What is the setting of The Neverending Story by Michael Ende?

The settings in The Neverending Story are many, creative, and varied. Each fantastical setting, in addition to its entertainment value, adds to the psychological development of the main character, Bastian. The attic setting where Bastian hides out symbolizes Bastian's retreat into his own mind. The land of Fantastica, found in the book Bastian steals from Mr. Coreander, represents the combined psyche of human development.