Common elements for keeping time in fantasy fiction include things like enchanted rivers. The flow of an enchanted river could be faster or slower at different times, indicating the passage of time in a unique way. Then there are the magical storms. If a certain type of storm occurs every so often, it can mark time. There are also the traditions and festivals of the different species in the fantasy world. For example, if a race of faeries has a yearly festival, that can be a way of keeping track of a year. These elements add to the rich tapestry of timekeeping in the often - magical and imaginative worlds of fantasy fiction.
In fantasy fiction, often the behavior of magical creatures is used to keep time. For example, if there is a type of bird that migrates every season, it can signify the change of seasons. Additionally, some races in the fantasy world may have their own unique calendars. Dwarves, who are often associated with mining and underground living, might base their timekeeping on the cycles of gemstone formation deep in the earth. And then there are the portals or gateways that might open at specific intervals, which can also be a form of timekeeping.
The most common mythologies in fantasy fiction include Greek mythology due to its rich pantheon and famous tales. Norse mythology with its unique cosmology and powerful deities is also popular. Fairy tales can also be considered a form of mythology and are used extensively. They have magical elements like talking animals and enchanted forests. Asian mythologies such as Japanese and Chinese mythologies are also starting to be more commonly used, with their unique creatures like the kitsune in Japanese mythology and the dragon in Chinese mythology.
One common theme is the comical misunderstandings that the characters get into. Since the original show is full of such situations, fan fictions often build on that. Another theme could be the exploration of the characters' backstories that weren't fully explored in the show.
The concept of the Ark of the Covenant is sometimes used. It could be presented as a powerful, ancient artifact with mysterious technological properties in a science - fiction story.
In novels, there are several common time formats. Firstly, the broad time of day descriptions are popular. For example, 'It was mid - morning when he arrived at the old house'. This gives a general sense of when things are happening. Then, there are references to seasons which can be very evocative. 'Spring was in the air, and the flowers were starting to bloom' can create a positive and fresh mood. Additionally, relative time like 'not long after' or 'some time ago' are also frequently used in novels to show the sequence of events without being too specific about exact time.
Magic is a very common element. It can be used by wizards or sorceresses to perform amazing feats like casting spells and changing forms. Another common element is the existence of mythical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, and elves. These creatures often play important roles in the plot. Also, a different world or realm is frequently seen, which may have its own rules, geography, and cultures, quite distinct from our own world.
Magic is a very common one. It could be in the form of spells cast by characters or magical artifacts. Another is mythical creatures like unicorns or griffins. These can be integrated into historical settings, for example, a story set in ancient Greece might have a unicorn in a hidden forest. Supernatural powers for characters are also common, such as a character having the ability to see the future in a historical European town during the Middle Ages.
One common theory is the theory of deduction. Detectives like Sherlock Holmes use this to solve crimes. They observe small details and use logical reasoning to draw conclusions. For example, if a person has mud on their shoes, and it's a particular type of mud only found in a certain area, the detective can deduce that the person has been to that area. Another is the theory of probability. Detectives might consider the likelihood of different suspects being involved based on their alibis, motives, and opportunity.
One common drug in fiction books is opium. For example, in some historical fiction set in the 19th century, opium dens are often described. Another is laudanum, which was a popular opium - based medicine in the past and is frequently mentioned in Victorian - era fiction. And cocaine also appears in some older detective or noir fiction as a drug that certain characters might use.
Some common literary devices used in fiction are simile, which makes a comparison using 'like' or 'as', such as 'He ran like the wind'. Metaphor is also popular, directly stating one thing is another, like 'Her eyes were stars'. And then there is personification, giving human qualities to non - human things, for example, 'The wind whispered through the trees'.
One common perspective is the omniscient third - person. This allows the author to show different characters' polite behaviors and interactions from an all - knowing view. Another is the first - person perspective of a polite protagonist, through which readers can directly experience the character's polite thoughts and actions.