When I learned that Anne McCaffrey had died, I was physically shaken by the news. We take for granted that the great and momentous authors and actors of our age will be no more. McCaffrey will never pen another Dragonriders of Pern novel or a new work that is unlike any other.
Anne McCaffrey died of a stroke at home on Monday. It's hard to believe that McCaffrey, such a huge figure in the world of fantasy literature, is really gone. 
The hardest part about writing a fantasy story isn't the actual writing, but the generation of ideas and plot points. Everything has to link together and be interesting enough that it grabs the readers attentions throughout the entire book.
All to often, a great idea fizzles in the long run. I guess that's why they created short stories. If you find yourself adrift in a sea of hopelessness, then why not look at at the legends and mythologies of ages past. They have spent literally hundreds of years crafting and perfecting these characters and ideas, so why not take advantage.
Read more about Mythology Makes A Great Fantasy Primer
Anyone who has read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy has to have a certain fondness for the amazing wizard that always seemed to have the right answer. Gandalf is one of the Istari, a group of powerful being sent from the Valar to help the humans in their defeat of the evil ones.
Much of the power of the Istari came from their ethereal connection to the Valar, but over time many became bound to their bodies and circumstances of men. Gandalf was one of the very few that remained true to the mission right up until the defeat of Sauron.
The Istari were supposed to be advisors and helpers, but not directly use their power to influence the outcome of the war. Gandalf helped out bit, but never once did he lead the group. I always thought that was interesting. The wizard took on a Balrog, but always let Aragorn lead the group. It wasn't until reading the Similarian that I realized this is exactly what he was supposed to do.
The other Istari used their powers for the own greed and while the became powerful in the world of men, they lost their connection to the Valar and eventually succumbed to death and defeat. Gandalf knew the time of elves, magic and the Istari were over and went with the elves back to the Valar. Middle Earth was never the same after the departure of the elves and the Istari, but that's a story for another time.
Read more about Fantasy Characters: Gandalf
Unless, of course, you consider the role of women in the television show. Then yes, it’s far grimmer than I could ever have imagined!
Maybe I’m just disappointed because I was so impressed with Once Upon a Time and I was expecting bigger things. Maybe I’m just a feminist who would like to, you know, see women portrayed as strong, central characters representing the role we already portray in life. Either way, Grimm isn’t exactly what I thought it would be—and not in a good way, either. (Beware: spoilers ahead.) Read more about Grimm Isn’t Really That Grim
One of the most active and compelling characters in fantasy stories is the dragon. These fierce creatures are usually portrayed as all knowing and powerful with the ability to tap into the forces of nature and mystery.
Dragons have been around of centuries both in Asian and European mythology. Beowulf met his end at the hands of a dragon and Merlin watched as red and blue dragons fought in “The History of the Kings of England.”
They have always been hoarders of loot, sitting on massive mounds of gold and jewels, waiting to eat the next adventurers who tried to steal a single gold coin or cup. They are truly magical beasts and most often can speak with mortals even if its just before they eat them. Tolkien took a more classical approach for the dragon Smaug, making him evil and little concerned with the affairs of man.
Read more about The Mystery of Dragons