From the literature of the "New Wave" to contemporary English-language fantasy: Zelazny, Martin, Gaiman

The article is dedicated to the study of the evolution of "New Wave" fantasy literature from the 1960s to the 1970s, based on the works of three central figures in contemporary English-language fantasy literature: Roger Zelazny, George Martin, and Neil Gaiman. It specifically discusses the transformation that fantasy underwent over several decades, starting with the movement of so-called "New Wave" authors in the second half of the 20th century, up to the postmodern literature of the early 21st century. The focus is primarily on identifying and characterizing key features of contemporary English-language fantasy, such as intertextuality, the inclusion of mythological symbols in the text, references to psychoanalytic theory, and the blending of various genres. The methodology employed in this study includes comparative, literary, and historical-cultural analysis, as well as the study and generalization of information. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the attempt to trace the roots of contemporary fantasy, the canons of which were shaped by the work of American science fiction writer Roger Zelazny. Analyzing the key works of the discussed authors allowed for the identification not only of common features but also for pointing out the vector of their transformation and reinterpretation in the works of fantasy writers from the late 20th to the early 21st century. The literature of the "New Wave" in the 1960s and 1970s revolutionized fantastic literature by breaking down the boundaries that existed between genres, bringing popular literature closer to high literature, and fostering their mutual enrichment. The poeticization of prose, the use of multilayered allusions, psychoanalytic theories, syncretism, and the blending of various mythological systems with contemporary realities constitute the creative legacy of Zelazny, which is organically embraced by his followers—Martin and Gaiman.