Fantastic animals, animals in the fantastic

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The sixth volume of „Fastitocalon“ features contributions that examine the role of animals—both real and imaginary—in fantastic texts through literary, cultural, and anthropological lenses. The discussions focus on whether animals serve as representatives of a fantastic realm or remain tied to the primary world, merely adapted to new literary contexts. Authors delve into animal traits that transcend human nature and investigate motivations for crossing the human-animal divide, such as transformations and metamorphoses. They also explore the relationship between human culture and the representation of animals in various texts, including myths and fables. Notable contributors include Friedhelm Schneidewind, who discusses talking animals as protagonists; Anja Höing, who offers an ecocritical perspective on anthropomorphism; and Steve Gronert Ellerhoff, who analyzes shamanism in "Watership Down." Other contributors explore themes in works like Kafka’s narratives, Andrzej Sapkowski’s "Witcher" series, and adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings." The volume presents a rich tapestry of insights into the multifaceted roles animals play in the fantastic, inviting readers to reconsider their significance in literature and culture.