Search

Showing results for “Dungeons & Dragons”

Jump to a topic

FantasyFantasy is a literary genre that embraces supernatural elements and often takes place in alternate universes that have their own languages, physics, lifeforms, and societies. Though the narratives are usually based on themes and archetypes from antiquity—with tales of good versus evil and heroes' journeys—modern fantasy is generally considered to have begun in the 19th century. At the time, it was often deemed unserious literature for younger readers. The genre gained particular popularity in the 1950s with JRR Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" series, which introduced a new level of sophistication to the genre and, consequently, appealed to a more adult audience. The publishing industry, eager to capitalize on a commercial hit, began publishing more fantasy titles. This decision would cultivate an even larger audience that would continue reading later in life. In the decades that followed, fantasy developed a passionate following. Although primarily a cult interest, several touchstones of popular culture—such as "Dungeons & Dragons," "Harry Potter," and "Game of Thrones"—have kept the genre in the public eye.Explore Fantasy

What we've found

Browse a pamphlet warning parents about the dangers of 'Dungeons & Dragons'Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons was a nonprofit dedicated to counteracting what it considered the “Witchcraft Suicide Violence” of the fantasy roleplaying game. It includes a list of recent teenage suicides, arguing that they all had “one common denominator: ALL WERE HEAVILY INVOLVED IN DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS.” Archive.org Parents criticized 'Dungeons & Dragons' during the 'Satanic Panic'The role-playing game became popular enough to attract the ire of special interest groups, like Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons (or BADD) during the so-called "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s and 1990s, when parents believed the game was corrupting children. CBC Why Dungeons & Dragons remains so popularAlthough it's been around for over 50 years, the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons is more popular than ever. This article from the Conversation unpacks why, highlighting the game's evolution online, its resurgence in pop culture (including a prominent role on Netflix's "Stranger Things"), and a renewed focus on board games during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conversation In 1974, 'Dungeons and Dragons' turned fantasy into a gameInspired by the fantasy paperback explosion of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson published the original incarnation of the game, which immersed players in worlds similar to fantasy fiction. Since then, several newer editions have been released. In recent years, podcasts and livestreams featuring individuals playing the game have gained popularity. NPR The fantasy-based tabletop role-playing game 'Dungeons and Dragons' has seen a renaissance in the last few yearsIt's becoming mainstream after being relegated to the dorks for decades. LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman has contemplated the role the game played in his own formation as a person and a business leader. Masters of Scale Nearly a quarter of the US's 451 top-ranked podcasts belong to the true crime genrePerhaps, Pew Research Center proposes, this popularity stems from the fame of "Serial," the 2014 hit series about a 1999 murder in Baltimore. Politics and government is the second top genre. Outside typical genre divides lie series such as fictional radio stories and Dungeons & Dragons podcasts, which account for 12% of top-ranked podcasts. Pew Research Center

Try another search?