Fantasy is one of those genres that relies a lot on the ability of the writer to imagine new worlds and ideas in order to grow a story. World building is also one of the biggest components of fantasy writing and it requires a lot of work and effort. Curating a proper fantasy story can often take a lot of time because of these elements. However, creativity does not mean that you cannot be inspired by other stories, worlds, and ideas. Which is why mythology and history are two amazing sources to draw a lot of inspiration from when it comes to writing books. So, here are a few reasons why you should use mythology and history when you’re writing fantasy.
Mythology: What is it? Why Use it?
Mythology is a “collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.” We often use the word mythology in tandem with ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Roman religious practices and beliefs. However, mythology can apply to many other groups in the world.
Mythology has often played an important role in being a rich source of inspiration for fantasy writers. Mythology often includes stories of creatures, magic, worlds, and more, which are all pieces of writing fantasy.
I can provide an example, but my series, The Fallen Age Saga, draws heavily on mythology for the worlds I curated. There’s a ton of religion and religious ideals sprinkled throughout my series, and it draws inspiration from many mythological systems.
Mythology is Often Very Complex — But That’s a Good Thing!
Mythology is typically very complex, multi-layered, and full of interconnecting stories that can easily be adapted to fit into a new world and system. For instance, we all probably know the story of Hercules from the popular Disney movie of the same name. However, Hercules is an actual Greek myth. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series is all based and rooted in Greek mythology.
How about the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? Very popular and well-known, right? Exactly. But it’s also a myth that has been adapted many times in many countries through literature, film, and TV.
Fantasy writers can easily take inspiration from stories in mythology and adapt them to fit their own world. As a writer, you can add your own twists and interpretations, which can take your story to the next level.
Mythology Adds Plenty of Depth
Another reason why mythology is a great source of inspiration for fantasy writers is that it provides a sense of depth and history to a world. By incorporating elements of mythology into your world-building, you can create a sense of mythology that extends beyond your own work. This makes your world feel more authentic and real to your readers.
You allow for readers to recall upon their own knowledge of the mythology you’re mentioning, and it can give a sense of dimension to the world you’re crafting.
History: What is it? Why Use it?
History is “the study of past events, particularly in human affairs.” It is basically just events that happened once upon a time in the timeline of our species as humans. It is also the most popular thing to draw upon for authors everywhere.
Mythology contrasts history because mythology is often full of things like magic and the supernatural. History is rooted in things like written historical documents, photographs, ancient poetry, and more. It’s basically looking at events and facts.
Incorporating history is a very important thing to do as a writer, because history often tells the most dramatic stories. So many writers like to use famous wars, names, figures, and places as inspiration for their own books.
History Can be Used to Draw From Cultures and Civilizations
One interesting way fantasy writing can incorporate history isn’t just through events. It can also be by drawing upon real-world cultures and civilizations. For instance, you can take inspiration from ancient Rome, medieval Europe, etc… when you create your own cultures, kingdoms and empires.
There is a tribe in my books called the Shaytanurashi, which are part of the ancient alien Varkavan race. The Shaytanurashi are actually directly inspired by people that live in mountainous regions in areas like Syria, Afghanistan, Oman, etc… which is why they are a Semitic tribe.
When you draw from real cultures and civilizations, you bring your world to life in a way that can help readers relate and feel immersion.
All-in-all though, history and mythology are two very important facets of curating worlds and writing fantasy. Without inspiration to draw upon, it can get difficult to really get into the nitty-gritty details of designing a world. So, the next time you feel stuck when you’re writing your book, go try and read up on some history or mythology and see where your mind takes your world next!