A professor in a college creative writing course once told his class that every story is a love story. At first, this may seem like an overstatement, but when you step back and analyze storytelling, it rings true. Love exists in every story—whether it’s love for another person, a country, God, or even an idea.
This means that no matter what fantasy story you’re writing, romance in fantasy will likely find its way into your narrative. While those seeking an overt love story may turn to the romance genre, romance is not exclusive to it. Many fantasy books incorporate romance tropes to enhance storytelling and character relationships.
If you’re looking to weave romance into fantasy, here are five popular fantasy romance tropes along with examples and ideas for your own writing.
Popular Fantasy Romance Tropes
- Human falls in love with a magical creature
- True love breaks a curse
- Falling in love on a quest
- Magic binds two people together
- Star-crossed lovers in a fantasy world
Human Falls in Love with a Creature / Creature Falls in Love with Another Creature
One of the most recognizable fantasy romance tropes is the love story between a human and a non-human creature. A classic example is Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve’s Beauty and the Beast, where a human woman falls in love with a cursed man turned beast. Similarly, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid follows a mermaid who falls for a human prince, and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight features a romance between a human girl and a vampire.
This trope isn’t limited to human-creature pairings. You could also write about two magical beings from different species. Helene Wecker’s The Golem and the Jinni explores a slow-burning romance between a golem and a jinni, both supernatural beings from different worlds. With the vast array of fantasy creatures, the possibilities for creative romance are endless.
True Love Breaks a Curse
A staple in fantasy romance books, this trope often involves a character who is cursed and can only be saved by love. Beauty and the Beast fits here as well, but another example is Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, where a girl’s love saves her childhood friend from an icy enchantment.
Consider crafting a fantasy romance subplot where a character suffers from lycanthropy (turning into an animal) or another magical affliction, and only their true love can break the spell. Werewolves are a classic choice, but you could also explore shapeshifters from different mythologies, such as Norse berserkers (who transform into bears) or African leopard men.
Falling in Love While on a Quest
When characters embark on a journey together, a slow-burn romance can naturally unfold. A classic example is Frodo and Sam’s unwavering devotion in The Lord of the Rings (though not explicitly romantic).
Imagine a questing party consisting of a reckless swordsman, a powerful sorcerer, a gentle white mage, an elven archer, and a dwarven skirmisher. The white mage constantly heals the swordsman, and over time, their bond deepens. Or perhaps a love triangle develops between the mage, the swordsman, and the sorcerer, adding layers of tension and intrigue.
This trope allows for romantic subplots to develop gradually as characters face trials, rely on each other, and reveal their vulnerabilities.
Magic Binds Two People Together
Magic in fantasy romance stories can bring lovers together—sometimes against their will. Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher series explores this with Geralt and Yennefer, whose destinies become entwined due to a magical wish. While this binds them together, it also creates conflict, as they struggle with the question of whether their love is genuine or merely fate.
For your story, consider a magical contract, a soul bond, or a curse that forces two people to stay close. This trope offers a mix of romance and tension, leading to rich character development as the couple navigates their unexpected connection.
Two Characters Unable to Be Together (Star-Crossed Lovers)
A Romeo and Juliet-style trope, this features lovers kept apart by external forces. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn and Arwen’s love is threatened by their different lifespans—Arwen, an elf, must choose between immortality and a mortal life with Aragorn.
Another example could be two lovers from rival kingdoms: a prince from a fire-wielding nation and a princess from a water-controlling dynasty. Despite their love, political tensions keep them apart. This trope provides built-in conflict, high stakes, and emotional depth, making it a compelling choice for a fantasy romance book.
Bringing Romance to Your Fantasy Story
Even with just these five fantasy romance tropes, there are endless ways to incorporate romance into your writing. Whether you want to create a full fantasy romance novel or simply weave a romantic subplot into your fantasy adventure, these tropes provide a strong foundation.
Last Thoughts
Romance tropes in fantasy stories add emotional depth and complexity to any book. Whether you’re writing about love breaking a curse, magical bonds, or a slow-burn romance on a quest, these elements help bring characters and worlds to life.Which fantasy romance trope is your favorite? Share in the comments below! If you’re working on a fantasy novel, try weaving one of these tropes into your story and see how it transforms your narrative.
Image Source: Irina Iriser/Pexels
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