What is Sword and Sorcery Anyway?

July 21st, 2010

SF Signal’s latest Mind Meld feature asks the question, “what is your definition of Sword and Sorcery?” of thirteen writers and editors, all involved with the recently released S&S anthology Swords and Dark Magic.  They include such luminaries as Michael Moorcock, Steve Erikson, Garth Nix, Scott Lynch, Lou Anders, and that there Joe Abercrombie bloke….

Posted in opinion by Joe Abercrombie on July 21st, 2010.

6 comments so far

  • Chris Bissette says:

    Speaking of that Joe Abercrombie bloke and that there anthology; got it this morning and read it this afternoon. Cracking good read. Can’t wait for Heroes now. And also, have you got any plans for any other short stories?

  • Yulwei says:

    Great comments from all the writers and editors. Personally, I like S&S more than epic fantasy but I hate the fact I can get through one of them in a few hours whereas a nice fat epic fantasy can hold me for a week. Nothing to do with quality but a lot to do with quantity. Give me a door stopper S&S title and I’m a happy camper

  • SwindonNick says:

    Some interesting responses in there, most of which I agree with. Gemmell was one who managed a more epic S&S tale and he’s still sadly missed.

    As a throwback (and maybe in anticipation of the new Starcraft game), I’ve been playing the original Warcraft again, so Sword and Sorcery is very much on my mind, as someone is using magic to stop my invading Orcs. Ah, probably too much information…..

  • Phil says:

    I love KJ Parker.

    I really really do.

    As to the link, i much prefer S&S to epic fantasy and second the door stop appeal!

  • Sedulo says:

    Huh, I got an uncorrected proof of Swords and Sorcery. No numbers etc. It was unintentional and unexpected. Is anything missing???

    It looks like it is part of a marketing campaign long gone.

    I hope it has been marketed well.

  • Sedulo says:

    Sorry, I meant “Swords and Dark Magic” wooooo! t?

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