Brandon Sanderson, the acclaimed fantasy author, has recently gained significant attention with a deal to adapt his works into films and series for Apple TV. In a new video on his YouTube channel, he addressed a recurring question regarding the absence of traditional fantasy races such as elves and dwarves in his narratives. Sanderson reflected on his early writing career, which began in the early 2000s, and the overwhelming influence of J.R.R. Tolkien on the genre at that time.
He explained that during his college years, he felt constrained by the dominance of Tolkien’s influence, prompting him to write an essay critiquing its impact on fantasy. However, Sanderson has since revised his perspective and is currently revisiting Tolkien’s works through audiobooks narrated by Andy Serkis. He emphasized his desire to create unique, human-focused stories, stating that he aims to introduce original fantasy races rather than simply reimagining existing ones.
Despite including dragons in his work, he acknowledged the challenge of creating fantastical creatures that match their legendary status. Ultimately, Sanderson concluded that there remains ample opportunity for innovation within the genre, encouraging writers and readers alike to pursue their passions without feeling restricted by traditional tropes.