Brandon Sanderson Explains Why He Doesn’t Write About Elves or Dwarves

Brandon Sanderson Breaks Silence: The Real Reason His Worlds Don’t Have Elves or Dwarves

In a rare and revealing moment, bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson has finally addressed one of the most persistent questions from his fans: Why are there no classic fantasy races like elves or dwarves in his sprawling Cosmere universe?

The revelation comes at a pivotal time for the author. With his recent blockbuster deal to adapt his works into films and series for Apple TV+, Sanderson finds himself under a brighter spotlight than ever before. But rather than bask in the attention, he’s chosen to open up about the creative philosophy that has defined his unique approach to fantasy worldbuilding.

In his latest YouTube video from the popular “SanderFAQ” series, Sanderson traces his decision back to his college and graduate school days in the late 1990s. At that time, he noticed that the fantasy genre was “deep in Tolkien’s shadow,” a situation made even more pronounced by the massive success of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film adaptations.

“I wrote this controversial essay back then about how Tolkien ruined fantasy,” Sanderson admits with a laugh. “Looking back, it was very clickbaity before we even knew what clickbait was.” He’s quick to add that he now recognizes he was being “a bit snobbish” in trying to dictate what fantasy fans should and shouldn’t enjoy.

The core of Sanderson’s philosophy was simple yet revolutionary: if fantasy is supposed to be the most imaginative genre, why does it keep recycling the same creatures and races? “Fantasy should be the genre where you can do anything,” he explains. “So I wanted my writing to be more human-focused than fantastical-creature-focused.”

But this wasn’t just about removing familiar elements—it was about creating something new. Sanderson made a conscious decision to develop his own fantasy races rather than simply rebranding elves and dwarves. “If I’m going to do fantastical creatures, I want to come up with my own,” he states. “I want new fantasy races that don’t just feel like elves with another name or dwarves with another name.”

There was one notable exception to this rule: dragons. “Coming up with something that has the weight and awesomeness of a dragon that isn’t a dragon is very difficult,” Sanderson admits. “That’s the one I decided to bend on eventually.”

Interestingly, Sanderson’s perspective has evolved over the years. He’s currently revisiting Tolkien through Andy Serkis-narrated audiobooks and has gained a new appreciation for the master’s work. “I no longer feel like we need to ‘kill the elves,'” he says, referencing the title of his old essay. “Write your book, read your book, read what you love, write what you love. There is room to do new things even still all these years later.”

This philosophy has clearly paid off. Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, with its unique races like the Alethi, the Terrismen, and the Parshendi, has captivated millions of readers worldwide. His approach demonstrates that fantasy doesn’t need to rely on established tropes to create compelling, immersive worlds.

As Sanderson’s works prepare for their journey to the screen through the Apple TV+ deal, fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing these original creations in visual form. It’s a testament to the power of creative courage and the enduring appeal of truly original fantasy worldbuilding.

The author’s willingness to share this insight offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of fantasy’s most innovative voices. It also serves as an invitation to both readers and aspiring writers to think beyond conventional boundaries and explore what truly imaginative fantasy can look like.

Tags: Brandon Sanderson, Cosmere, fantasy writing, worldbuilding, Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, Apple TV+, creative process, fantasy races, original fiction

Viral Phrases:
– “Tolkien ruined fantasy” (controversial essay title)
– “Kill the elves” (movement title)
– “Fantasy should be the most imaginative genre”
– “Write what you love”
– “There is room to do new things”
– “Coming up with something that has the weight and awesomeness of a dragon”
– “More human-focused than fantastical-creature-focused”
– “Deep in Tolkien’s shadow”
– “Clickbaity before we even knew what clickbait was”
– “A bit snobbish”,