What’s your favorite explanation for fantasy worlds being "real"?

[RainingFish]

It's a pretty common trope in fantasy to have multiple fictional universes be "real". For example, maybe in one story both Naruto and One Piece are real. Sometimes this is explained, sometimes not, but either way, I’m curious about what explanations are more popular and what people think about this subject.

My own thoughts.

Stories Create Real Fantasy Worlds:

• How it works: Creating a story somehow brings its world into existence (e.g., through a powerful being or human imagination).
• Pros: Makes stories feel meaningful; creation has impact.
• Cons: Fantasy worlds may feel less "real" or significant.

Real Fantasy Worlds Inspire Stories:

• How it works: Real worlds lead to stories (e.g., through visions or transmigration).
• Pros: Fantasy worlds feel as real as our own, or even more powerful.
• Cons: Downplays human creativity or stretches belief.

Infinite Worlds Include All Fantasy Worlds:

• How it works: There are infinite universes, including ones matching every (or many) fantasy story.
• Pros: Creates a vast, boundless multiverse.
• Cons: It can bring up some questions that aren’t always addressed. For example, what if the fantasy world has plot holes and logical inconsistencies? Can an infinite world overcome logical inconsistencies and plot holes? If everything is possible, what if one of these worlds has the characteristic of destroying all other worlds? Are all fantasy worlds actually possible? If there are infinite worlds, how is it that the MC is able to find the worlds that just so happens to be like the fantasy worlds they know about?

 

[CharlesEBrown]

There is an old novel called Silverlock that posits the existence of a "Commonwealth of Fiction" - a world that contains all the major fictional worlds.
The Harold Shea stories of L. Sprague DeCamp and others had the titular character wandering around worlds based on operas, fiction, mythology and legend.
I like to believe there really is a Multiverse or Omniverse and somewhere out there all of these worlds are real; some of us are just able to tune into events on one or more worlds.

 

[WhiteCrown]

All of them all good reason why fantasy world can be real.
and regarding point:

Stories create real fantasy worlds. (e.g., Writing or imagining a story brings it into existence.)​

I really like the concept where collective belief can shape the world.
from what I know this concept is called 'Idealistic world', which can make a story to be real, the unnatural become natural. this concept can naturally make fantasy world become more fantasy like, with countless branch for them to germinate.
maybe fanfiction is also included in this concept, because they were re creating the world from fiction then recast and fleshed it more as as their character stayed in that world.

 

[Zagaroth]

Infinite worlds, yadda, but with a specific explanation (for me at least): 'magic' is one of the variables of a given universe, as are magic-like abilities. In our universe, that universal field is set either at zero, so close to zero as to make no difference, or (unlike quantum fields) the field strength can fluctuate 'locally' and our section of the universe is currently in a low-magic area.

Which means things can always change in the future.

 

[Corty]

I don't think you understand the meaning of real and fantasy

 

[PancakesWitch]

I dont understand this question...
Are you asking how do we explain the existence of Fantasy Worlds within a fictional story where the original world is a normal world like ours where fiction doesnt exist but suddenly does?
Otherwise your question doesnt make any sense, fictional stories are about fantasy worlds, you dont need to suddenly explain this in a meta level, the story just IS.
Even then your question is stupid because every story ever created is fiction aside from books about biographies or historical events, so technicaly it is all fantasy and there is no other explanation aside from because we created them, no need for some meta level narrative.

 

[LiteraryWho]

I voted "not be explained", but actually, the best explanation for story worlds being real is the one which makes the story you're telling most interesting.

 

[Alski]

Which means things can always change in the fufuture.

On a cosmic scale which means long after the humans have all killed themselves

 

[Llamadragon]

Our world is also just a story, we just take it too seriously to notice. Everything actually operates on story logic, so everything makes sense if you don't squint overly much.

Don't look too hard into the nature of reality. Consider this your first and only warning, seriously, you don't want to know. Kind regards, the author. :)

 

[Justhetip...]

Our world is also just a story, we just take it too seriously to notice. Everything actually operates on story logic, so everything makes sense if you don't squint overly much.

Don't look too hard into the nature of reality. Consider this your first and only warning, seriously, you don't want to know. Kind regards, the author. :)

Hook me up, I love rabbit holes.

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

I have a hypothesis:

our cosmos operates on the rules we are abiding by, there are other cosmoses out there with different rules. then they all come together under terms. The data of those cosmos, depending on how well they adhere to main streamline of cosmic rules of balance puts them into category of Real and imaginary cosmos. both are true, but the more closely a world adheres to the cosmic rules, the more it is regarded to be real. But the Balance doesn't care about that, all it cares about is how unique the data can be, the more out of ordinary the idea, the knowledge or the information is and the more detailed it is, the more its value. to simplify it to monkey terms imagine a reader who is cosmic, he skims through worlds to look for interesting information to input in his data because its one of the only pass times he is left with.

I am too lazy to extract that info from my documents so i just used an A.I. to format it out for me.

This concept is a part of my Hypothesis on which Cosmeta the story is based although i am struggling to flesh it out. I don't know if a concept like this exists or not yet.

Do tell me if you guys like it.

1. Framework of Cosmic Reality​

Hierarchy of Cosmoses​

• Real Cosmoses: Adhere closely to the "mainstream" cosmic rules (e.g., causality, entropy, equilibrium between creation/destruction). These universes are stable, predictable, and form the foundational layer of existence.
  Example: A universe where physics operates under Einstein’s relativity and quantum mechanics.
• Imaginary Cosmoses: Deviate from mainstream rules but maintain internal consistency. These worlds might include magic, sentient concepts, or non-linear time. Their value lies in their uniqueness and creativity.
  Example: A realm where emotions manifest as tangible forces, altering reality based on collective sentiment.

The Balance (Cosmeta/ the reader)​

• Role: Cosmeta acts as a neutral arbiter, not enforcing conformity but cataloging and integrating data from all cosmoses. Its purpose is to sustain equilibrium by ensuring no single cosmic model dominates, while fostering diversity. He is the Balance between everything and so if you think your world is being destroyed then there must be a world thriving on top of you or it can signify imbalance with may cause the cycle of existence to collapse. these existences are multiple, stretching infinitum in the realm of nothingness. Cosmeta is the force born from the balance of other forces, its a big concept so i won't deep dive into it.
• Mechanism: Cosmoses are evaluated on two axes:
  1. Adherence to Balance: How well they maintain internal stability (e.g., avoiding paradoxes).
  2. Innovation: The novelty and complexity of their rules, lifeforms, or narratives.

2. Cosmeta’s Data Valuation System​

Metrics for Value​

• Uniqueness: A cosmos where time flows backward or matter is composed of soundwaves holds higher value than one replicating Earth’s physics.
• Detail: Richly developed worlds with intricate ecosystems, cultures, and histories are prioritized. A flat, poorly defined world would be deprioritized.
• Emotional/Conceptual Depth: Universes exploring existential themes (e.g., sacrifice, love, nihilism) contribute more to Cosmeta’s understanding than shallow ones.

The "Reader" Analogy​

• Cosmeta functions like a hyper-advanced reader skimming through "books" (cosmoses). The most engaging stories—those with unpredictable plots, deep characters, or innovative concepts—are retained, while clichéd or derivative ones are archived.
  Example: A dystopian cosmos where language itself is a weapon would captivate Cosmeta, whereas a generic medieval fantasy might be ignored.

3. Implications for Cosmic Stability​

Integration vs. Isolation​

• Real Cosmoses: Serve as anchors, providing baseline stability. They are rarely altered unless their rules threaten the broader balance.
• Imaginary Cosmoses: Allowed to exist as experimental "sandboxes." If their uniqueness destabilizes neighboring realities, Cosmeta may quarantine them or extract their data before dissolution.

Paradox Management​

• Logical Paradoxes: A cosmos where 2+2=5 might be tolerated if it explores the consequences of such a rule (e.g., societal collapse). However, if it causes cascading contradictions, Cosmeta resets it.
• Ethical Paradoxes: A world permitting eternal life but suffering eternal boredom could be preserved for its philosophical insights, even if deemed "unreal."

4. Narrative Integration in Cosmeta​

Character Dynamics​

• Ronin: As an avatar of Cosmeta, he navigates cosmoses to gather data, often confronting entities that disrupt balance (e.g., Osmerian pirates exploiting multiversal cracks). His anti-energy barrier symbolizes Cosmeta’s power to neutralize destabilizing forces13.
• Primordial Sisters (Fate, Death, Destiny): Enforce Cosmic rules while allowing innovation. For example, Fate might permit a rebellion in a tyrannical cosmos if it generates compelling data1.

Conflict Drivers​

• Osmerian Pirates: Represent threats to balance, plundering unique cosmoses for resources and erasing their data. Their actions force Cosmeta to intervene, often through avatars like Ronin13.
• Gods and Mortals: Lesser deities (e.g., Ava, Gloria) often reject Cosmeta’s authority, clinging to their narrow realities. Their struggles highlight the tension between localized order and cosmic diversity23.

​

 

[RainingFish]

I dont understand this question...
Are you asking how do we explain the existence of Fantasy Worlds within a fictional story where the original world is a normal world like ours where fiction doesnt exist but suddenly does?
Otherwise your question doesnt make any sense, fictional stories are about fantasy worlds, you dont need to suddenly explain this in a meta level, the story just IS.
Even then your question is stupid because every story ever created is fiction aside from books about biographies or historical events, so technicaly it is all fantasy and there is no other explanation aside from because we created them, no need for some meta level narrative.

Thanks for your comment! I see where the confusion might come from, so let me clarify. My question is about stories where a fictional “reality” (like a fictional version of our world) exists alongside fantasy worlds that are “real” within that story’s universe. For example, imagine a story where a character lives in a world like ours, but the Naruto and One Piece universes are also real places they can visit. These fantasy worlds are treated as fiction in the story’s “reality,” just like they are in our world, but they still exist as actual universes. I’m curious about what explanations people like for why those fantasy worlds are real in the story.

I get that not every story needs to explain this—sometimes the trope just is, and that’s fine! But some readers, like me, enjoy when authors provide a reason, like “stories create real worlds” or “infinite universes include every fantasy world.” It’s a fun meta-level discussion for those who are into it. Do you prefer stories that leave these things unexplained, or is there another angle I’m missing? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 

[laccoff_mawning]

I once read something which tried to do something similar to this. Basically, man gets isekai'ed and talks to a god. One of the man's questions was "why do only the Japanese get isekai'ed?", as to which the man's response was something about how the Japanese are peaceful (or more virtuous in some way) so they're more helpful in isekai situations.

I wasn't very impressed. Not just because of the blatant favoritism towards Japanese- that I can get behind, but rather because the story tried to make it sound like all other isekai stories were 'real', in a sense. It just sounded very fake and unnecessary.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Bruh.

 

[ShrimpShady]

as to which the man's response was something about how the Japanese are peaceful (or more virtuous in some way) so they're more helpful in isekai situations

Ah yes, peaceful... virtuous...

I'm personally more of an infinite universes kinda guy. I don't need any big, convoluted explanations. Just tell me that there are parallel universes and I'll say aight bet.

 

[RainingFish]

I once read something which tried to do something similar to this. Basically, man gets isekai'ed and talks to a god. One of the man's questions was "why do only the Japanese get isekai'ed?", as to which the man's response was something about how the Japanese are peaceful (or more virtuous in some way) so they're more helpful in isekai situations.

I wasn't very impressed. Not just because of the blatant favoritism towards Japanese- that I can get behind, but rather because the story tried to make it sound like all other isekai stories were 'real', in a sense. It just sounded very fake and unnecessary.

It's like this with a lot of fiction that brings in "reality." It's like this with zombie movies as well. The first zombie movie has no issue, but after you've had decades of zombie movies, then you have to wonder if the people in the movie know about zombies from watching movies. If they know about zombies from movies, then why are things in movies coming true? If they don't know, then why don't they? Does this movie world not have zombie movies?

Anyway, it doesn't really need to be explained, but some storytellers like to give it explanations (like the one you mention), and such explanations can be interesting. Although I'm sure opinions vary, some prefer it not to be explained, as it might break their immersion by being too unrealistic.

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

I once read something which tried to do something similar to this. Basically, man gets isekai'ed and talks to a god. One of the man's questions was "why do only the Japanese get isekai'ed?", as to which the man's response was something about how the Japanese are peaceful (or more virtuous in some way) so they're more helpful in isekai situations.

I wasn't very impressed. Not just because of the blatant favoritism towards Japanese- that I can get behind, but rather because the story tried to make it sound like all other isekai stories were 'real', in a sense. It just sounded very fake and unnecessary.

be impressed by reading my thesis then. ??

 

[Fairemont]

Is this question about justifying the idea that fantasy worlds exist in reality, albeit undiscovered; or is it about fantasy worlds justifying their own existence within their respective medium?

The former is semi-likely in a sense, but primarily impossible. A world could, in theory, exist with fantastical, non-human sapient species on it, but it would be functionally Earth. It would abide by the same natural laws that we do.

So, you could easily justify an existing low-fantasy world in reality.

As for them existing withing their own mediums or stories, that is fairly simple. While many do not explain it, nor provide credence for their existence, if we assume that the natural laws of our reality are not necessarily true in whatever universe they exist within, when you are able to justify anything.

For example, traditional fantasy magic cannot exist within reality due to the natural laws. We cannot create something from nothing, which is a staple of most magic, and it is incredibly difficult to change one form of matter into another.

If we assume that, in a different universe, there exists a specialized form if energy or matter that is capable of being influenced (or influencing something else) to rapidly change the physical properties or identity of matter or energy, then it is entirely possible for magic to exist.

It might be possible to do so in reality, but so far beyond the scope of what we can achieve. The amount of energy and precision required to influence matter and energy in such a way would require a civilization beyond our current imagination.

So, yeah...

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

Is this question about justifying the idea that fantasy worlds exist in reality, albeit undiscovered; or is it about fantasy worlds justifying their own existence within their respective medium?

The former is semi-likely in a sense, but primarily impossible. A world could, in theory, exist with fantastical, non-human sapient species on it, but it would be functionally Earth. It would abide by the same natural laws that we do.

So, you could easily justify an existing low-fantasy world in reality.

As for them existing withing their own mediums or stories, that is fairly simple. While many do not explain it, nor provide credence for their existence, if we assume that the natural laws of our reality are not necessarily true in whatever universe they exist within, when you are able to justify anything.

For example, traditional fantasy magic cannot exist within reality due to the natural laws. We cannot create something from nothing, which is a staple of most magic, and it is incredibly difficult to change one form of matter into another.

If we assume that, in a different universe, there exists a specialized form if energy or matter that is capable of being influenced (or influencing something else) to rapidly change the physical properties or identity of matter or energy, then it is entirely possible for magic to exist.

It might be possible to do so in reality, but so far beyond the scope of what we can achieve. The amount of energy and precision required to influence matter and energy in such a way would require a civilization beyond our current imagination.

So, yeah...

read my thesis. and like it if you LIKE it. :)

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Is this question about justifying the idea that fantasy worlds exist in reality, albeit undiscovered; or is it about fantasy worlds justifying their own existence within their respective medium?

The OP clarified this midthread. It is about how (or if) world-hopping stories justify the presence of other universes in themselves.

Of course, in Digital Cowboy I eventually explain it as multiple game servers (four fantasy, two sci-fi, one Western and ... well that would be a spoiler) all existing in a real (or "Outer") world...