Fantasy Worldbuilding: Drinking Songs

THERE'S WHISKEY IN THE JAR

I have to admit: I'm a fan of drinking songs in fantasy and science fiction. And not just drinking songs, but folk songs in general as a form of world-building in the genres.

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Drinking songs seem to be a staple of fantasy books, though few seem to do it right. The best example is, of course, the drinking songs found in The Lord of the Rings, although it could get a bit excessive in the books (looking at you Tom Bombadil).

Does everyone need drinking songs in their stories? Not really. I've read several fantasy stories that work without drinking songs (or songs of any kind). Some writers make it a point not to include songs. So, if you don't like this element of fantasy, then feel free to stop reading.

But if you've made it this far then I assume that you're interested, and that I should tell you more. Do I need them? Well, as my magic system is based entirely on music, it's only natural that I should have folk songs. While I am by no means a master of writing  drinking songs, I have a theory that I want to test out. There are many reasons to include them in your story, and I've listed some of my favorites below to explain why.

1. Explore the Culture 

Drinking songs allow you to explore your fantasy culture in other ways. I've been using this particular world-building exercise to explore quirks about my made-up culture. Even if you choose not to include songs in your story, it can be assumed that popular folk songs exist in your world (just not expressed by the characters you choose to portray).

This takes your world-building to a whole different level. It demonstrates your skill in multi-leveled world-building, as well as your skill in writing. Many drinking songs can become parodies of serious works (people singing the wrong lyrics to popular songs) or general songs about life. 

Questions to Consider:

•  Is there a common theme that binds your people together? 
• Research common folk songs from the time period you have chosen for your story. You may find inspiration there! For example, as my story is influenced by 18th century colonial history, I'm researching popular songs in the period (resources can be found on this blog here).
• Is there something about your magic system that will give your characters something to sing about? 
• Is there a cultural quirk you can write songs about? Or something about the myths and legends of the country? 

2. Adds Humor 

Unless your song is intentionally sad ("Dance with the Jak O' the Shadows" from The Wheel of Time, then it allows some humor in an otherwise dreary world weary of whatever epic battle is going on.

One of my favorites is "Blunt the Knives" from the Hobbit. This song shows us the dwarves' personalities, and allows us to see Bilbo for the worry-wort he is.

This can be hit or miss, as sometimes people don't like the humor element. It's up to you to decide what's appropriate for your story. 

Questions to consider:

• Can you make fun of your characters? Your political system? 
• What would the general population mock in the form of song? A politician? An activist? Tax collectors? 

3. Political Satire--and Rebellion

Many of the songs in the big fantasies like LoTR and Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones) may also use the songs as political satire. This is the equivalent of modern memes that make fun of politicians. Since your world most likely doesn't have the Internet, then this is a great way to make up for it. The people in your world aren't disassociated with the political happenings! Your people, even the normal townsfolk, should be engaged with the world. They aren't passive NPCs.Writing songs as political satire is one way to show that your world is engaged with world politics. 

Here is an example from Game of Thrones:

In many instances the songs can be used to instigate rebellion, as we see in the Hunger Games:

But, in this case, it then turns into a recurring theme in addition to dangerous satire.

Questions to Consider:

• How can your characters use song to seriously satirize the existing political structure?  
• Is there a song utilized by the government or religious establishment that can be satirized? 
• Can an ordinary folk song be utilized by the general populace for rebellion?

4. Recurring Theme 

Sometimes, if you find that you like your song enough, that it becomes a recurring theme through your story. One of the best modern examples is "The Rains of Castamere" from A Song of Ice and Fire (using examples from the HBO show).

To the point where it automatically tells the reader that shit is about to go down:

Some of these songs may be metaphorical--or even  silly in nature that doesn't seem to belong in a fantasy world. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" could easily be about a real bear and maiden--or it could be about Jamie and Brienne.

Questions to Consider: 

•  Is there a song that particularly resonates with your characters? 
• Does the song contain a theme that can apply to different situations?

5. Is it right for my story? 

I don't think writers should try to force them into a story. I'm sure there are many writers who don't even want to try it, and that's ok.There are so many different ways to worldbuild, and it doesn't seem right to pigeonhole fantasy writers into writing folk songs.

Questions to consider:

• Do you want to write folk songs? If you don't, then don't. Your unhappiness will only soak through your writing. 
• Does it work in the context of your world? If you created a culture that hates music, then it may not be such a good idea (or is it?) 

 

6. Test it Out! 

Someday I'd like to try out my own drinking songs by doing precisely that: going out and having a drink with some creative people. I'll let you know how that goes. ;)