“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Ever lost yourself so deeply in a book that reality faded away? We step into worlds where we are the protagonist, where the impossible bends to our will, and where the laws of reality don’t hold us back.

Fantasy fiction is more than just a getaway—it’s a psychological experience, a trick our brain willingly plays on itself.

I always thought about; what makes this escape so satisfying? And can we bring something back with us when we return to the real world? So, here below I have tried to assimilate my thoughts on these questions based on my understanding of the process.

The Brain on Fantasy: Why We Let Go So Easily

Our brain is designed to filter, analyse, and defend against an overwhelming flood of information every second. In the real world, we’re on high alert—constantly assessing risks, scanning for inconsistencies, preparing for what’s next. But when we pick up a fantasy novel, something shifts.

We know the story is fiction, and that knowledge relaxes certain critical areas of the brain. Neuroscience suggests that when we engage in fiction, we experience something similar to “suspension of disbelief.” It’s not that we forget reality—it’s that we accept the rules of a new one. This temporary surrender allows us to become fully immersed, living and feeling through the protagonist.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons

The Appeal of the Impossible

In reality, we can dream of being a hero, but success isn’t always guaranteed. Fantasy, on the other hand, reshapes the rules to favour us. The hero faces impossible odds but always finds a way. The underdog rises. The chosen one fulfils their destiny.

Fiction is oddly satisfying because it lets us live out scenarios that real life rarely offers.

Even though we know these worlds are make-believe, we still invest in them emotionally. Why? Because belief is powerful. We don’t resist the fictional world’s logic; we embrace it, allowing ourselves to fully experience the moment as if we were truly there.

With this mantra; “Belief is Power” got me thinking more deeply – Can We Apply Fantasy’s Lessons to OUR Reality?

We know real life doesn’t come with prophecy-driven victories or magic fixes. But does that mean fiction has nothing to offer us? Maybe not. If belief allows us to immerse ourselves in fantasy, can belief also help us navigate reality?

What if, instead of dismissing dreams as unrealistic, we approached them the way we approach a fantasy story—accepting the rules, playing the part, and seeing where the journey takes us? Maybe not all stories unfold the way we want, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth living.

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – Neil Gaiman, Coraline

So, the next time you lose yourself in a fantasy novel, remember: you’re not just escaping—you’re practicing. Maybe, just maybe, reality isn’t so different from fiction after all.

What’s your favourite fantasy world to escape into? Drop a comment below!