Is Steampunk considered fantasy?

What does steampunk mean?

Initially emerging as a subgenre within the realm of speculative fiction, steampunk is known for its incorporation of steam-powered machines in place of modern technology. This retrofuturistic style has roots in the Victorian era of the 1800s and is often portrayed in various settings such as an alternate version of British or American society during this time period, world where steam reigns supreme once again, or even in fantasy realms that utilize the power of steam.

Can Steampunk be fantasy?

The answer is yes! Steampunk is a genre that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy to create a unique and intriguing world. It relies on the use of bizarre, otherworldly devices to drive the plot forward. Steampunk is not limited to science fiction or the Victorian era. It allows for elements of magic and the ability to draw inspiration from any time period, without being restricted by its technology.  While it has its roots in science fiction, it often crosses over into the realm of fantasy. This can be seen in various fantasy stories that incorporate steampunk elements, such as magic-infused machinery and a fusion of technology and supernatural forces. This combination makes steampunk fantasy a captivating subgenre within speculative fiction.

What distinguishes steampunk from other genres, in terms of both appearance and narrative, is its distinct atmosphere. It evokes a sense of imaginative creations, exploration, and scientific exploration. Common elements found in steampunk tales include gears, timepieces, bodices, eyewear, dirigibles, and alchemy. This genre combines the enchantment of magic with the intricacies of steam-powered Victorian design in a unique fantasy world created from scratch.

Picture yourself walking through a realm where cobbled streets are filled with steam-powered contraptions, their gears spinning and brass shining under an unfamiliar sun. This is not your typical Earth-based adventure, but an epic voyage through a world that is both enchanting and perplexing. Here, magic and mechanical engineering coexist in a captivating subgenre known as steampunk fantasy!

What is the difference bewteen Steampunk fantasy and steampunk science-fiction?

Steampunk fantasy and steampunk science fiction differ mainly in their treatment of the supernatural and the logic behind their worlds. Steampunk fantasy freely integrates magic, mythical creatures, and enchanted artifacts into Victorian-inspired, steam-powered settings, weaving folklore and legend into the narrative. In contrast, steampunk science fiction relies on technological ingenuity and rational explanations, avoiding overt magic while embracing a retro-futuristic vision rooted in industrial-era aesthetics. This approach focuses on complex machines, mechanical marvels, and the social and ethical repercussions of progress, all while imagining a world that never quite moved beyond the age of steam.

Key fantasy elements commonly found in Steampunk worlds

1. Magical creatures and beings:

One of the most recognizable signs of fantasy in a steampunk world is the presence of mystical beings. Dragons, griffins, fae, or even clockwork automatons endowed with sentience can populate these landscapes, adding a layer of mystery and wonder. For example, the novel "The Iron Dragon’s Daughter" by Michael Swanwick merges industrial grit with dragon-like creatures that defy traditional fantasy tropes, blurring the lines between mechanical constructs and living, magical beings.

2. Arcane technology and mystical devices:

While steampunk worlds center around steam engines, mechanical gears, and Victorian-era engineering, they can also feature objects imbued with magical properties. From handheld devices that detect arcane energy to airships powered by enchanted crystals, these items blend the scientific approach of steampunk with the limitless possibilities of sorcery. In some tabletop role-playing games, you might find goggles that grant the wearer the ability to see hidden spirits or prosthetic limbs powered not by steam, but by runic spells etched into their metal frames.

3. Spellcasters and alchemists:

Just as wizards and sorcerers are staples of fantasy, they also have a place in steampunk worlds—though their roles may differ. Instead of operating in remote towers of arcane study, spellcasters in a steampunk setting might be industrial alchemists working in smoke-filled laboratories, using their skills to refine rare metals or power mechanical golems. In "The Clockwork Century" series by Cherie Priest, the lines between scientist and spellcaster blur, as characters experiment with strange gases and transformative substances that produce results far beyond what science alone can achieve.

4. Cultural myths and folklore:

Incorporating traditional folklore into a steampunk setting can yield a rich tapestry of legends and beliefs. Picture a steam-powered metropolis where citizens still tell stories of a forest spirit that protects an ancient grove of biomechanical trees, or a massive clock tower rumored to be the resting place of a sleeping titan. These cultural myths not only provide depth but can also influence character motivations, conflicts, and alliances—anchoring fantasy elements firmly into the world’s social fabric.

5. Alternate histories with supernatural twists:

Some steampunk worlds take known historical periods and inject them with fantastical elements. Imagine Victorian London plagued by mechanical vampires, or an alternate 19th-century New York where mermaids inhabit the polluted Hudson River, adapting their magic to endure industrial waste. These scenarios invite readers to contemplate how the march of progress and the rise of industry would interact with the ancient mysteries of the natural and supernatural realms.

In essence, the incorporation of fantasy into steampunk can be subtle or overt, but it always adds something special to the narrative. It is precisely this interplay of the mechanical and the magical that makes steampunk fantasy so compelling—and why so many creators and fans embrace the fusion of gears and spells.

The role of myth and legend in Steampunk narratives

1. Cultural identity and shared heritage:

In steampunk narratives, myths and legends often function as a link to a society’s past, reminding characters—and readers—that the world they inhabit wasn’t always filled with factories, airships, and clockwork automatons. These older tales provide cultural identity, anchoring communities to their roots, traditions, and moral values. For instance, a steampunk city-state might revere an ancestral hero known for outsmarting a fearsome clockwork dragon. Retelling this myth through festivals, artworks, and oral traditions can influence how citizens view invention, courage, and progress.

2. A moral compass for modernity:

As steampunk worlds embrace technological advancement, they may struggle with moral dilemmas brought about by unregulated industry, exploitation of resources, and the consequences of unchecked innovation. Myths and legends offer moral frameworks that can guide characters through ethical quandaries. A story passed down about a fallen inventor who sought eternal life by melding man and machine could serve as a cautionary tale, warning citizens—and readers—against hubris, greed, or meddling with forces they do not fully understand.

3. Bridging the gap between magic and machinery:

While steampunk is often viewed as an industrial or mechanical genre, the presence of myths and legends can elegantly blend the fantastical with the mechanical. A legendary creature like a gear-bound phoenix might emerge from an ancient prophecy, its existence challenging the assumptions of a society that relies solely on steam and steel. Such legends invite readers to consider the coexistence of technology and the supernatural, blurring the line between science and sorcery, invention and enchantment.

4. Inspiring innovation and adventure:

Legends of lost civilizations, hidden treasures, or mystical airships can motivate characters to embark on daring expeditions. In a steampunk narrative, these stories drive exploration and discovery, fueling the desire to push beyond familiar frontiers. Characters may follow a centuries-old myth about a secret engine, rumored to channel elemental forces, risking life and limb to find it and either harness its power or ensure it remains hidden.

5. Reinforcing symbolism and atmosphere:

The inclusion of mythic elements imbues the steampunk world with symbolism and atmosphere. Enchanted forests powered by bio-luminescent fungi, labyrinthine clock towers built by legendary architects, or river spirits dwelling in submerged train tunnels all contribute to a landscape that is more than just gears and gauges. Such lore enriches the environment, making the setting feel alive, layered, and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion...

In the end, the relationship between fantasy and steampunk is less about strict boundaries and more about blending the best of both worlds. While steampunk traditionally focuses on mechanical marvels, industrial aesthetics, and a distinctly Victorian flair, it’s by no means locked into a purely technological framework. The infusion of magical elements, mythical creatures, and legendary narratives only enriches the genre, giving creators endless opportunities to experiment, surprise, and inspire!

f you’re feeling inspired by steampunk, be sure to check out our specialized store. You’ll find a wide selection of costumes, accessories, décor, and more to bring your visions to life and fully immerse yourself in this captivating world.