ShelfEvidentMythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature
2024 Winner
2024 Shortlist & Longlist
Shortlist
Complete History
2020s
2010s
2000s
- 2009Flesh and Spirit and Breath and Bone — Carol Berg
- 2008The Orphan's Tales — Catherynne M. Valente
- 2007Solstice Wood — Patricia A. McKillip
- 2006Anansi Boys — Neil Gaiman
- 2005Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell — Susanna Clarke
- 2004Sunshine — Robin McKinley
- 2003Ombria in Shadow — Patricia A. McKillip
- 2002The Curse of Chalion — Lois McMaster Bujold
- 2001The Innamorati — Midori Snyder
- 2000Tamsin — Peter S. Beagle
1990s
- 1999Stardust — Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess
- 1998The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye — A. S. Byatt
- 1997The Wood Wife — Terri Windling
- 1996Waking the Moon — Elizabeth Hand
- 1995Something Rich and Strange — Patricia A. McKillip
- 1994The Porcelain Dove — Delia Sherman
- 1993Briar Rose — Jane Yolen
- 1992A Woman of the Iron People — Eleanor Arnason
- 1991Thomas the Rhymer — Ellen Kushner
- 1990The Stress of Her Regard — Tim Powers
1980s
- 1989Unicorn Mountain — Michael Bishop
- 1988Seventh Son — Orson Scott Card
- 1987The Folk of the Air — Peter S. Beagle
- 1986Bridge of Birds — Barry Hughart
- 1985Cards of Grief — Jane Yolen
- 1984When Voiha Wakes — Joy Chant
- 1983The Firelings — Carol Kendall
- 1982Little, Big — John Crowley
- 1981Unfinished Tales — J. R. R. Tolkien
About the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature
The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature is presented annually by the Mythopoeic Society to honor books in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis that best exemplify the spirit of the Inklings. The award recognizes adult fantasy literature that explores myth, legend, and the power of story in the tradition of imaginative literature, celebrating works that demonstrate qualities of mythic storytelling, world-building, and thematic depth. Established in 1971, it is one of the longest-running fantasy awards in the English-speaking world. The award is named after the concept of 'mythopoeia'—the art of myth-making—and the Mythopoeic Society judges submissions with an emphasis on works that illuminate fundamental human truths through the lens of fantasy. Winners are chosen by a committee of Mythopoeic Society members who evaluate nominees for their contribution to the tradition of imaginative literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Any fantasy novel or multi-volume work written in the spirit of the Inklings (Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams) and first published in English during the previous year is eligible. The work must be in the adult fantasy genre and embody a mythopoeic spirit.
- A committee of volunteers from the Mythopoeic Society reads and evaluates all submitted works and casts votes. The results are announced annually, typically at Mythcon, the society's annual conference.
- The award does not carry a cash prize. Winners receive a statuette in the form of a seated lion, inspired by Aslan from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia.
- The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award was first given in 1971, making it one of the oldest fantasy literary awards in existence. The separate Adult Literature and Children's Literature categories were formally distinguished later.
- Unlike reader-voted awards or jury-selected awards focusing purely on popular appeal, the Mythopoeic Award specifically seeks works in the tradition of mythic storytelling championed by Tolkien and the Inklings. It often recognizes quieter, more literary fantasy works that might be overlooked by larger awards.
- Yes. A multi-volume fantasy series can be nominated and win either as a completed series or when the final volume is published. Several series have won the award upon their completion.
- The winners are traditionally announced at Mythcon, the Mythopoeic Society's annual scholarly conference, which rotates locations each year.