A Travel Guide to Literary Woods
Home to some of the world’s most magnificent natural arboretums, fantasy novels are sure to surprise and delight even the most intrepid traveler. Join us as we take you on an unbelievable journey through literary woods and forests. Be sure to pack a bottle of water, a map, and your imagination.
The Fire Swamp in The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The Fire Swamp is sure to challenge even the most cunning member of your expedition. As its name suggests, this forest is filled with surprise burst of flames – so try to stay away from wearing linen or silk when you visit. The Rodents of Unusual Size – R.O.U.S.'s for those in the know – attack just as viciously as the flames, so come prepared with a large blunt object to fight them off. And, lastly, watch out for the lightning sand. If you’re not careful, this quick-acting sand will drown you without a second thought. Be sure to give the Dread Pirate Roberts a wave when you see him. He may be on the lookout for a new crew.
The Enchanted Forest from Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
If you’re planning on running away from the kingdom of Linderwall, The Enchanted Forest is a fantastic place to end up. Visitors can follow Princess Cimorene’s journey from her family’s castle to the dragon Kazul’s lair. There, visitors will learn to make cherries jubilee, cast magical spells, and catalogue libraries of dragon-sized tomes. Use your wit to send away the annoying and persistent knights who arrive uninvited. They’ll claim they’re there to rescue you. What a preposterous idea. You’re on vacation!
The Elves’ Forest from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Kummeck ims powd! That’s “sun and rain” or “hello” in Elfian. It helps to speak a little of the language if you’re going to travel to their forest. Slannen, the elves’ chief trader, will be your guide through these magical woods. The best attitude to have when traveling through the Elves’ Forest is honesty and kindness. These elves can read you like a book. They know what you had for breakfast, which of your family members you can’t stand, and just how afraid you are of the giants who pillage these parts.
The Woods from Protector of the Small by Tamora Pierce
Keladry of Mindelan is prepared to escort all visitors through the woods she calls home. Sworn to protect these woods and anyone who might find themselves in danger there, this knight in training is the perfect guide for literary tourists to this realm. While it’s natural to admire the beauty of this place, suit up in breastplate and sword before leaving the populous of Tortall for the danger of the woods. Kel is sure to warn you of this when you arrive, but Spidren were recently spotted in the woods. At nearly five feet tall, these human-headed spiders are no match for arachnophobia.
