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Mythopoeia
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Mythopoeia
What is Mythopoeia?
- Mythopoeia (from the Greek words that mean "myth-making") is a narrative genre in modern literature and film where a fictional mythology is created by the author or screenwriter.
- The word mythopoeia and description was coined and developed by J. R. R. Tolkien in the 1930s.
- The authors in this genre integrate traditional mythological themes and archetypes into fiction.
How is this Different than Fantasy?
As opposed to fantasy worlds or fictional universes that are aimed at extraordinary things happening to ordinary people, Mythopoeia takes the reader into an invented world where the mythologies, geography, laws, actions, history etc, that are experienced by the characters are not out of their realm of reason.
Example: A world where technology became self-aware, destroyed most of humanity and put itself into leadership is mythopoeia because there is now a mythology that exists where robots rule the earth with humanity scattered.
- Mythopoeia can be created entirely by an individual, like the world of Middle-earth, or can be formed as a result of a combination of writings, like the Cthulhu Mythos. An Expanded Universe can result in the creation of one of these.
- The term expanded universe, is generally used to indicate the "extension" of a media franchise (like a television show, movie, or novel) with other media. This typically involves new stories for existing characters already developed within the franchise, but in some cases entirely new characters and complex mythologies are developed.
Characteristics:
- Mythopoeia contains an entirely unique fictional universe which may have elements of real-world mythology. To add credibility and depth to their fictional world, writers go to great lengths to create well-ordered histories, detailed landscapes along with the unique laws of nature that govern such a place.
- Mythopoeia can take an author anywhere that they want to go.
- Literally, there is no limit except to where your imagination can take you.
- Let's brainstorm...
- A world where vicious predatory animals are kind, thoughtful, and resourceful and humans are feared and ruthless.
- Let's hear your ideas!
Famous Examples:
- Middle Earth - J.R.R Tolkien invented this place and is the setting for his various books; The Hobbit, LOTR, and the Silmarillion.
- To go along with his creation he invented a history, languages, geography, to go along with Middle Earth.
Narnia - C.S Lewis wrote this series in 40s - 50s.
In these books four siblings in WWII England are wisked away to a magical land called Narnia.
Again, like Tolkien, Lewis created a whole new world to be explored.
Pawn of Prophecy
- The farm boy, Garion, begins a dangerous quest to recover the magic Orb and prevent the evil Torak from seizing power over the world.
- David Eddings creates a world full of strange and powerful characters who are all trying to find this powerful magic orb (that was crafted by one of the 7 creator gods).
- During the events of this story the hero meets many strange creatures, like a man who can turn into a wolf.
Conclusion:
While many literary works carry mythic themes, only a few approach how personal mythopoeia is. It is invented mythology that, rather than arising out of centuries of oral tradition, is penned over a short period of time by a single author or small group of collaborators. Remember, some characters may be inspired by mythology, or something similar the personalities created are completely original.