The Nature of the Travelogue
To better understand whether The Travels of Marco Polo falls into the category of documentary or fantasy, it is essential to first define what each term represents.
- Documentary: A documentary is typically based on factual accounts, aiming to provide an accurate representation of real-world events, places, or individuals. A documentary should, in theory, be grounded in truth and verifiable through evidence or firsthand testimony.
- Fantasy: Fantasy, on the other hand, involves elements of the supernatural or the impossible, often incorporating fictional or mythical elements that transcend reality.
In the case of Marco Polo’s travels, the narrative does contain an abundance of information about the vast expanse of Asia, the court of Kublai Khan, and the grandeur of cities such as Hangzhou and Beijing. Polo offers an exceptional, detailed account of life under Mongol rule, highlighting various cultural practices, exotic foods, and religious customs. He also describes technological innovations that were unfamiliar to Europeans at the time, such as paper currency, gunpowder, and coal. shutdown123