ECHOES: A FATHOMS DEEP PODCAST

Cartographers of the Impossible: How Fantasy Maps Shape Narrative Worlds

Episode 06 | June 22, 2025 | 20 minutes

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Few elements of fantasy literature create such immediate immersion as the map. In this episode, we explore how fantasy maps serve far deeper purposes than mere geographical orientation—functioning as threshold spaces between worlds, cognitive frameworks for navigation, and powerful narrative engines that transform readers from passive observers into active explorers of impossible geographies.

Drawing from literary analysis spanning Tolkien to contemporary authors, we examine how these cartographic gateways blur the boundary between fiction and reality, create unspoken contracts with readers, and invite us into collaborative worldbuilding that makes the impossible feel navigable.

SOUND CREDITS

Wave bell attributedPirate Ship at Bay.wav by CGEffex — https://freesound.org/s/93678/ — License: Attribution 4.0

SHIP SOUND REQUEST!.wav by hello_flowers — https://freesound.org/s/31006/ — License: Creative Commons 0

FEATURED EXPLORATION

Literary Foundation: How fantasy maps function as portals between our world and imagined realms

Cognitive Science: Maps as “external memory fields” that enhance reader immersion

Narrative Function: Maps as plot devices, from quest guides to revelation tools

Maritime Dimension: The unique role of sea charts in fantasy literature

Digital Evolution: How interactive maps expand traditional cartographic possibilities

RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS

Primary Article:“Cartographers of the Impossible: How Fantasy Maps Shape Narrative Worlds” – Read the complete analysis

Literary Examples: Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Le Guin’s Earthsea, Martin’s Westeros, and dozens of other cartographic masterworks

Historical Context: Real-world cartographic evolution from medieval T-O maps to modern digital interfaces

RESOURCES & TOOLS

Companion Deep Dive: “Neural Networks and Dragon Bonds – Designing Scientific Magic” – Available June 28th

Related Content:“St. Elmo’s Fire: When Electricity Becomes Magic,” “Building Believable Magic Systems”

Dimidium Applications: See cartographic worldbuilding in action through the stories at dimidiumtales.substack.com

KEY LITERARY EXAMPLES EXPLORED

J.R.R. Tolkien: Middle-earth as subcreation project

Ursula K. Le Guin: Earthsea’s archipelago and cognitive mapping

George R.R. Martin: Westeros and medieval cartographic limitations

N.K. Jemisin: The Broken Earth’s fractured continent

Robin Hobb: Liveship Traders and coastal thresholds

Robert Louis Stevenson: Treasure Island as foundational map narrative

CONNECT WITH FATHOMS DEEP

Articles & Research:fathomsdeepbeyond.substack.com

Dimidium World’s Fiction:dimidiumtales.substack.com

Author Website:www.morganadrake.com

Newsletter Signup:subscribe to my newsletter

ABOUT ECHOES

Echoes: A Fathoms Deep Podcast explores where maritime legend meets the craft of fantasy. Each episode dives into historical mysteries, cultural traditions, and supernatural phenomena of the sea, revealing how this research can transform your approach to worldbuilding and character creation. Hosted by Morgan A. Drake, author of dark maritime fantasy and architect of the Dimidium world.

NEXT EPISODES

Coming July 22: “Cartographers of the Impossible: Mapping Emotional Territories” – Exploring how the role of maps in fantasy literature connects to our deep human need for navigation and orientation.

Coming July 28: “Neural Networks and Dragon Bonds: Designing Scientific Magic” – Deep dive exploring how natural electrical phenomena can serve as foundations for believable magical frameworks that honor both scientific principles and narrative wonder. Includes the Scientific Magic Framework worksheet.

As always, thank you for listening, share this episode to support FATHOMS DEEP.

Morgan A. Drake

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fathomsdeepbeyond.substack.com