Ever wondered where all the incredible worlds in YA fantasy come from? Yup, some authors might spend years dreaming up entirely new realms, but plenty of times, the most powerful inspiration comes straight from our world. From ancient legends to hidden, forgotten corners of history, real-life can spark some wild stories. Truth can be stranger than fiction, ya know? Let’s dig into a few examples of how the real world has influenced some of the best YA fantasy books out there. And who knows—you might just find some inspiration for your next read…or maybe even your own writing…

1. Ancient Greek Mythology: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, linked here, is all about some modern-day kids who discover they’re demigods—half-human, half-Greek god. The world Riordan creates, where gods, monsters, and prophecies are real, is inspired by the amazing world of Greek mythology. Percy’s adventures draw on actual myths, but Riordan reimagines them to fit a contemporary setting. Like, imagine seeing Zeus or Poseidon in a modern suit, dealing with traffic or skyscrapers. By updating these ancient myths, Riordan makes them feel fresh, accessible, and very real for today’s readers.

2. English Folklore: The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper

In The Dark Is Rising series (one of my absolute favorites as a kid), linked here, Susan Cooper pulls from deep-rooted English folklore to create a world where ancient magic is stirring, and the forces of Light and Dark are in a constant struggle. Characters like King Arthur and mythological symbols from Celtic legends show up in ways that can feel oddly familiar yet still mystical. At the time, I wasn’t old enough to have become familiar with these legends. If you also read her work as a child, I highly recommend a revisit. Cooper’s England is dark, foggy, and filled with ancient stones and secret powers, a vibe that truly captures the eeriness of British folklore. It’s like stepping back in time, into the kind of England that feels alive with enchantment, hidden somewhere behind the modern world.

3. Norse Mythology: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan

Mmm hmm, Riordan’s on this list twice. He’s that good at mining mythology for inspiration! Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, linked here, is his take on Norse mythology, packed with gods, giants, and even a talking sword. Riordan takes old Norse tales—the same ones that inspired Marvel’s Thor—and twists them with a YA flair. Magnus Chase, a homeless teen, gets caught up with Odin, Loki, and the whole Norse crew. This series captures the rough, rugged world of Norse myth, full of battles, bravery, and that sense of impending doom that’s everywhere in Viking lore.

4. Russian Folklore: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, linked here, dives deep into Russian folklore, giving us a world where frost demons, house spirits, and forest creatures feel like everyday life. Set in medieval Russia, the book draws from Slavic tales and traditions, where winter holds a dark power and spirits need to be respected…or else. Arden’s world has that slow, chilling feel of an old Russian fairytale, where the line between reality and magic is thin, and often crossed. It’s beautiful, haunting, and full of that mysterious vibe that only old folktales can bring.

5. Japanese Mythology: Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

Shadow of the Fox, linked here, by Julie Kagawa, pulls readers into Japanese folklore, weaving in tales of shapeshifting foxes, powerful demons, and mystical sword quests. The book’s protagonist, Yumeko, is a kitsune—a fox spirit known for its trickery and charm in Japanese mythology. Japanese legends are filled with spirits (yokai), gods (kami), and powerful magic, and Kagawa brings these elements to life in a way that feels vibrant and utterly Japanese. If you’ve ever been intrigued by Japan’s rich folklore, Shadow of the Fox will give you a full, front-row view.

6. The Salem Witch Trials: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The Witch of Blackbird Pond, linked here, may not be fantasy in the way of magical creatures or mythical gods, but it draws from the dark period of history surrounding the Salem Witch Trials. This classic YA novel is about a young girl named Kit who finds herself accused of witchcraft simply because she doesn’t fit in with the Puritan norms of her new home in colonial Connecticut. While there’s no “real” magic, Speare captures the atmosphere of suspicion, fear, and hysteria that has fascinated YA readers for generations, reminding us that sometimes the darkest stories come from real history.

7. Irish Mythology: The Call by Peadar Ó Guilín

Irish myths are full of dark, creepy stories about the fae and the mysterious Sídhe (pronounced “shee”). The Call, linked here, takes this eerie folklore and ramps it up, creating a terrifying world where teens are “called” to a nightmarish fae realm and must fight to survive. The story’s intense, unsettling, and shows how traditional folklore can be reimagined in a way that feels both modern and timelessly haunting. The result is a creepy, almost dystopian vibe that makes Ireland’s folklore feel alive, deadly, and definitely not for the faint-hearted.

8. The Arabian Nights: The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

Renée Ahdieh’s The Wrath & the Dawn, linked here, is a retelling inspired by The Arabian Nights. This YA novel brings a fierce twist to the legendary tale of Scheherazade, the girl who keeps herself alive by telling the king a new story every night. Ahdieh draws from the richness of Middle Eastern folklore, full of opulent palaces, beautiful deserts, and dark curses. This reimagining not only captures the magic and mystery of the original stories but adds a modern voice that makes the world of The Arabian Nights accessible for YA readers.

9. Chinese History and Myth: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

Descendant of the Crane, linked here, by Joan He, is often called the “Chinese Game of Thrones,” and it pulls from Chinese history and mythology to create a lush, political YA fantasy. The book is steeped in Chinese culture, blending elements of Confucian philosophy, ancient Chinese court intrigue, and a mysterious mythology. The result is a world that feels both grounded in real Chinese history and tinged with a sense of magical realism that draws readers into a complex, beautiful, and often brutal world.

10. The Legend of King Arthur: Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy

Once & Future, linked here, takes the timeless story of King Arthur and gives it a sci-fi twist—yes, really! In this retelling, King Arthur is reincarnated as a teenage girl named Ari, and the legendary sword Excalibur makes an appearance in a futuristic setting. This book plays with Arthurian legends in a way that’s both respectful and inventive, proving that even the oldest tales can be endlessly adapted and reimagined. The Arthurian legends have always been a huge influence on fantasy, and Capetta and McCarthy show how much fun it can be to play around with a classic.

The Takeaway

It’s amazing how much YA fantasy pulls directly from real-world myths, history, and folklore. Whether it’s ancient Greece, medieval Russia, or feudal Japan, authors have been inspired by real places and people for centuries, turning the world we know into something magical, mysterious, and sometimes terrifying. Next time you read a YA fantasy, maybe take a minute to think about where it might come from—you could be getting a taste of a real culture or legend that has existed for hundreds, even thousands of years.