If you're like me, then you love fantasy books. And when those books have a map in the first pages? Even better. Not just for tracing your heroes' journey throughout the story, but for the fun of framing that map later and putting it on your wall -- so the next time someone visits your home and asks about it, you can recommend a story that meant so much to you.
Top 7 Fantasy Maps (Subject To Opinion)
There are a TON of fantasy maps out there nowadays. Everybody and their cat is worldbuilding. And I want to see more of it!
In my list of the top 7 fantasy maps below, I'll show off some classic, beloved maps, as well as some newer ones that are just too cool not to share. Plus, stick around until the end to see the honourable mentions.
Middle Earth
There's nothing more classic than the map from the Lord of the Rings. It's what shaped and influenced a lot of fantasy writers and fantasy cartographers for years later.
Here's my rendition of Middle Earth, plus my map of The Shire. Can you spot Hobbiton in there? And don't forget about Rivendell, Gondor, Barad Dur, Rohan and so on.
The Westlands
There are actually a few maps associated with The Wheel of Time -- and for those who know, you know.
First, there's the continent of The Westlands.
Then we have the map of The Two Rivers, where Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve begin their story.
Finally, Tar Valon, where the Aes Sedai get up to all sorts of magical meetings.
Narnia
Look, make fun of it all you want, but I'll never stop loving a world with talking animals!
Narnia is so whimsical and dark and epic. It's one of the classics. See if you can spot Aslan's Camp, The White Witch's Castle, The Beaver's Dam, Cair Paravel, and, of course, The Lamp-post.
Discworld
Terry Pratchett actually never intended for there to be a map of his Discworld. His whimsical, comedic fantasy world was an open book (erm, like 40 books, actually). And I love that he left it open for the readers to imagine! I do, however, also love a map. So here one is (don't forget it resides on the backs of four elephants standing on the shell of a giant space turtle).
Caraval
Now, let's dive into a more modern fantasy map. The map of Caraval is so stylistically different from the others that I had to share it. I love the Spanish-inspired city with its canals and archways.
If I'm being perfectly honest, I haven't read the book yet! I need to get on it!
Ravka & Ketterdam
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is honestly one of my favourite books. Heist + fantasy world + humour = instant love. The book duology is set in Ketterdam, an Amsterdam-inspired novel that I first read whilst living in the Netherlands -- making me love it even more!
There's also the wider world of the Grishaverse in her Shadow and Bone and King of Scars series, which includes Ravka, Fjerda, Shu Han, Kerch and Novyi Zem.
Lunathion
Finally, I wanted to end this list with Lunathion: Crescent City.
I admittedly didn't finish reading this series after the first book, but I can't help but think this is one of the coolest city maps I've seen! Props to the author for uniqueness.
This List of Top 7 Fantasy Maps is Not Exhaustive
Honestly, it's hard to pick just a few favourites (much less only 7 fantasy maps) amongst the many, many fantasy maps that are out in the world, so I have a few honourable mentions below.
The ones I've drawn only scratch the surface! I'm ecstatic that Fantasy is having its day in the sun, and I can't wait to see where all this worldbuilding goes next.
Honourable Mentions
Hyrule from the Legend of Zelda (in its many forms)
Westeros and Essos from Game of Thrones (although, c'mon, it's basically Great Britain)
The Kingdom of Camelot (an old classic)
Tortall and the Hinterlands (for the unique coastlines)
Pern (with the sea as the centre of the map)
The Lands Between from Elden Ring
Arrakis from the Desert Planet Dune (not specifically fantasy, but not hard sci-fi either)
Comments