Trains have long been a popular mode of transportation in fantasy literature. From the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series to the titular train in China Miéville’s Perdido Street Station, trains have served as a powerful symbol and narrative device in the genre.

One of the reasons trains are so often used in fantasy is because they represent a certain level of technological advancement. Trains, with their steam engines and iron tracks, are often juxtaposed against the medieval-like settings of many fantasy worlds. They represent a glimpse into a more advanced society, one with the power to tame nature and bend it to its will. This contrast can create a sense of wonder and intrigue in the reader, drawing them into the story and creating a vivid sense of place.

Trains can also serve as a metaphor for the journey that the characters in the story must undertake. Whether the train is a literal means of transportation or simply a representation of a journey, it often carries with it a sense of momentum and progress. This can be a powerful narrative tool, especially when the characters are on a quest or undertaking a dangerous mission. The train can serve as a way to move the story forward and build tension, leading the reader toward the story’s climax.

In addition to their narrative power, trains can also evoke a sense of nostalgia and romanticism. Trains were once a symbol of progress and modernity, and they still hold a certain fascination for many people today. In a fantasy setting, trains can evoke a sense of wonder and excitement, transporting the reader to a world that is both familiar and fantastical.

Overall, trains serve a powerful narrative purpose in fantasy literature. They represent progress and contrast with the medieval-like settings of many fantasy worlds, they serve as a metaphor for the journey the characters must undertake, and they can evoke a sense of nostalgia and romanticism. Whether the train is a literal means of transportation or simply a symbol of progress, it can help transport the reader to a world of wonder and adventure.

Another reason why trains are often used in fantasy literature is their association with industrialization and urbanization. In many fantasy worlds, trains are often associated with sprawling cities and factories, highlighting the contrast between the old world and the new. This can also lead to discussions of environmental degradation and the impact of industrialization on the natural world.

Furthermore, trains can also serve as a means of exploring social and economic issues in a fantasy setting. The class structure of many societies can be explored through the passengers and staff aboard a train, highlighting the disparities between the wealthy and the working class. This can also lead to discussions about the role of technology and its impact on society.

Trains can also provide a sense of nostalgia for readers, reminding them of the golden age of train travel and the romanticism of a bygone era. This sense of nostalgia can add to the fantastical elements of a story, transporting the reader to a world that is both familiar and otherworldly.

Finally, trains can also be used as a means of exploring magic and the supernatural in a fantasy setting. Trains have a rich history of folklore and superstition, from the ghost trains of urban legends to the magical trains of wizarding tales. By incorporating trains into a fantasy story, authors can tap into this rich history and create a sense of mystery and wonder.

Overall, the motive of trains in fantasy book writing is multifaceted. From representing progress and technological advancement to exploring social and economic issues, trains serve a powerful narrative purpose in the genre. They can evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, transport the reader to fantastical worlds, and even serve as a means of exploring the supernatural. It’s no wonder they have become such a popular element in fantasy literature.