Where did fantasy originate from?

Fantasy as a genre has roots in ancient mythology and folklore, with stories from cultures around the world featuring magical elements and supernatural beings. Its modern form began to take shape in the 19th century with works like George MacDonald's "Phantastes" and Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." The genre gained further popularity in the 20th century with authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, who created expansive worlds filled with rich lore. Today, fantasy encompasses a wide range of literature, film, and gaming, drawing on its diverse origins.