- published: 18 Apr 2012
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Sword and sorcery (S&S) is a sub-genre of fantasy and historical fantasy, generally characterized by sword-wielding heroes engaged in exciting and violent conflicts. An element of romance is often present, as is an element of magic and the supernatural. Unlike works of high fantasy, the tales, though dramatic, focus mainly on personal battles rather than world-endangering matters.
A film genre tangentially related to sword and sorcery, at least in name, is sword-and-sandal, though its subjects are generally oriented to biblical times and history instead of fantasy.
The term was first coined in 1961 when the British author Michael Moorcock published a letter in the fanzine Amra, demanding a name for the sort of fantasy-adventure story written by Robert E. Howard. He had initially proposed the term "epic fantasy". However, the celebrated American sword and sorcery author Fritz Leiber replied in the journal Ancalagon (6 April 1961) suggesting "sword-and-sorcery as a good popular catchphrase for the field". He expanded on this in the July 1961 issue of Amra, commenting:
[based on the forthcoming novel "Sword And Sorcery" by Tarek "MS" Maghary]
[Strophe1:]
From the hills behind the lake
He heard the riddle of the brave
While standing in the twilight.
The mighty gods have called his name.
They said:"With Magic and with Steel
All your enemies will kneel,
Keep on riding through the dark night"
It was cold, he felt the rain.
[Bridge1:]
He saw a fire burning, burning high up in the sky
And the clouds were bleeding, while his thoughts were rising high.
[Chorus:]
Sword And Sorcery
We stand on holy ground
Sword And Sorcery
Defenders of the crown
Sword And Sorcery
The Battle has begun
Sword And Sorcery
We know it will be won.
[Strophe 2:]
In the Forrest of the Dark
He met magician Kurasark,
Who became his teacher.
And he learned the magic spells.
Became the leader of some men,
And He gave the last command.
He sounded like a preacher:
"Ride on when you hear the bell!"
[Bridge 2:]
And the bell was ringing, ringing loud into the night.
So they started screaming, they were ready for the fight!