How is shamanism represented in fantasy fiction? A study into the ancient practice, its important elements, and how fantasy authors use them in their writing

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the representation of shamanism in fantasy fiction, focusing on its various aspects and those who practice it. It is accompanied by an extract of my fantasy novel, "Transcendent", which follows Outcast: a man exiled by his people for his misuse of powers, who now charges innocents for helping them. He, and those like him, are known as Magickers and all but a few are left, the others having been slaughtered by an invading empire. The thesis will explore my use of Outcast's character to demonstrate aspects of shamanism. This will be achieved by analysing a collection of fantasy novels. Those I will investigate are: "Clan of the Cave Bear", by Jean. M. Auel; "Shaman of Stonewylde", by Kit Berry; and the "Soldier Son" trilogy by Robin Hobb. I will also discuss the difference between shamanism and the occult, as the magic systems used in fantasy fiction can be associated with one or the other. Finally, my findings will be compared to my own creative work, to fully understand the representation of shamanism in the genre and how it can be applied in practice.

Date of Award	Jan 2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bedfordshire
Supervisor	Lesley McKenna (Supervisor) & Timothy Jarvis (Second supervisor)