Urban fantasy, a genre that fuses magical elements with contemporary urban settings, is renowned for its richly imaginative locations. These settings not only provide a backdrop for fantastical events but also play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and enhancing the genre’s appeal. Here, we explore some of the most iconic urban fantasy settings in literature, highlighting their unique features and impact on the genre.
**1. London Below from Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere
Setting Description:
In Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, London Below is a hidden, magical realm existing parallel to the real city of London. This subterranean world is populated by strange and fantastical creatures, and it’s a place where the ordinary rules of reality do not apply.
Significance:
London Below serves as a dark and mysterious counterpart to the real world. Its labyrinthine streets and bizarre inhabitants create an atmosphere of both wonder and danger, making it a quintessential example of urban fantasy’s blending of magic with modernity.
**2. The Dresden Files’ Chicago from Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files
Setting Description:
In Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, Chicago is depicted as a city where the supernatural coexists with the mundane. The series follows Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator, as he navigates both the criminal underworld and the magical realm within the city.
Significance:
Chicago in The Dresden Files is notable for its detailed world-building, where magical and mundane elements are seamlessly integrated. The city’s landmarks and familiar locations are imbued with magical significance, creating a vivid and immersive urban fantasy setting.
**3. New York City from Garth Nix’s Abhorsen Trilogy
Setting Description:
Garth Nix’s Abhorsen trilogy features a modern New York City that is interwoven with ancient magic. The city becomes a battleground for magical forces, blending the gritty realism of New York with fantastical elements.
Significance:
New York City’s portrayal in Nix’s trilogy reflects a seamless integration of urban and magical elements. The city’s familiar streets and landmarks are transformed by the presence of ancient magic and otherworldly creatures, creating a unique and compelling urban fantasy setting.
**4. The Shadowhunter World from Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments Series
Setting Description:
Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series introduces a hidden world within New York City, inhabited by Shadowhunters, demons, and other supernatural beings. The series reveals a network of secret societies and magical institutions existing alongside the city’s modern infrastructure.
Significance:
The Shadowhunter World in New York City offers a rich tapestry of magical and urban elements. Clare’s depiction of the city includes hidden magical realms and ancient traditions, providing a complex and immersive setting for her characters’ adventures.
**5. The City of Glass from Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments Series
Setting Description:
The City of Glass is another iconic setting from Clare’s series, described as a hidden city of the Shadowhunters that exists within the cityscape of Alicante. It is a place of ancient magic and powerful artifacts.
Significance:
This hidden city within New York City contrasts sharply with the mundane world above, showcasing Clare’s ability to create layered urban fantasy settings. The City of Glass serves as a focal point for the series’ exploration of magical heritage and ancient conflicts.
**6. The World of The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
Setting Description:
Kevin Hearne’s The Iron Druid Chronicles is set in a contemporary world where ancient gods and magical beings interact with modern society. The protagonist, Atticus O’Sullivan, is a druid who lives in a small town in Arizona, but his adventures take him across various urban and rural settings.
Significance:
The blend of modern and ancient settings in The Iron Druid Chronicles creates a unique urban fantasy landscape. The series incorporates elements of Celtic mythology into contemporary settings, highlighting the genre’s flexibility in combining old and new worlds.
**7. The “Rivers of London” by Ben Aaronovitch
Setting Description:
Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London features a London where magical forces are closely intertwined with the city’s geography and history. The novel follows Peter Grant, a police officer who discovers a hidden world of magic beneath the city’s surface.
Significance:
London in Rivers of London is a character in its own right, with magical elements deeply rooted in its history and urban landscape. The series is celebrated for its creative integration of the city’s real-life landmarks with fantastical elements.
**8. The World of The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Setting Description:
Lev Grossman’s The Magicians features a magical academy called Brakebills University located in a hidden part of New York City. The series also explores the magical land of Fillory, which is connected to the real world in complex ways.
Significance:
The dual settings of Brakebills University and Fillory provide a rich backdrop for exploring themes of magic, power, and self-discovery. Grossman’s depiction of New York City and the fantastical elements of Fillory highlights the genre’s exploration of both familiar and imaginative settings.
**9. The World of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Setting Description:
Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus presents a magical circus that appears without warning and operates in the late 19th century. The circus is set in a fantastical version of the real world, blending elements of magic with historical settings.
Significance:
The Night Circus is an example of how urban fantasy can create a sense of wonder within a historical context. Morgenstern’s detailed depiction of the circus as a magical, otherworldly space highlights the genre’s capacity for blending fantasy with real-world settings.
**10. The “Women of the Otherworld” Series by Kelley Armstrong
Setting Description:
Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series features a modern world where supernatural beings such as werewolves, witches, and demons live alongside ordinary humans. The series is set in various urban environments across North America.
Significance:
Armstrong’s urban fantasy world showcases a diverse range of supernatural creatures and their interactions with modern society. The series provides a detailed exploration of how magical elements can influence and coexist with everyday life.
Conclusion
Urban fantasy settings are as diverse and imaginative as the stories they support. From hidden magical realms beneath real cities to contemporary worlds infused with ancient magic, these iconic settings play a crucial role in defining the genre. As urban fantasy continues to evolve, new and innovative settings will undoubtedly emerge, further enriching the genre’s landscape and captivating readers with their blend of magic and modernity.