--- title: What is Bangsian Fantasy? description: "Explore Bangsian fantasy: afterlife adventures with famous characters, humor, and philosophical musings." image: https://www.hireawriter.us/hubfs/HAW%20blog%20(37)-1.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/what-is-bangsian-fantasy#main-content) [![Untitled design (90)](https://www.hireawriter.us/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(90).png?width=500&height=500&name=Untitled%20design%20(90).png "Untitled design (90)")](http://hireawriter.us) [![Untitled design (90)](https://www.hireawriter.us/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(90).png?width=500&height=500&name=Untitled%20design%20(90).png "Untitled design (90)")](http://hireawriter.us) - [FOR BUSINESSES](https://www.hireawriter.us/for-businesses) - [SEO COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/seo-copywriting) - [SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT](https://www.hireawriter.us/social-media-services) - [WEBSITE COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/website-copywriting) - [LEAD GEN COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/lead-generation-copywriting) - [MARKETING STRATEGY](https://www.hireawriter.us/marketing-strategy) - [FOR AGENCIES](https://www.hireawriter.us/agency-partnership) - [WHITE LABELED COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/white-labeled-copywriting) - [FRACTIONAL SEO LEADERSHIP](https://www.hireawriter.us/fractional-seo-leadership) - [TECHNICAL SEO](https://www.hireawriter.us/technical-seo) - [TRAINING](https://www.hireawriter.us/training) - [ABOUT HAW](https://www.hireawriter.us/about) - [JOBS](https://www.hireawriter.us/hire-a-writer-jobs) - [LEARN](https://www.hireawriter.us/learn) - [LEARN SEO](https://www.hireawriter.us/seo) - [LEARN BUSINESS CONTENT](https://www.hireawriter.us/business) - [LEARN SOCIAL MEDIA](https://www.hireawriter.us/social) - [LEARN STORYTELLING](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling) - [LEARN CREATIVE WRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/creative) - [LEARN TECHNICAL WRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/technical-content) - [LEARN FREELANCE WRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/freelance) - [CONTACT](https://www.hireawriter.us/contact) Search Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu - [FOR BUSINESSES](https://www.hireawriter.us/for-businesses) - [SEO COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/seo-copywriting) - [SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT](https://www.hireawriter.us/social-media-services) - [WEBSITE COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/website-copywriting) - [LEAD GEN COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/lead-generation-copywriting) - [MARKETING STRATEGY](https://www.hireawriter.us/marketing-strategy) - [FOR AGENCIES](https://www.hireawriter.us/agency-partnership) - [WHITE LABELED COPYWRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/white-labeled-copywriting) - [FRACTIONAL SEO LEADERSHIP](https://www.hireawriter.us/fractional-seo-leadership) - [TECHNICAL SEO](https://www.hireawriter.us/technical-seo) - [TRAINING](https://www.hireawriter.us/training) - [ABOUT HAW](https://www.hireawriter.us/about) - [JOBS](https://www.hireawriter.us/hire-a-writer-jobs) - [LEARN](https://www.hireawriter.us/learn) - [LEARN SEO](https://www.hireawriter.us/seo) - [LEARN BUSINESS CONTENT](https://www.hireawriter.us/business) - [LEARN SOCIAL MEDIA](https://www.hireawriter.us/social) - [LEARN STORYTELLING](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling) - [LEARN CREATIVE WRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/creative) - [LEARN TECHNICAL WRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/technical-content) - [LEARN FREELANCE WRITING](https://www.hireawriter.us/freelance) - [CONTACT](https://www.hireawriter.us/contact) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Hireawriteronline) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/joywriteryouell/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireawriter/) [X](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/what-is-bangsian-fantasy#0) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sZOTANgCCjtn29m4J0Z6A) [Medium](https://medium.com/hireawriter) [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@joyyouell) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/joyfromhireawriter/) 2 min read # What is Bangsian Fantasy? [![Picture of Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/hubfs/HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png) Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/author/writing-team) : Jul 29, 2024, 5:55:55 PM [Storytelling](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/storytelling) [genre](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/genre) ![What is Bangsian Fantasy?](https://www.hireawriter.us/hubfs/HAW%20blog%20(37)-1.png) Bangsian fantasy is a unique sub-genre of fantasy literature named after [John Kendrick Bangs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kendrick_Bangs), an American author who popularized this style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This genre primarily explores the afterlife as its main setting, allowing characters—often famous historical or fictional personalities—to come together, interact, and experience new adventures beyond death. ## Key Characteristics of Bangsian Fantasy 1. **Afterlife Setting**: The primary setting is the afterlife, which can be depicted in various forms such as Heaven, Hell, or an intermediate realm. 2. **Famous Characters**: The characters are typically well-known historical figures, fictional personalities, or mythological beings, providing a rich tapestry of interactions and storylines. 3. **Philosophical and Humorous Tones**: These stories often blend [philosophical reflections](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/writing-a-characters-embarrassment) on life and death with humor and satire. ## Notable Examples of Bangsian Fantasy 1. **[A House-Boat on the Styx (1895)](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7364106-a-house-boat-on-the-styx) by John Kendrick Bangs**: This novel features a houseboat on the River Styx where famous literary and historical figures gather and engage in witty conversations. 2. **The Enchanted Type-Writer (1899) by John Kendrick Bangs**: A sequel to "A House-Boat on the Styx," it continues the whimsical adventures of famous souls in the afterlife. 3. **The Gods of Riverworld (1983) by Philip José Farmer**: Part of the Riverworld series, it portrays a world where everyone who ever lived on Earth is resurrected. 4. **Heroes in Hell (1986) edited by Janet Morris**: An anthology series that explores the lives of famous figures from history and mythology as they navigate the afterlife. 5. **Man and Superman (1903) by George Bernard Shaw**: This play includes a section called "Don Juan in Hell," where characters discuss philosophical ideas in a Hell-like setting. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/24409333/fedb9e0f-c7f4-4b28-862e-814ed22c56d9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/24409333/fedb9e0f-c7f4-4b28-862e-814ed22c56d9) ## Writing Tips for Professional Writers Interested in Bangsian Fantasy 1. **Choose Interesting Characters**: Select a mix of historical, fictional, and mythological figures. Their unique backgrounds and personalities can create intriguing interactions and conflicts. 2. **Develop a Unique Afterlife**: Create a vivid and imaginative depiction of the afterlife. It can be a whimsical, dark, or philosophical realm, but it should be a place where your characters can have meaningful and entertaining experiences. 3. **Blend Humor with Philosophy**: Balance humor with deeper reflections on life, death, and the human condition. Satire and wit can make your story both engaging and thought-provoking. 4. **Interweave Storylines**: Craft interwoven storylines that allow your diverse cast of characters to interact in unexpected ways. These interactions can drive the plot and reveal new facets of the characters. 5. **Research and Respect**: Conduct thorough research on the historical and fictional characters you choose to ensure their portrayals are accurate and respectful. This adds depth and authenticity to your story. 6. **Embrace Creativity**: Don't be afraid to push the boundaries of imagination. The afterlife setting provides limitless possibilities for creative world-building and storytelling. ## Bangsian Fantasy Writing Bangsian fantasy offers a fascinating and imaginative way to explore the afterlife through the eyes of well-known characters. By [blending humor](https://www.hireawriter.us/creative/lol-how-to-use-humor), philosophy, and creativity, writers can craft engaging and thought-provoking stories that resonate with readers. Whether you are drawing inspiration from historical figures or beloved fictional personalities, Bangsian fantasy invites you to envision what lies beyond life in a way that is both entertaining and profound. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Navigating Dysfunction and Deviance Through Diagnosis: From Elon Musk to Paddington Bear](https://www.hireawriter.us/hubfs/HAW%20blog%20-%202023-08-23T110325.672%20(1).png)](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/navigating-dysfunction-and-deviance-through-diagnosis-from-elon-musk-to-paddington-bear) 1 min read #### [Navigating Dysfunction and Deviance Through Diagnosis: From Elon Musk to Paddington Bear](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/navigating-dysfunction-and-deviance-through-diagnosis-from-elon-musk-to-paddington-bear) ![Picture of Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/hs-fs/hubfs/HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png?width=30&name=HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png) [Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/author/writing-team) : Aug 23, 2023, 11:03:44 AM The importance of diagnosis as a narrative tool is evident in how it helps us make sense of dysfunction and deviance, whether in the realm of complex... [Storytelling](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/storytelling) [Writing](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/writing) [Read More](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/navigating-dysfunction-and-deviance-through-diagnosis-from-elon-musk-to-paddington-bear) [![Exploring Storytelling Across Cultures](https://www.hireawriter.us/hubfs/HAW%20blog%20-%202023-09-04T105915.657%20(1).png)](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/exploring-storytelling-across-cultures) 1 min read #### [Exploring Storytelling Across Cultures](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/exploring-storytelling-across-cultures) ![Picture of Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/hs-fs/hubfs/HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png?width=30&name=HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png) [Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/author/writing-team) : Sep 4, 2023, 10:59:33 AM Are the principles of storytelling really universal across cultures? When you examine your bookshelf, you're likely to find a mix of European and... [Storytelling](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/storytelling) [Writing](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/writing) [Research](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/tag/research) [Read More](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/exploring-storytelling-across-cultures) [![Writing Slow](https://www.hireawriter.us/hubfs/HAW%20blog%20-%202023-09-04T100855.601%20(1).png)](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/writing-slow) 1 min read #### [Writing Slow](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/writing-slow) ![Picture of Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/hs-fs/hubfs/HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png?width=30&name=HAW%20Logo%20T%20%26%20White%20square-3.png) [Writing Team](https://www.hireawriter.us/storytelling/author/writing-team) : Sep 4, 2023, 10:10:18 AM In our current era, speed is often celebrated above all else. The internet's emergence has accelerated our lives, turning processes that once took... 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