500 Best Fantasy Words: Mega List of Fantasy Vocabulary - Writing Beginner (2024)

Fantasy writing has long captivated readers with their unique blend of imaginative settings, characters, and languages.

The genre’s lexicon is particularly rich.

This guide explores the 500 best fantasy words, categorized for ease of understanding and use. Whether you’re a writer crafting your own fantasy world or a fan seeking to expand your genre vocabulary, this list is an indispensable resource.

1. Magical Creatures and Beings

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500 Best Fantasy Words: Mega List of Fantasy Vocabulary - Writing Beginner (1)

Table of Contents

The realm of fantasy is teeming with various creatures and beings, each more fascinating than the last.

These entities range from the benevolent to the malevolent, often possessing unique abilities or characteristics that set them apart in the fantastical tapestry. They serve as the cornerstone of many fantasy narratives, bringing to life the essence of a world beyond our own.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to magical creatures and beings:

  1. Dragon
  2. Griffin
  3. Phoenix
  4. Centaur
  5. Unicorn
  6. Nymph
  7. Gnome
  8. Elf
  9. Dwarf
  10. Troll
  11. Basilisk
  12. Chimera
  13. Pixie
  14. Sylph
  15. Gargoyle
  16. Leprechaun
  17. Mermaid
  18. Cyclops
  19. Djinni
  20. Werewolf
  21. Vampire
  22. Banshee
  23. Kraken
  24. Harpy
  25. Minotaur
  26. Goblin
  27. Ogre
  28. Wraith
  29. Specter
  30. Salamander
  31. Homunculus
  32. Yeti
  33. Sphinx
  34. Leviathan
  35. Manticore
  36. Faun
  37. Pegasus
  38. Satyr
  39. Valkyrie
  40. Seraphim
  41. Necromancer
  42. Warlock
  43. Sorcerer
  44. Witch
  45. Mage
  46. Wizard
  47. Familiar
  48. Shapeshifter
  49. Elemental
  50. Zephyr

2. Mystical Places and Realms

Fantasy worlds are often defined by their mystical and otherworldly locations.

These places range from hidden enclaves shrouded in mystery to grand kingdoms with ancient histories. They are realms where the impossible becomes possible, where magic suffuses every corner, and where adventures and dangers await at every turn.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to mystical places and realms:

  1. Avalon
  2. El Dorado
  3. Shangri-La
  4. Atlantis
  5. Camelot
  6. Middle-Earth
  7. Narnia
  8. Asgard
  9. Valhalla
  10. Olympus
  11. Neverland
  12. Wonderland
  13. Elysium
  14. Hades
  15. Tartarus
  16. Arcadia
  17. Utopia
  18. Limbo
  19. Purgatory
  20. Aether
  21. Ether
  22. Underworld
  23. Nirvana
  24. Eden
  25. Styx
  26. Pantheon
  27. Valinor
  28. Xanadu
  29. Hyperborea
  30. Agartha
  31. Avalonia
  32. Brigadoon
  33. Cimmeria
  34. Dystopia
  35. Empyrean
  36. Faerie
  37. Gehenna
  38. Hel
  39. Ithaca
  40. Jotunheim
  41. Kailasa
  42. Lemuria
  43. Mirkwood
  44. Nastrond
  45. Olympos
  46. Pandemonium
  47. Quivira
  48. Ragnarok
  49. Samarkand
  50. Thule

3. Enchanted Objects and Artifacts

In the world of fantasy, certain objects and artifacts possess extraordinary powers, often imbued with ancient magic or divine essence.

These items can range from weapons of great might to relics of profound wisdom.

They frequently become central to the plot, sought after by heroes and villains alike for their immense potential.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to enchanted objects and artifacts:

  1. Excalibur
  2. Holy Grail
  3. Philosopher’s Stone
  4. Gjallarhorn
  5. Mjolnir
  6. Vorpal Sword
  7. Cloak of Invisibility
  8. Pandora’s Box
  9. Flying Carpet
  10. Magic Wand
  11. Orb of Prophecy
  12. Ring of Power
  13. Scepter of Kings
  14. Chalice of Eternity
  15. Amulet of Truth
  16. Crystal Ball
  17. Book of Spells
  18. Mirror of Destiny
  19. Gauntlet of Strength
  20. Locket of Dreams
  21. Scroll of Knowledge
  22. Potion of Youth
  23. Dagger of Betrayal
  24. Shield of Valor
  25. Staff of Wizardry
  26. Helmet of Insight
  27. Lantern of Guidance
  28. Necklace of Harmony
  29. Robe of the Archmage
  30. Sword of Justice
  31. Tiara of Serenity
  32. Vial of Elixir
  33. Wand of Wonders
  34. Zodiac Stone
  35. Ankh of Life
  36. Brazier of Fire
  37. Cauldron of Rebirth
  38. Diadem of Power
  39. Emblem of Courage
  40. Flute of Winds
  41. Goblet of Immortality
  42. Harp of Ages
  43. Idol of Fortune
  44. Jewel of Night
  45. Keystone of Balance
  46. Lyre of Peace
  47. Mask of Shadows
  48. Needle of Fate
  49. Opal of the Sea
  50. Prism of Light

4. Magical Spells and Incantations

Magic in fantasy often manifests through spells and incantations, each with unique effects and requirements.

These words of power can summon elements, alter reality, heal, or curse.

They embody the linguistic essence of magic, often requiring precise pronunciation and deep understanding.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to magical spells and incantations:

  1. Abracadabra
  2. Alakazam
  3. Bippity Boppity Boo
  4. Expelliarmus
  5. Wingardium Leviosa
  6. Lumos
  7. Nox
  8. Avada Kedavra
  9. Crucio
  10. Imperio
  11. Accio
  12. Incendio
  13. Levicorpus
  14. Obliviate
  15. Petrificus Totalus
  16. Riddikulus
  17. Sectumsempra
  18. Silencio
  19. Stupefy
  20. Tarantallegra
  21. Aguamenti
  22. Confundo
  23. Engorgio
  24. Finite Incantatem
  25. Geminio
  26. Homenum Revelio
  27. Legilimens
  28. Mobilicorpus
  29. Protego
  30. Reducto
  31. Relashio
  32. Scourgify
  33. Sonorus
  34. Tergeo
  35. Waddiwasi
  36. Anapneo
  37. Aparecium
  38. Bombarda
  39. Colloportus
  40. Descendo
  41. Ennervate
  42. Ferula
  43. Glisseo
  44. Herbivicus
  45. Immobilus
  46. Locomotor Mortis
  47. Muffliato
  48. Orchideous
  49. Periculum
  50. Reparo

5. Exotic Plants and Herbs

The fantasy genre often features a rich array of exotic plants and herbs, each with unique properties and uses.

These botanical wonders range from healing herbs to poisonous blooms, often integral to potion-making or ancient rituals.

They add a layer of mystique and practicality to the fantasy landscape.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to exotic plants and herbs:

  1. Mandrake
  2. Nightshade
  3. Wolfsbane
  4. Gillyweed
  5. Devil’s Snare
  6. Whomping Willow
  7. Bloodroot
  8. Dreamfoil
  9. Elfroot
  10. Firethorn
  11. Ghost Orchid
  12. Hyacinth Nectar
  13. Ironwood
  14. Juniper Moss
  15. Kingsfoil
  16. Lotus Bloom
  17. Moonseed
  18. Nettle Leaf
  19. Ogre Ear
  20. Phoenix Feather Fern
  21. Quicksilver Lichen
  22. Rockrose
  23. Silverleaf
  24. Thornapple
  25. Unicorn Horn Grass
  26. Viper’s Bugloss
  27. Witch Hazel
  28. Xanthera
  29. Yarrow
  30. Zephyr Flower
  31. Ambrosia
  32. Belladonna
  33. Cinderbloom
  34. Dragon’s Breath
  35. Elixir Plant
  36. Frost Lotus
  37. Goldenrod
  38. Heartsease
  39. Ivy Shroud
  40. Jinxweed
  41. Knotgrass
  42. Lavender Mist
  43. Moonflower
  44. Nightbloom
  45. Opium Poppy
  46. Peony Petals
  47. Quillwort
  48. Raven’s Feather
  49. Snapdragon
  50. Trollius

6. Ancient Runes and Symbols

Runes and symbols in fantasy often carry significant power and mystery.

They can be used for divination, protection, or to unlock ancient secrets. These arcane markings are not just decorative but are imbued with magical properties, understood only by the learned or the gifted.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to ancient runes and symbols:

  1. Elder Futhark
  2. Ogham
  3. Sigil of Binding
  4. Glyph of Warding
  5. Pentacle
  6. Eye of Horus
  7. Triquetra
  8. Ankh
  9. Vegvísir
  10. Triskelion
  11. Valknut
  12. Algiz
  13. Berkana
  14. Dagaz
  15. Ehwaz
  16. Fehu
  17. Gebo
  18. Hagalaz
  19. Isa
  20. Jera
  21. Kenaz
  22. Laguz
  23. Mannaz
  24. Nauthiz
  25. Othala
  26. Perthro
  27. Raidho
  28. Sowilo
  29. Tiwaz
  30. Uruz
  31. Wunjo
  32. Thurisaz
  33. Ansuz
  34. Ingwaz
  35. Eihwaz
  36. Bindrune
  37. Cirth
  38. Drudenfuß
  39. Enso
  40. Hamsa
  41. I Ching
  42. Jumon
  43. Knot of Infinity
  44. Labyrinth
  45. Mandala
  46. Nautilus Shell
  47. Om
  48. Phoenix Symbol
  49. Quincunx
  50. Rod of Asclepius

7. Mystical Creatures’ Abilities

Fantasy creatures are often endowed with unique abilities that set them apart.

These abilities can range from elemental control to shapeshifting, telepathy to time manipulation. They add depth to the creatures’ lore and serve as crucial elements in storytelling.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to mystical creatures’ abilities:

  1. Telepathy
  2. Shapeshifting
  3. Invisibility
  4. Flight
  5. Fire Breathing
  6. Ice Generation
  7. Healing Powers
  8. Super Strength
  9. Telekinesis
  10. Time Manipulation
  11. Weather Control
  12. Illusion Casting
  13. Psychic Shield
  14. Water Walking
  15. Plant Growth
  16. Animal Speaking
  17. Petrification Gaze
  18. Size Alteration
  19. Elemental Summoning
  20. Dreamwalking
  21. Gravity Control
  22. Phase Shifting
  23. Light Manipulation
  24. Necromancy
  25. Portal Creation
  26. Energy Absorption
  27. Sonic Scream
  28. Clairvoyance
  29. Poison Generation
  30. Memory Manipulation
  31. Hypnotism
  32. Spirit Binding
  33. Invulnerability
  34. Shadow Melding
  35. Regeneration
  36. Life Force Drain
  37. Curse Casting
  38. Magic Nullification
  39. Dimensional Travel
  40. Aura Reading
  41. Soul Capturing
  42. Astral Projection
  43. Mind Control
  44. Elasticity
  45. Force Field Creation
  46. Heat Vision
  47. Lunar Empowerment
  48. Magnetism
  49. Nature Manipulation
  50. Omnilingualism

8. Legendary Heroes and Villains

Heroes and villains are pivotal characters in fantasy, often embodying archetypes of good and evil.

These legendary figures, with their distinctive traits and backgrounds, drive the narratives of many fantastical tales.

They can be mighty warriors, cunning wizards, or noble leaders.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to legendary heroes and villains:

  1. Arthur
  2. Merlin
  3. Gandalf
  4. Sauron
  5. Frodo
  6. Aragorn
  7. Legolas
  8. Galadriel
  9. Voldemort
  10. Harry Potter
  11. Hermione Granger
  12. Ron Weasley
  13. Albus Dumbledore
  14. Severus Snape
  15. Jon Snow
  16. Daenerys Targaryen
  17. Tyrion Lannister
  18. Cersei Lannister
  19. Odysseus
  20. Achilles
  21. Hector
  22. Thor
  23. Loki
  24. Beowulf
  25. Grendel
  26. Robin Hood
  27. Sherlock Holmes
  28. Dracula
  29. Van Helsing
  30. King Kong
  31. Godzilla
  32. Superman
  33. Batman
  34. Wonder Woman
  35. Iron Man
  36. Captain America
  37. Spider-Man
  38. The Hulk
  39. Wolverine
  40. Darth Vader
  41. Luke Skywalker
  42. Leia Organa
  43. Han Solo
  44. Yoda
  45. Anakin Skywalker
  46. Neo
  47. Morpheus
  48. Trinity
  49. Agent Smith
  50. Jack Sparrow

9. Enigmatic Prophecies and Omens

Prophecies and omens play a significant role in fantasy, often setting the stage for epic quests or cataclysmic events.

These cryptic messages can be delivered through various means, such as dreams, visions, or ancient texts.

They add a layer of mystery and destiny to the narrative.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to enigmatic prophecies and omens:

  1. The Chosen One
  2. End of Days
  3. The Great Conjunction
  4. The Last Battle
  5. The Rising Phoenix
  6. The Falling Star
  7. The Dark Prophecy
  8. The Lost Heir
  9. The Dragon’s Return
  10. The Eternal Night
  11. The Broken Crown
  12. The Sea’s Awakening
  13. The Blood Moon
  14. The Three Signs
  15. The Final Key
  16. The Hidden Kingdom
  17. The Cursed Prince
  18. The Shattered Sword
  19. The Veiled Path
  20. The Forbidden Spell
  21. The Whispering Wind
  22. The Burning Tree
  23. The Silent Tower
  24. The Golden Age
  25. The Dying Light
  26. The Twin Suns
  27. The Frozen Heart
  28. The Shadow Walker
  29. The Blazing Comet
  30. The Serpent’s Rise
  31. The Iron Throne
  32. The Four Horsemen
  33. The Endless Winter
  34. The Immortal Queen
  35. The Celestial Alignment
  36. The Dark Lord’s Fall
  37. The Firebird’s Song
  38. The Warrior’s Oath
  39. The Sacred Stones
  40. The Age of Heroes
  41. The Demon’s Curse
  42. The Angel’s Descent
  43. The World Tree
  44. The Timeless Child
  45. The Fateful Encounter
  46. The Lost Prophecy
  47. The Eternal King
  48. The Mystic Portal
  49. The Four Elements
  50. The Crystal of Power

10. Forbidden and Dark Magic

Forbidden and dark magic in fantasy often represents the morally grey or outright evil aspects of magical power.

These practices are typically shunned by mainstream society and are associated with grave dangers and corrupting influences.

They include necromancy, dark enchantments, and curses.

Here are 50 examples of fantasy words related to forbidden and dark magic:

  1. Necromancy
  2. Blood Magic
  3. Dark Enchantment
  4. Curse Casting
  5. Soul Binding
  6. Demon Summoning
  7. Hexing
  8. Voodoo
  9. Shadowmancy
  10. Maleficium
  11. Dark Ritual
  12. Poisoncraft
  13. Mind Control
  14. Lichdom
  15. Banshee’s Wail
  16. Death Spell
  17. Infernal Pact
  18. Black Alchemy
  19. Chaos Magic
  20. Grim Sorcery
  21. Unholy Communion
  22. Wraithcalling
  23. Phantom Conjuring
  24. Diablerie
  25. Doomcasting
  26. Fell Witchcraft
  27. Gloomweaving
  28. Harrowing
  29. Ill Omen
  30. Jinxing
  31. Kinetic Drain
  32. Lamentation
  33. Malediction
  34. Nightshade Hex
  35. Oubliette
  36. Phantom Curse
  37. Quagmire Trap
  38. Ruination
  39. Soul Eater
  40. Tenebrous Touch
  41. Umbra Warp
  42. Venomous Charm
  43. Witch’s Brew
  44. Xenomancy
  45. Yawning Abyss
  46. Zephyr’s Deceit
  47. Aether Poisoning
  48. Blightcasting
  49. Corpse Animation
  50. Dread Infusion

Here is a good video about fantasy words and vocabulary:

30 Best Fantasy Phrases

Fantasy phrases and sayings add depth and authenticity to the genre, often encapsulating its themes and essence.

These phrases can be prophetic, whimsical, or imbued with ancient wisdom.

They often appear in crucial moments of a story, becoming memorable quotes that resonate with audiences.

Here are 30 of the best fantasy phrases that have captivated readers and viewers alike:

  1. “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
  2. “Winter is coming.”
  3. “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
  4. “To the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered.”
  5. “You have my sword, and my bow, and my axe.”
  6. “I am no man.”
  7. “Not all those who wander are lost.”
  8. “Speak friend and enter.”
  9. “Do or do not, there is no try.”
  10. “Shadows deepen, harboring unseen fears beneath their veil.”
  11. “In the grand chessboard of power, triumph and demise intertwine.”
  12. “Even in the deepest gloom, a flicker of joy awaits those who ignite hope’s lantern.”
  13. “Some stories stay with us forever.”
  14. “As you wish.”
  15. “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.”
  16. “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.”
  17. “I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you.”
  18. “One does not simply walk into Mordor.”
  19. “Fear cuts deeper than swords.”
  20. “That’s what I do: I drink and I know things.”
  21. “You shall not pass!”
  22. “A Lannister always pays his debts.”
  23. “There is no spoon.”
  24. “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
  25. “The cake is a lie.”
  26. “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
  27. “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
  28. “We are Groot.”
  29. “Mischief managed.”
  30. “After all this time? Always.”

Final Thoughts: Fantasy Words

As we close the tome on the lexicon of enchantment, let us remember that each word we’ve encountered is a portal to new realms of imagination.

May your quill never run dry, and your paths be ever illuminated by the phosphorescent glow of dragonfire.

Other Articles About Words:

  • 30 Words To Use In Gothic Fiction (Gothic Word Guide)
  • 100 Best Book Lover Quotes for Readers (With Pictures)

Sources

Brittanica – Runic Alphabet
Wizarding World – Harry Potter Info
Starwars.com – Star Wars Info
Marvel.com – Marvel Info
WizardsoftheCoast – DND and Fantasy Info

500 Best Fantasy Words: Mega List of Fantasy Vocabulary - Writing Beginner (2024)

FAQs

Is 80000 words enough for a fantasy novel? ›

A fantasy novel will usually have 90,000 to 120,000 words.

Is 150000 words too long for a fantasy novel? ›

Fantasy Novel Word Count (80,000-150,000 words)

So, it takes more words to describe the world so readers can see it clearly. There are some subgenres where a lower word count is fine (i.e., contemporary or urban fantasy), but most fantasy readers are more than happy with a 150,000 word tome.

What is a high word count for fantasy? ›

Fantasy: 90,000-125,000 words (though epic fantasy can go into the 180,000-200,000 word range) Romance: 50,000-90,000 words (depending on the sub-genre, mainstream romance novels are usually between 70,000-90,000 words) Science Fiction: 90,000-125,000 words. Mysteries & Crime: 80,000-90,000 words.

How do I start writing fantasy? ›

10 Tips for Writing Fantasy Fiction
  1. Read and re-read. You can only write as well as you read. ...
  2. Know your market. For first-time fantasy writers, it's especially important to consider your audience. ...
  3. Start small. ...
  4. Next, go big. ...
  5. Choose a point of view. ...
  6. Meet your characters. ...
  7. Outline your story. ...
  8. Make, and keep, rules.
Sep 7, 2021

Is 200k words a lot for a book? ›

Biographies tend to run longer than memoirs, often going as high as 200,000 words. A good target range is 80,000–200,000 words.

How many words is Harry Potter 1? ›

The first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, has 76,944 words. It has fewer words than the other six books, making it the shortest book in the series.

Is 20,000 words enough for a non fiction book? ›

According to Stephanie Chandler of the Nonfiction Authors Association, a traditionally published nonfiction book should be between 50,000 and 75,000 words. 1 Other industry experts recommend higher word count ranges.

What does a 20,000 word book look like? ›

A 20,000 word count will create about 40 pages with single spacing or 80 pages double-spaced when using normal 1-inch margins, 12 pt. Arial font, and a standard A4 (letter size) page size.

Is 60000 words enough for a fantasy novel? ›

Non-fiction (how-tos, self-help, and business): 50,000-70,000. Romance: 50,000-100,000 words, with category romance on the lower end. Science fiction and fantasy: 90,000-110,000; absolute maximum is 125,000 words. Thriller and psychological suspense: 70,000-90,000 words, with the sweet spot at 80,000.

What makes good fantasy writing? ›

When it comes to how to write a fantasy novel, you have to create an immersive, believable universe for your readers to get lost in. You want a make-believe world as rich and vivid as the one we live in. Readers want the fantasy to take them out of their humdrum lives, so you must make the make-believe believable.

Is fantasy a hard genre to write? ›

Worldbuilding is the most distinguishable trait of fantasy. You either hear about how important it is to the story or how often genres like fantasy depend on it. And fantasy DEFINITELY depends on it. Just the extensive focus on worldbuilding helps make fantasy one of the hardest genres to write.

How many chapters should an 80,000 word novel have? ›

For example, YA novels tend to have a total word count of 55,000 to 80,000, with around 12-27 chapters. This would give you a ballpark of 3,000 to 5,000 words per chapter.

How long does it take to write a 80,000 word novel? ›

Here's a good example of writing speed: At 1,000 words down per session, which is a pretty good goal for new writers, it would take you 80 sessions to write an 80,000-word book. If you write five days a week, it will take you 16 weeks to write your first draft! That's only four months!

Is 75000 words too short for a novel? ›

If you're writing science fiction or fantasy, your target word count stretches from 100,000 to 115,000 words or more. If you're writing chick lit or westerns, your ideal word count shrinks to approximately 70,000 to 75,000 words or less.

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