Hedge Mazes
Hedge mazes are intricate networks of interconnected paths, tunnels, and dead ends created or sculpted through a hedge or thicket. Fictional hedge mazes are often depicted as living labyrinths. In magical worlds they may grow and retract, ever-changing the route through their depths. Hedge mazes may be found on the grounds of manors, castles, palaces, or in fairy woodlands. They may be home to groundskeepers, monsters, and lost tourists.
| Synonyms: thicket mazes |
| Example Mythonyms: the Maze of Wildmoor Manor |
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Designing Fictional Hedge Mazes
Archetypes
Overview
Unlike basic mazes or labyrinths, hedge mazes often also include wider, open spaces throughout their layout. These spaces may include reflecting pools, wells, grottos, statues, or other elements.
Fictional hedge mazes often feature secret doorways, hidden passages, and other means by which they can be navigated. As the walls of the maze are created by the hedge, these elements may be part of the plant itself. This may provide worldbuilders an opportunity to insert a fictional plant (thorns, flowers, the ability to quickly grow and retract, are all potential characteristics).
Hedges need care to maintain and if left abandoned will grow wild.
