, each with its own unique power. When a rare plant is stolen, the herbalist must navigate the underbelly of magical trade to recover it, uncovering a deeper mystery.
63. The Guardian of the Glacial Chasm
A chasm filled with ancient ice hides a power that can freeze the world into eternal winter. Its guardian, chosen by the ice itself, faces a challenger who seeks to unleash the chasm's power for conquest.
64. The Chessboard of the Gods
A game of chess where the pieces are real people from different times and places, controlled by the gods. A player chosen by fate must outmaneuver the gods in a game where losing could unravel the fabric of reality.
65. The Potion Master’s Heirloom
An heirloom potion with the power to bestow immortality is passed down through generations. When it falls into the hands of someone who fears eternal life, they embark on a quest to find the potion's creator and undo its magic.
Conclusion
Whether your next fantasy story is set in a medieval castle, a magical kingdom, or a world where science and magic intertwine, the power to create is in your hands.
Write fantasy that captures the essence of magical beings, spins plots around mythical creatures, and crafts worlds that readers long to visit.
Let these prompts unlock stories of magic, adventure, and wonder that only you can tell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fantasy Prompts (FAQs)
What Are Fantasy Prompts?
Fantasy prompts are magical keys that unlock the gates to boundless worlds of imagination. They're story starters or ideas designed to spark your creativity, leading you to craft tales of epic adventures, mythical creatures, and magical powers in the fantasy genre.
How Can Fantasy Prompts Enhance My Fantasy World Writing?
Spark Creativity: Get your creative juices flowing with unique and imaginative scenarios.
Overcome Writer's Block: A magical solution when the words just won't come.
Explore New Worlds: Delve into medieval fantasies, dark realms, or even urban settings with a magical twist.
Character Development: Imagine characters with magical abilities or mythical backgrounds and see where they lead you.
What are Examples of Fantasy Writing Prompts?
A history teacher discovers a portal to a medieval fantasy world in the school's basement.
The main character finds a pair of tarot cards that can change their life story, but each use comes with a price.
In a world where bottled emotions can be magically transferred, a protagonist discovers their own hidden ability.
What Makes a Good Fantasy Prompt?
Imagination: It should invite you to explore realms beyond the ordinary.
Flexibility: Offers enough detail to inspire but not so much that it stifles creativity.
Intrigue: Sparks curiosity and the desire to uncover more about the characters, setting, and plot.
Where Can I Find Inspiration for Fantasy Story Ideas?
Fairy Tales & Mythology: Draw from ancient myths or twist classic fairy tales.
Everyday Life: Infuse magical elements into ordinary settings or situations.
Science and History: Combine with fantasy for unique sub-genres like steampunk or historical fantasy.
Dreams: Let your subconscious mind guide you to surreal and untapped ideas.
How Do I Incorporate Fantasy Elements into My Fantasy Genre Story?
World-Building: Create a magical world with its own rules, societies, and landscapes.
Characters: Develop characters with magical abilities, mythical heritage, or ties to legendary creatures.
Plot: Weave a story that involves quests, magical conflicts, or the discovery of hidden powers.
Themes: Explore themes of good vs. evil, the hero's journey, or the power of magic in life.
Can Fantasy Prompts Blend with Other Genres?
Absolutely! Fantasy blends well with many genres, creating exciting crossovers like:
Urban Fantasy: Magic meets the modern world.
Epic Fantasy: Vast worlds, epic quests, and a cast of diverse characters.
Dark Fantasy: Incorporates elements of horror or darker themes.
Science Fiction: Where science meets magic, opening up endless possibilities.
What Should I Do If I Feel Stuck Even With a Prompt?
Take a Break: Sometimes stepping away can clear your mind.
Change Perspective: Write from a different character's viewpoint.
Focus on a Detail: Expand on a small element within the prompt.
Talk It Out: Discuss your ideas with friends or fellow writers for new insights.
How Often Should I Practice Writing Fantasy?
Write as often as you can! Even if it's just a short story or a few lines a day, the more you write, the more you'll hone your craft. Consider setting aside time each week to explore new prompts and let your imagination soar.
Any Tips for Beginners Wanting to Write Fantasy?
Read Widely: Immerse yourself in the fantasy genre to understand its nuances.
Start Small: Begin with short stories to build your world and characters.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try outlandish ideas or mix genres.
Seek Feedback: Share your stories to gain perspectives and improve.
