Supernatural fiction: a guide to otherworldly tales

Despite its immense popularity and widespread presence in the literature, defining supernatural fiction isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Whether you’re browsing the shelves of your local bookstore or browsing through online retailers like Amazon, you’re bound to find supernatural fiction nestled under various labels—be it fantasy, horror, thriller, and even religion or romance. This vast and varied spectrum makes the categorizing of this genre intriguing.

Defining and classification of supernatural fiction

When I started my author journey, I wrote the article “Unveiling the Beyond: Paranormal, Supernatural, or Urban Fantasy” about the difference between paranormal and supernatural fiction and urban fantasy. In it, I define paranormal activities as phenomena that surpass facts and logical explanations and venture beyond current scientific understanding but might be explained in the future like psychic abilities, or cryptids such as Nessie.

The word ‘supernatural’ derives from Latin: super- (meaning above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature). Consequently, supernatural fiction explores phenomena, entities, and themes that are beyond scientific understanding or the law of nature, both now and in the future. This includes concepts like gods, angels, demons, the soul, resurrection, or the afterlife in realms like heaven and hell.

Additionally, to me, supernatural fiction includes entities from folklore and pop culture like werewolves, vampires, and fae because they have origins beyond the natural world. But when fiction gives scientific explanations to these entities, like viral infections or genetic mutations, I’d call them paranormal fiction.

The genre’s rich history

The roots of supernatural fiction extend far back to ancient folklore and mythology. Stories about shapeshifters like werewolves existed in cultures from Indo-Asia and Ancient Rome to Native America. Within oral traditions, people wove tales of the mysterious to explain the world around them and teach moral and cautionary lessons.

With increasing literacy, oral traditions transitioned into written records, and the creation of mythological fiction. For instance, the Greeks documented their myths through epic poems and plays. Another iconic example is the Epic of Gilgamesh, the ancient Sumerian poem about a king’s pursuit of immortality.

In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, fiction continued to interweave with religious beliefs. Narratives featured saints, angels, and demons, and delved into themes of sin, redemption, and the afterlife. A standout example is the Divine Comedy, in which Dante recounts an odyssey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.

Gothic literature molded contemporary supernatural fiction. During this period, many classic tropes took shape, such as haunted houses, malevolent spirits, and cosmic horrors. Prominent authors are Edgar Allan Poe and H. P. Lovecraft. Another notable work is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in which the author focuses less on the scientific methods and more on Frankenstein’s successful endeavor to create life and its impact on him, his family, and the created being.

Contemporary supernatural success

In the 20th century, authors like Stephen King (e.g. The Shining) and Dean Koontz (“Odd Thomas” series) propelled the genre to new heights by merging Gothic elements with modern and thrilling storytelling. Another example is Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, in which she explores the existential turmoil of immortality through a vampire’s centuries-long existence.

Furthermore, supernatural romance has become popular since the late 20th century with several best-selling books, popular television shows, and movies. In this subgenre, a human develops feelings for a supernatural being, leading to a forbidden love story that intensifies the drama and tension. Notable book series that were turned into television shows are “The Vampire Diaries” by L. J. Smith and the “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer. Another example is the “Sookie Stackhouse” series by Charlaine Harris, which inspired the popular television show “True Blood”.

Supernatural themes and motifs

One of the defining features of these novels is the presence of gods, demons, ghosts, zombies, and other beings. Nevertheless, supernatural fiction extends beyond the horror genre, which solely aims to evoke fear and terror. Supernatural fiction, though, emphasizes suspense, mystery, and intrigue. It draws readers into the unknown without frightening them. Here, the entities serve as conduits for exploring themes of mortality and immortality, raising questions about life, death, and what lies beyond.

Typically, an ordinary individual with no knowledge of the supernatural is thrust into exceptional circumstances. Most times, entities such as vampires or werewolves intrude upon, alter, or dismantle the protagonist’s perception of normalcy. Whether by choice or circumstance, these protagonists inevitably find themselves entangled in the extraordinary, but also perilous, new world.

Consequently, protagonists seek to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond the realm of conventional knowledge. Along the way, they grapple with questions about their own identities and destinies. These quests become not only journeys of external exploration but also an introspective odyssey, as characters strive to reconcile the extraordinary with the mundane.

Good versus evil is a prevalent theme

Supernatural fiction examines the age-old battle between light and darkness, as protagonists often find themselves embroiled in a struggle between opposing forces. These narratives explore ethical decision-making as characters navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong. Whether confronting malevolent entities or battling their inner demons, characters face moral dilemmas that test their resolve and shape their destinies.

In other stories, the consequences of previous actions haunt the supernatural entity. These characters often find themselves on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, or forgiveness. Through trials of conscience, they confront their darkest impulses and strive to make amends for their past transgressions.

Furthermore, otherworldly entities, haunted houses, or cursed objects are often used to create a sense of unease and suspense. They can also serve as symbols and metaphors. For instance, the vampire, with its seductive allure and the act of drinking blood, can represent the temptation of forbidden desires; a human character shifting into another being like a werewolf could symbolize the internal battles within a person, where primal instincts clash with their human nature; a zombie apocalypse can be a metaphor for societal breakdown, where individuals are forced to confront the collapse of order and the fragility of civilization; and a haunted house, filled with unsettling memories and ghosts, may serve as a metaphor for the psychological trauma haunting a character’s mind.

Setting and protagonists are crucial elements

No matter the subgenre, supernatural fiction unfolds within the backdrop of the real world. For instance, Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, and Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson & The Olympians”, feature gods and mythological entities living in modern-day America. This distinction is crucial when differentiating from fantasy, wherein constructed fictional worlds seamlessly incorporate supernatural elements like gods into their established rules, e.g. Trudy Canavan’s “Age of the Five” trilogy.

The dynamic between the setting and protagonist is crucial in supernatural fiction, as the environment shapes the experiences and challenges faced by the main characters. Whether it’s a quaint small town with a dark secret lurking beneath its surface or a haunted mansion shrouded in an eerie atmosphere, the setting often becomes a focal point with its own history and mysteries.

Supernatural fiction’s wide-ranging appeal

From shifter romances to cozy witch mysteries to supernatural thrillers—the spectrum that supernatural fiction encompasses is wide and varied. From ancient myths and legends to modern-day tales, this genre has captivated audiences with its exploration of the unknown. It has challenged our perceptions of reality and invited us to imagine worlds beyond the ordinary.

The influence of supernatural fiction extends far beyond literature. It has left an indelible mark on pop culture as vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and other supernatural beings have become staples in film, television, and video games.

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