Why Intellectualism, Fantasy & Spice Go Together

Sep 9

The case for taking "Guilty Pleasures" seriously: Why Looking for Philosophy in Fantasy Romance Isn't a Stretch—It's Obvious and It’s Necessary.

The Dragon in the Room

We’re going to start with the dragon in the room: society thinks that fantasy romance stories are only comprised of fairy smut, continuously referencing wingspan that serves as innuendo for oversized male anatomy. The stories are often further reduced to simple escapism with no substance or meaning, regardless on how explicit the romances scenes have (if any at all). I’m here to challenge those simpleton viewpoints.

Spicy Cass has entered the chat.

The generalization I’m referring to stems from the genre’s contemporary deviation from expected traditional romance plots, intellectual snobbery, and even the inability to handle stories that dare to mix high stakes with equally high passion.

Furthermore, why do we denounce books with creatures, magic, and high-stakes romance as less valuable while giving books with gritty realism and minimalist literary fiction praise for being “real” literary works?

Yes, there is spice, and dismissing fantasy romance as mere escapism without substance misses the point. If spice is all a critic sees, then they are telling on their own lack of imagination. By building entirely new worlds, fantasy romance stories strip away real-world biases and allow us to explore complex philosophical, ethical, and psychological truths.

Looking for philosophy in fantasy romance isn’t a stretch—it’s obvious and it’s necessary.

Watch Why Intellectualism, Fantasy & Spice Go Together on YouTube

First, we must address the repression of the literati.

Have you ever noticed the literary establishment seems to have fear and bias against pleasure? Why is a story only deemed “intellectual” if many characters are miserable, the prose is sterile, and not much happens for the duration of the book? Romanticizing misery, racism, tragedy, and social injustice has become the standard for much of the greatest literary works of the past century.

Another bias the literati employ is the gendered gatekeeping of what is “serious” art. Historically, genres that were heavily populated by female authors and readers alike (such as romance) are deemed frivolous while male-dominated genres (like hard sci-fi and fantasy) are treated as intellectual and even prophetic. When sci-fi or fantasy stories written by men feature explicit violence or a gratuitous male-gaze sex scene, it’s called “gritty realism.” When fantasy and romance written by a woman features explicit female-gaze intimacy, it’s dismissed as “trash.” This is hypocrisy and the gendered double-standard and gatekeeping bias must end.

True intellect isn’t cynical; it’s full of exploration and discernment.

You can appreciate a brilliant magic system with a deep psychological arc and high-voltage romance all at the same time.

So drop the guilt: pleasure and intellect are not mutually exclusive.

Subverting the Spice: The Depth Beneath the "Smut"

Let’s now subvert the spice and talk about the depth beneath the “smut.”

A mere two examples of the philosophical complexity that dominates fantasy romance world-building can be seen within Power & Morality and Immortality & Existentialism.

When it comes to Power and Morality as an example, a magic system tends to expose the corrupting nature of absolute power. Did a character inherit or learn this magic? For the character who inherited power they are often in a state of privileged leadership and are sometimes perceived as being divine. Admiration, Expectation, even Envy are part of the public-facing viewpoints of these characters who are in high authority for their magical abilities alone. Their decisions are often highly impactful on a realm and final. Entire nations may go to war with each other or themselves to put an end to those who were born with this power. And should this power be regulated, controlling and subduing the magic itself oftentimes places its wielder in captivity, disguised as protection.

Conversely, the character may have learned this magic through the rigors of training. There is a sense of respect for the character having learned such magic. This time, since the magic was earned, the wielder is perceived as being heroic, a savior, the warrior who will do battle for the better good of the cause.

Whether the character exerts their power, regardless if it’s inherited or learned, there is the responsibility of morality. With this great power, is it right and just to use it at one’s own discretion? Will the effects of using such magic benefit or hinder those who are recipients of its effects? Furthermore, does the magic cause one to gain or lose abilities through use of such power and is it worth the weight of what is required of the barer?

Another example of philosophy that runs deep through the fantasy genre is Immortality & Existentialism. When characters live for centuries such as vampires, fae, and gods, there is the natural exploration of life, grief, and humanity woven throughout the story. There is often the comparison of age amongst immortals versus humans. Seventy years to an immortal is very young compared to human characters who, also at 70, are considered older and more wise. Immense experience amongst immortals is gained living through generations of wars, deaths, lovers, and the passing of many rulers. The idea of change is nearly passive to immortals as they have experienced the repetition of beliefs over hundreds of years. It makes them hesitant to participate in “world-changing” events. From the immortal’s perspective, what does real change look like in this world? Can real change even occur? What good can an immortal’s participation bring should they meddle in world affairs?

The idea that life is a fleeting experience is full of want for validation of oneself and to experience awe. But, as an immortal who does not have that little problem of finite lifespan, there becomes a question of would they want to have an end of their own.

Philosophy is heavily integrated into the world-building of the fantasy genre—you just have to know what to look for.

The Real Bias: The Radical Philosophy of Romance

Finally, there’s the Radical Philosophy of Romance.

Perhaps this is the real bias of the fantasy romance genre. There are a plethora of deep ethics of connection and the sovereign self.

Looking at the Fated Mates trope, there is exploration of the pre-destined and free will. Just because you are supposed to be with that person according to whatever powers may be, does that entail destiny overcomes free will?

Tension that exists between characters in the enemies to lovers trope is an allegory for opposing world views to find common ground, take apart their biases, and choose vulnerability for the interest of the world is better together.

At the heart of romance portrayed in romance fantasy novels is the idea of the sovereign self.

Feminine agency and consent are heavily emphasized in these modern stories that traditional literature tends to omit. It is within these modern portrayals of romance that question ideals versus tradition within relationships that we as readers find refreshing and even real connection.

True Intelligence is Connecting the Fantastical with Realism

Realism in literature is exhausted, and cynical fiction mirrors current cultural anxiety without offering escapism. There is a huge underserved audience of analytical readers who also love fantasy romance, but feel they mustn’t share their reading preferences in public due to cultural embarrassment. Intelligence isn’t about discrediting what is not entirely factual; it’s about looking deeper into the imagination. Fantasy Romance allows us to visit real-world stressors such as powerlessness, betrayal, and systemic oppression in a safe environment where justice is possible and healing isn’t a liability.

True intelligence isn’t cynicism; it’s the ability to imagine things being different than the way they are. To live life according to self-manifestos, strength, and the ability to truly believe that change is possible and that possibility can indeed become reality and more is all within the experience of reading fantasy.

So stop apologizing for reading Fantasy Romance. The next time someone asks why you’re reading 500+ pages of fantasy romance, your answer to them needs to be: “Because I’m studying moral philosophy.”

Welcome to The Intellectual Side of Fantasy.

There’s no cottage core here—just a space where we read deeply into adult fantasy, over-analyze your favorite stories and enjoy a good pour.