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Though there may be many themes that fantasy stories explore, whether they be industry or nature, there is one that supersedes them all. One that is of consequential importance in the grand scheme of things, affecting not just everyone who lives in these wondrous worlds but their future as well. That theme is simply known as the never-ending conflict of good vs evil.
This theme is popular for a number of reasons. One such is that it serves as the driving force in the history of the world, showcasing how both sides are constantly vying for supremacy. It is a constant battle that never ends though the participants do change over time. Though one faction many claim victory for a time, it is usually temporary until the next time the defeated side regains enough power to make another bid for domination.
The war of good vs evil influences characters’ decisions in several ways. Those involved in the conflict calculate how their actions will impact it, both in positive and negative ways. In extreme cases, some characters will be compelled to switch sides if they believe they will benefit more which will cost them their friends and cause them to become enemies with those they once worked with.
Whenever people think of this war, they imagine epic confrontations out on the field but the ceaseless battle takes many different forms. There are small, intimate confrontations between both sides that are equally important as the vast armies clashing with one another. It can also be internal, as characters face challenges that force them to question their beliefs and change them in unexpected ways.
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All the greatest tales in the genre place a heavy focus on the story of good vs evil. From attempting to cast the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom in order to eliminate the threat Sauron poses to Middle-earth to the resurrected Voldemort wreaking havoc in Britain, these stories are abound in courageous acts by the forces of good while also showcasing the lengths the servants of darkness are willing to go to in order to achieve their aims.
The war of good vs evil works because it serves as the central drama of the world. Dating back to the very first days of the world, it fuels the history of the world as numerous actors on both sides rise and fall throughout the ages, all in an effort to advance their side, becoming but mere players in a long-running tale that seemingly is infinite. The audience sees how evil strives to destroy all that is good in the world and the good endeavors to keep it in check, knowing that eradicating it is impossible.
Just as in the real world, there are periods of prolonged peace and of war. In times of peace, evil is held at bay — and is typically not thought about too much — allowing people to live their lives the way they want as good reigns. Over time, the forces of good gradually become complacent and fail to notice the gathering darkness until it becomes too late. In times of war, both sides viciously clash in the latest iteration, seeking to prevail.
The winner of the war rules the world unchallenged, at least for some time. The winning faction moves swiftly to dismantle the order of the world and change it to what it wants. What it fails to realize is that its efforts to impose its will on the world leads to an opposition forming though it is quiet at first as to not attract attention. Over time, the opposition gains strength in numbers and powers, eventually becoming strong enough to challenge the ruling power, thus initiating the next battle in the saga of good vs evil. And the cycle repeats itself over and over again.
Since this theme is an overarching theme, meaning it affects pretty much all the characters in the story, it isn’t surprising that it is the basis on which they make their decisions. The interesting thing is, it impacts each one of them differently, meaning that two characters involved in one situation will have entirely different interpretations of what it entails.
Many tales that have the war of good vs evil as the central drama highlight the two polar camps as they endeavor to win. The emissaries of light strive to create winning coalitions with different groups of people in order to form an united front against the encroaching evil. They do so by appealing to them, telling them what is at stake if they don’t stand united. On the other side, the servants of darkness sow chaos and seek to destabilize existing alliances in order to weaken their enemies. They deceive, threaten, and even blackmail people into joining them.
The thing that makes stories where this theme is center stage fascinating is that each participant in the eternal war will make decisions that don’t just shape those around them but those that will come after them. Good characters recognize that the values and ideals they cherish is at danger of being extinguished should their adversaries prevail and endeavor to preserve them at all costs whereas the dark side is only interested in power and control.
Throughout the story, the characters will face challenges that force them to re-evaluate their beliefs. Some will emerge out on the other side, more resolute than ever, a stark contrast to those who are left more uncertain than before. In the latter, some are even likely to switch sides, believing the other side has something to offer that they cannot find with their current allies. That scenario typically showcases them losing the respect of those they once worked with, forever being branded a traitor.
The war of good vs evil takes many shapes. In many stories, it doesn’t take just one form, it takes several as the audience sees both the external and internal components. Regardless of which form it takes in the tale, one thing is for certain: it will change people in both positive and negative ways.
One element of this theme that people associate with the fantasy genre is epic confrontations between two great armies. There is nothing more exciting than seeing two opposing forces clashing on a variety of battlefields, from the prairie to the ocean. Each side has its own goals and aims to achieve in the battle where the outcome of which is in flux until that climatic moment that essentially dictates who will soon claim victory.
While the sight of watching two armies clashing might get all of the glamor and action, it overlooks another form that might even be more important. The one where the protagonist and the villain faces off in a climatic duel that doesn’t just determine who will win but which side will prevail. It is more emotional as both sides experience an array of different feelings from happiness to anger while bandying words in a battle wits to weaken each other.
Another aspect of the war of good vs evil is more internal-focused. The protagonist must continually work to prevent his inner demons and fears from taking over which could lead to him losing everything he knows and loves. Performing too many vile actions could cause him to fall to the dark side and lose what was good about him. The challenges and obstacles he faces throughout his journey will force him to re-examine what he knew and believed. If he does the right thing, they will invariably make him stronger and more ready to defeat the big bad in the end.
There’s a reason why so many stories have the war of good vs evil as the main plot. It permeates everything in the world and drives people to make decisions not just for themselves but for the world as a whole. These decisions may very well alter the course of history, for good or ill…
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