Welcome, fantasy enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on an adventure through mystical lands filled with martial arts, supernatural powers, and a quest for immortality? If the answer is yes, then you’re in for a treat as we explore the fascinating world of cultivation fantasy novels.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the origins and unique characteristics of this Chinese literary genre, which has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. From xianxia to wuxia, we’ll unravel the complexities of cultivation stories and discover how they’ve captivated readers.
So, without further ado, let’s begin our journey into the enchanting realm of cultivation fantasy novels!
What Are Cultivation Fantasy Novels?
Cultivation novels are a subgenre of Chinese fantasy that often involve the idea of cultivating one’s soul, body, or state of being in order to gain immortality or other powers.
The cultivation process usually involves martial arts training, spiritual enlightenment, and the use of magical artifacts or spirit stones to enhance one’s power.
In these novels, characters often start out as weak or ordinary individuals and gradually become stronger through their cultivation. They may face various challenges and obstacles along the way, such as rival cultivators or evil spirits, and must use their skills and wits to overcome them.
The novels also often feature themes of honor, loyalty, and morality, as well as elements of romance and adventure.
Cultivation novels are known for their complex world-building and intricate power systems. The genre has gained popularity both in China and internationally, with many cultivation novels being translated into English and other languages.
In summary, cultivation novels are a type of Chinese-inspired fantasy that focus on characters cultivating their being to gain power or immortality, often through martial arts training and spiritual enlightenment, while facing various challenges along the way.
What is the Cultivation Trope?
The cultivation trope typically appears in Wuxia and Xianxia literary genres, and involves the process of refining one’s internal energy until they reach immortality. In many novels, the ultimate goal of cultivation is to become an immortal and attain godhood.
The cultivating method most commonly comprises martial arts and aligns to themes in Buddhism or Daoism. Effectively meditation and martial arts, often with the long term goal of enlightenment and immortality.
What is the Cultivation Genre Called?
The cultivation genre is commonly referred to as Xianxia, which translates to “immortal heroes” or “saint heroes” in Chinese. It is a popular Chinese fantasy genre that focuses on martial arts and spiritual cultivation, with characters undergoing meditation and training to become transcendental beings.
Xianxia protagonists typically start off at the very bottom of society in terms of strength and standing before they begin their journey towards enlightenment and mastery.
What Are Some Popular Cultivation Books?
Some popular xianxia books include:
- “Coiling Dragon” by I Eat Tomatoes
- “Against the Gods” by Mars Gravity
- “I Shall Seal the Heavens” by Er Gen
- “The Desolate Era” by I Eat Tomatoes
- “Renegade Immortal” by Er Gen
What is the Different Between Cultivation and LitRPG?
Cultivation and LitRPG are two distinct genres of literature.
Cultivation novels are a subgenre of Chinese fantasy that often involve the idea of cultivating one’s soul, body, or state of being in order to gain immortality or other powers, often through martial arts training or the use of magical potions or spirit stones.
In contrast, LitRPG is a literary genre that combines the elements of computer RPGs with science-fiction and fantasy novels.
In LitRPG, games or game-like challenges form an essential part of the story, and visible RPG statistics (such as strength, intelligence, and damage) are a significant part of the reading experience.
Overall, the main difference between the two genres is that cultivation novels focus on the idea of cultivating one’s being for the purpose of gaining power, while LitRPG focuses on games or game-like challenges as an essential part of the story, where RPG-style stats play a significant role in the reading experience.
What is Xianxia Cultivation Fantasy?
Xianxia cultivation fantasy is a sub-genre of Chinese martial arts novels that feature magic, demons, ghosts, immortals, and heavily draws from Chinese folklore and mythology.
Protagonists in these stories usually attempt to cultivate to immortality, seeking eternal life and the pinnacle of strength. The genre is heavily inspired by Daoism and can be translated as “Immortal Heroes”.
What is the Difference Between Xianxia and Wuxia?
Xianxia is considered a “fantasified” version of wuxia, another Chinese genre that focuses on the adventures of martial artists in ancient China.
In western terms, wuxia is considered “low fantasy,” while xianxia is “high fantasy.”
Celestial beings, such as fairies, demons, and spirits, are often featured in xianxia, while traditional wuxia usually has no immortals or celestial beings.
Xianxia is a fusion of wuxia and Chinese mythology.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored in this blog post, cultivation fantasy novels offer readers an immersive experience, transporting them to fantastical worlds where characters embark on epic journeys of self-discovery, growth, and enlightenment.
Through the genres of xianxia, wuxia, and beyond, these stories provide a unique blend of martial arts, supernatural powers, and Chinese mythology, capturing the imagination of fans from all corners of the globe.
So, whether you’re a seasoned fan of cultivation fantasy novels or a newcomer eager to discover this captivating realm, there’s no better time to delve into these incredible tales.
Happy reading, and may your journey through the world of cultivation fantasy novels be both enlightening and exhilarating!
