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Quick answer: High fantasy is fantasy set entirely in an invented secondary world, while epic fantasy is defined by its large scale: sweeping quests, wars and world-changing stakes. Many books are both, like The Lord of the Rings, but a high fantasy can be small and personal, and an epic fantasy can sometimes begin in our world.
Quick facts
High fantasy: secondary world setting
Epic fantasy: grand scale, high stakes, often multi-book
Low fantasy: magic in the real world
Many series are both high and epic
Examples: The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, Mistborn
Fantasy has many labels, and high and epic are two of the most confusing. They are not opposites; they describe different qualities. Here is how to tell them apart, with examples of each.
Table of Contents
What Is High Fantasy?
High fantasy, also called secondary world fantasy, takes place in a world that is completely invented, with its own geography, history and rules. Earth does not exist in the story, or only as a distant memory. Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings and Earthsea in Ursula K. Le Guin’s series are examples. The tone is often serious and mythic, and the stakes involve good and evil.
What Is Epic Fantasy?
Epic fantasy is about scale. It involves large casts, long journeys, wars and the fate of kingdoms or the world. The story often spans multiple volumes and many viewpoints. Epic fantasy usually takes place in a secondary world, so it overlaps with high fantasy, but scale is what defines it. Examples include The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin and The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson.
Comparing the Terms
| Feature | High fantasy | Epic fantasy |
|---|---|---|
| Defined by | Invented world | Scale and stakes |
| Setting | Secondary world | Usually secondary world |
| Length | Any | Often long, multi-book |
| Example | A Wizard of Earthsea | The Wheel of Time |
| Can be intimate | Yes | Less likely |
A book can be both, one or neither. A small, cozy story in an invented world is high fantasy but not epic.
Related Fantasy Types
- Low fantasy: magic in the real world or a mostly realistic one
- Urban fantasy: magic in a modern city
- Sword and sorcery: action-focused stories with a hero
- Grimdark: morally gray, violent fantasy
- Cozy fantasy: low-stakes, comforting stories
- Portal fantasy: characters travel from our world to another
- Romantasy: romance plus fantasy
Examples to Try
For high fantasy, read The Hobbit, A Wizard of Earthsea and The Name of the Wind. For epic, try The Eye of the World, The Way of Kings or The Fellowship of the Ring. For a mix of epic and political drama, read A Game of Thrones. Look for epic fantasy recommendations if you want a long series.
Which Should You Read First?
If you are new, start with a shorter book like The Hobbit or Mistborn: The Final Empire. Epic fantasy can require commitment, as series may have ten or more volumes. If you love world-building, you will enjoy the depth, and if you prefer faster stories, try a stand-alone.
Why the Labels Are Fuzzy
Fantasy labels developed informally among readers, publishers and critics. Different people draw the lines differently. Rather than worry about the exact label, use the terms as hints: high suggests a new world, epic suggests big scope. Read reviews to learn more about each book.
Magic Systems in High and Epic Fantasy
Many modern fantasy writers design detailed magic systems with rules and costs, as Brandon Sanderson does in Mistborn. Others keep magic mysterious, as Tolkien does. Hard magic systems have clear rules, while soft magic stays vague and wondrous. Epic and high fantasy can use either. Knowing which type you prefer helps you choose books that suit you, and it explains why readers sometimes disagree about what feels satisfying.
A Starter Path Through Fantasy
A friendly path might begin with The Hobbit, then move to A Wizard of Earthsea for a shorter high fantasy, then Mistborn for a fast epic and finally The Eye of the World or A Game of Thrones for the big sagas. Each step adds length or complexity. Take breaks between series with stand-alone books, and use maps and character lists to keep track of large casts.
Maps, Glossaries and Reading Aids
Long fantasy books often include maps, family trees and glossaries. Use them. Keep a bookmark at the map page and consult it when places are mentioned. Online wikis can help, but beware of spoilers. Some readers enjoy listening to the audiobook while following the print book, which helps with unfamiliar names and pronunciations.
Epic Fantasy Reading Order Tips
Many epic series have prequels, side stories and novellas, which can be confusing. Check the author’s website or a trusted reading order guide. In most cases, publication order is the safest. Make a note of which books are the main series and which are extras. Many fans enjoy a first read in publication order and a second read in timeline order.
Related: how to choose book club books and what a novella is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between high and epic fantasy?
High fantasy refers to an invented world; epic refers to grand scale and stakes.
Is The Lord of the Rings high or epic fantasy?
Both.
What is low fantasy?
Fantasy set in the real world or a world close to it.
Is Game of Thrones epic fantasy?
Yes, it is a large-scale epic in a secondary world.
What epic fantasy should I start with?
The Hobbit, Mistborn or The Eye of the World are common starters.