From Middle-earth to Hyrule, here are the 14 most imaginative fantasy worlds

10. Earthsea, from Earthsea

Created by Ursula K. Le Guin, a grand master of both science fiction and fantasy, the world of Earthsea is more relaxed than what many fantasy fans may be used to. It is a quiet world populated by a quiet people, and a hidden magic. Like Conan, this series doesn’t have much in the way of large-scale wars or grand magical systems and laws. It doesn’t center on a possible world-changing catastrophe. Set on a vast archipelago of hundreds of islands surrounded by mostly uncharted ocean, it feels like a break from the traditional fantasy form.

The setting is enchanting, feeling very much like a fairy tale. From the architecture to the customs of the people, Earthsea feels fresh in a way that a lot of other fantasy books don’t.

And much of that is by design. Le Guin didn’t like the idea that fantasy books tended to be based on the Middle Ages by default, and made an effort to set her early Iron Age societies apart. She also took care to populate her islands with people of color, noting that most folks in fantasy tended to be white.

Magic plays an important part in the lives of the people of Earthsea. It’s an inborn talent that can be developed, with the most talented being sent to train on the island of Roke, with the hope of becoming staff-carrying wizards. But magic is used in more mundane ways, too, like to repair boats and entertain.

There have been a couple of attempts to adapt Earthsea for the screen over the years, but nothing that’s really stuck. Hopefully that changes soon.