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
