What makes 'weird fantasy stories' so appealing?

The unexpected elements in a weird story are appealing. For example, if a normal day in a small town suddenly turns into a day where everyone starts floating. It's not something we see every day. It grabs our attention and makes us wonder what will happen next.

The mystery. In scary weird short stories, there are often elements that are not fully explained. It's like a puzzle that our minds can't help but try to solve. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman's hallucinations of a woman trapped in the wallpaper are so strange that it makes us wonder what is really going on. It draws us in.

They allow us to experience fear in a safe way. We can read about the scariest situations, like in 'The Pit and the Pendulum' where the protagonist is facing a slow and torturous death, but we know we are not actually in danger. It's a form of thrill - seeking from the comfort of our own space.

The best weird short stories are appealing because they break the norms. They take the readers to places they've never expected. For example, in Kafka's works, the absurd situations like a man turning into an insect make us question our own existence and the world we live in. It's like a jolt to our normal thinking patterns.

The sense of the unknown. In weird mystery novels, there are often elements that are completely out of the ordinary. This keeps readers on their toes as they try to figure out things that are not based on common knowledge or experience. For example, in a novel with a supernatural mystery, like a haunted house mystery where the rules of the normal world don't apply.

They break the norms. Unlike traditional horror which might rely on typical monsters like vampires or zombies, weird horror can combine various elements in unexpected ways. For example, a story might have a mix of psychological horror, Lovecraftian cosmic horror and some elements of science fiction. It's this blend that creates a unique reading experience. Weird horror novels also often have a dream - like or surreal quality. This can make the reader feel as if they are in a trance while reading, and it adds to the overall atmosphere of unease and horror. It's like being in a nightmare where the rules are constantly changing.

One reason is the exploration of the forbidden. Vampires usually break human taboos, like drinking blood. In 'Dracula', the count's actions are both repulsive and captivating. Also, the idea of eternal life in vampire stories can be very appealing. It makes us wonder what we would do if we had endless time, as seen in 'The Vampire Chronicles' where the vampires have to deal with the boredom and moral implications of immortality.

The characters are often a big part of it. In 'The Wizard of Oz', the unique personalities of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion create so many humorous and heartwarming moments. Their interactions are full of charm. Also, the magic and the unknown in these stories are exciting. We never know what kind of strange creature or magical power will show up next, like in 'Howl's Moving Castle' where the castle itself is a source of wonder and amusement.

The escapism. We can get away from the real world into these amazing, made - up places. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', Middle - earth is a place full of magic and adventure. Also, the characters are often unique. In 'Harry Potter', we have characters like Dumbledore who is wise and mysterious. And the plots are usually full of twists and turns. In 'A Song of Ice and Fire', you never know who will survive the next power struggle.

The roles in fantasy stories are appealing because they allow for exploration of different values and ideas. The knight represents honor and chivalry. The elf represents a connection to nature. And the dragon can represent power and danger. By following these roles' stories, we can learn about different aspects of human nature and the world, all in a fictional and exciting context. Fantasy roles can also inspire us, like how a young wizard's journey of self - discovery can encourage us to find our own potential.