Worldbuilding is one of the toughest aspects of writing fantasy. One of the biggest challenges is creating a believeable history for your world, one that feels as if life has existed long before you pick up the book.

It’s often these rich and vivid details that characters or events in stories and novels refer to that breath life into a world. Details such as this also have the power to immerse readers deeper into the story, imbuing them with a desire to explore your fantasy world history.

In this comprehensive guide, I share my expertise on how to create a believeable history for your fantasy world. I explain how I created the past of my world in my debut fantasy novel, Pariah’s Lament, and share some top tips and methods that you can try out. You can also find a podcast episode I recorded on this very subject.

an example of fantasy world history: a great statue of a man holding a sword in the air

Expert Tips On How To Create A Believeable History For A Fantasy World

Creating a believable history in a fantasy world requires careful consideration of various elements. The aim is to immerse readers in a rich and coherent narrative. So with that in mind, here are some expert tips to help you:

  • Establish a Foundation – It can help to begin with the creation myth or origin story of your world. This could involve gods, ancient beings, or cosmic events that set the stage for your fantasy world. It doesn’t need to be real. It could be based on a religion. Consider geological and geographical aspects too. How did the landforms, oceans, and mountains come into existence? This can influence the distribution of civilizations and the development of cultures. It can also help to draw a fantasy map.
  • Cultural Development – To help create a believeable history, you could also look to develop diverse cultures with unique customs, languages, and traditions. Consider the impact of geography and resources on these cultures. Think about the historical events that shaped each culture. Wars, alliances, and migrations can greatly influence societal norms and values.
  • Economic Systems – It can also help to determine the economic systems in your world, such as trade routes, currencies, and major industries. Economic interactions can lead to conflicts and alliances among different regions.
  • Political Structures – You could also create political systems and power structures. Consider the rise and fall of empires, the establishment of monarchies, democracies, or other governing bodies. Develop key historical figures and events that have shaped the political landscape. Wars, revolutions, and treaties can leave a lasting impact.
  • Magic and Mythology – You could also integrate magic systems into your world with clear rules and limitations. Consider how magic has influenced historical events and the development of societies. Develop a mythology that explains the existence of magical beings, artifacts, and phenomena. This adds depth to the fantastical elements of your world.
  • Technology Progression – You may find it useful to define the level of technology in your fantasy world. Consider how advancements in technology have shaped the history of different civilizations. Introduce technological innovations and their societal impacts, such as the invention of magical devices, transportation methods, or communication systems.
  • Crisis and Conflict – Try to think about pivotal moments of crisis or conflict in your world’s history. These events can include wars, natural disasters, plagues, or magical catastrophes. Explore the consequences of these crises on societies, including changes in power dynamics, cultural shifts, and the rise of heroes or villains.
  • Document the History – To add even greater believability to your world, you could create historical texts, myths, and records that characters in your world can refer to. These can serve as in-universe sources to provide depth and authenticity to your world’s history. Consider unreliable narrators or conflicting accounts to add intrigue and mystery to certain historical events.
  • Cultural Artefacts – Scatter artifacts, ruins, and remnants of past civilizations throughout your world. These serve as tangible links to the history you’ve created and can become focal points for quests or exploration.
  • Evolution Over Time – Show the evolution of cultures, technologies, and ideologies over time. This gives a sense of continuity and progression in your world’s history.

By carefully weaving these elements together, you can create a believable and immersive history for your fantasy world, providing a rich backdrop for your story or setting.

Think About Our Own World History

Drawing inspiration from real-world history can help enrich fantasy worldbuilding. Analyzing, for example, ancient civilizations, conflicts, and societal structures can provide a foundation for creating believable and diverse histories. For instance, the fall of the Roman Empire could inspire the collapse of a once-great fantasy empire.

Cultural exchanges, like the Silk Road, can inform trade routes and interactions between fantastical cultures. Historical events such as the Renaissance or Industrial Revolution might inspire technological advancements in a fantasy world.

In a similar vein, examining political intrigues, revolutions, and power struggles throughout history can shape the political landscape of a fictional realm. By infusing fantastical elements into real-world historical contexts, writers can create immersive and authentic fantasy worlds that resonate with readers through recognizable themes and dynamics.

Listen To My Podcast On Creating Histories In Fantasy Worlds

Below, you can listen to an episode from my podcast, The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, on my most essential worldbuilding and fantasy writing tips. Part of that discussion focuses on creating histories.

Important Things To Consider When Creating A Fantasy World History

It’s not easy creating a believable history for a fantasy world but hopefully thetips in this guide have helped. I have some more important takeaways for you.

  • Maintain internal consistency in your fantasy world’s history. Ensure that the rules, events, and cultural aspects align with each other. Consistency enhances believability and helps readers or audiences immerse themselves in the narrative.
  • Consider the diversity and evolution of cultures within your fantasy world. Just as in the real world, civilizations in your fantasy realm should have unique customs, languages, and histories. Show how these cultures have evolved over time, influenced by external factors and internal developments.
  • Clearly establish cause-and-effect relationships between historical events. Understand the consequences of pivotal moments, whether they are wars, magical cataclysms, or political revolutions. This adds depth to your world’s history, showing how actions in the past reverberate into the present.
  • Highlight the agency of key historical figures. Whether they are heroes, villains, or influential leaders, characters should drive the course of history. Their decisions, actions, and motivations should be well-developed and contribute meaningfully to the world’s narrative.
  • Consider the engagement of your readers or audience. While crafting your fantasy world’s history, offer hints, mysteries, and opportunities for exploration. Allow readers to discover aspects of the world’s past gradually, fostering a sense of intrigue and curiosity. This engagement encourages a deeper connection with the story and setting.

If you need any more guild and support creating a fantasy world history, please get in touch.

Richie Billing
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