The article examines the theoretical and historical

development of the fantasy genre, tracing its path from

mythological and folklore traditions to modern fantasy and

science fiction literature. Based on the works of Tsvetan

Todorov, Darko Suvin, and Adam Roberts, the study

defines fantasy as a borderline space between reality and

the supernatural, where logic and imagination intersect. It

explores how science fiction emerged through cognitive

estrangement and how fantasy created independent

mythical worlds governed by their own moral and

metaphysical laws. Special attention is paid to Edgar Allan

Poeʼs pioneering role in shaping early science fiction

literature by creating a harmony of scientific reasoning and

creative speculation, which later inspired writers such as

Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Through analysis of key

subgenres, the article emphasizes that fantasy serves both

cognitive and aesthetic purposes, allowing readers to

explore the boundaries of knowledge, morality, and human

creativity.