How to Write Prompts Inspired by Mythology

Mythology is a vast and rich source of storytelling, filled with gods, goddesses, heroes, creatures, and themes that transcend time and culture. The myths of various civilizations have influenced literature, art, and even modern-day culture in profound ways. Writers often turn to mythology to draw inspiration for their narratives, but one of the most powerful ways to engage with these stories is by writing prompts that can ignite creativity.

In this article, we will explore how to craft writing prompts inspired by mythology. We will delve into techniques, thematic approaches, and how to utilize mythological elements to inspire new and exciting creative writing exercises. Whether you're a fiction writer, poet, or someone seeking inspiration for your next creative project, the following guidelines will help you harness the power of mythology for prompt creation.

Understanding Mythology as a Source of Inspiration

Mythology is more than just stories of gods and creatures; it's a reflection of human nature, addressing themes like love, power, fate, revenge, and morality. Myths have been passed down through generations, often changing with cultural shifts, but the underlying human emotions and conflicts remain consistent.

There are several types of mythology that can be used for inspiration:

• Greek Mythology: Known for its gods and heroes, such as Zeus, Hera, Hercules, and Persephone.
• Norse Mythology: Home to deities like Odin, Thor, Loki, and Freyja, as well as tales of the apocalypse and heroic quests.
• Egyptian Mythology: Featuring gods like Ra, Osiris, and Anubis, with themes of death and the afterlife.
• Celtic Mythology: Rich with faeries, druids, and legendary heroes such as Cú Chulainn.
• Hindu Mythology: Encompassing epic stories like those of Rama, Krishna, and the vast pantheon of deities.
• Native American Mythologies: Featuring animals, spirits, and creation stories that vary between tribes.

Each mythology offers a unique lens through which writers can explore their own themes, characters, and plots.

The Role of Archetypes in Mythology

Archetypes are universal symbols or characters that appear in myths across different cultures and time periods. Recognizing and utilizing archetypes can help generate writing prompts that tap into these age-old patterns. Some common archetypes in mythology include:

2.1. The Hero's Journey

The "Hero's Journey," also known as the monomyth, is a storytelling framework identified by Joseph Campbell. It outlines a hero's adventure, beginning with a call to action and ending with a return home transformed. The stages of the Hero's Journey, such as the call, the trials, the mentor, the crisis, and the return, can be used to create prompts that center on personal transformation and quest narratives.

Example Prompt Inspired by the Hero's Journey :

"Your protagonist receives a mysterious message from a divine figure, urging them to embark on a quest that could change the fate of the world. What trials do they face along the way, and what personal transformations occur as they confront their destiny?"

2.2. The Trickster

The trickster is a clever, mischievous figure that challenges the status quo and causes disruption, often to reveal hidden truths. Tricksters can be deities, animals, or humans, and their antics can lead to both chaos and enlightenment. Common trickster figures include Loki in Norse mythology and Hermes in Greek mythology.

Example Prompt Inspired by the Trickster :

"A mischievous god disguises themselves as a mortal to teach a group of heroes a lesson. Write about how their trickery changes the course of the hero's journey."

2.3. The Mentor

Mentors are wise, often older characters who guide the hero through challenges and impart essential knowledge. In mythology, mentors take many forms, such as Athena guiding Odysseus or Chiron training heroes like Hercules. The mentor archetype can provide a narrative that emphasizes wisdom, growth, and the passing down of knowledge.

Example Prompt Inspired by the Mentor :

"An ancient, powerful figure approaches the protagonist and offers them the knowledge they need to succeed in their mission---but at a great personal cost. How does the protagonist react to this guidance?"

2.4. The Divine Parent and Child

The relationship between gods and their mortal or divine children is a recurring theme in mythology. This dynamic can lead to stories of inheritance, legacy, and defiance. Characters like Persephone (daughter of Demeter), Apollo (son of Zeus), and Horus (son of Osiris) are examples of such relationships.

Example Prompt Inspired by the Divine Parent and Child :

"An immortal parent must choose one of their children to inherit their divine powers, but only one can survive the trials set before them. Write about the struggles and tensions between the siblings vying for this position."

Utilizing Themes from Mythology for Writing Prompts

Mythology is rich with universal themes that resonate deeply with human experiences. By focusing on these themes, you can craft prompts that provoke deep reflection and inspire meaningful writing. Below are some key themes in mythology that can form the basis of your prompts.

3.1. Fate vs. Free Will

The tension between fate and free will is explored extensively in myths. Whether it's the inescapable prophecy of Oedipus or the refusal of Achilles to accept his destiny, the concept of fate presents powerful dilemmas for characters to confront.

Example Prompt on Fate vs. Free Will :

"A prophecy foretells the fall of a kingdom, but the chosen hero refuses to accept their role in the prophecy. Write about their decision to change the course of fate and the consequences that unfold."

3.2. Revenge and Justice

Many myths involve characters seeking revenge or justice, often with moral ambiguity. The goddesses of vengeance, such as Nemesis in Greek mythology, or the vengeance-driven hero Achilles, illustrate the destructive and redemptive powers of justice.

Example Prompt on Revenge and Justice :

"An innocent figure is wronged by a powerful enemy, and now the hero must choose between vengeance and justice. What drives their decision, and what cost do they pay for their actions?"

3.3. Transformation and Identity

Myths often feature transformation---whether literal or metaphorical---as characters evolve in response to external forces or internal growth. Characters like the Greek myth of Narcissus, who transforms into a flower, or the story of the Norse god Tyr sacrificing his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir, illustrate the power of transformation.

Example Prompt on Transformation and Identity :

"A character is cursed to take the form of an animal for a year. Write about their journey to reclaim their human form and what they learn about themselves in the process."

3.4. The Afterlife and Immortality

Many mythologies offer elaborate depictions of the afterlife, from the underworld of Hades to the journey to the afterlife in ancient Egypt. Immortality, death, and the legacy one leaves behind are common themes explored in mythology.

Example Prompt on the Afterlife :

"A mortal hero dies but is granted temporary access to the afterlife to complete an unfinished task. Write about their journey in the land of the dead and the challenges they face as they search for redemption."

3.5. Sacrifice and the Greater Good

The theme of sacrifice is central to many mythological stories, where characters must give up something valuable for the benefit of others. This can involve personal sacrifice or the ultimate sacrifice of life, seen in myths like those of Prometheus or Odin.

Example Prompt on Sacrifice :

"To prevent an impending war, a hero must sacrifice their own happiness and freedom. Write about the decision they must make and the ripple effects of their choice."

Crafting Specific Writing Prompts Based on Mythology

Now that we've explored key archetypes and themes in mythology, let's look at how to put these concepts into specific prompts that can be used for writing exercises, short stories, or novel development.

4.1. Mythological Setting Prompts

Sometimes the setting itself can inspire a story. Using the rich backdrops provided by mythologies, you can create prompts that immerse the writer in ancient worlds.

Example Setting Prompt :

"You find yourself in a city built in the clouds, where mortals are allowed to visit the gods only once in their lifetime. What happens when a visitor defies the rules and enters the home of a god without permission?"

4.2. Mythological Creature Prompts

Mythological creatures, from the Greek Minotaur to the Norse Jörmungandr (World Serpent), can provide a wealth of inspiration. Use these beings to drive conflict, create challenges, or explore symbolic meanings.

Example Creature Prompt :

"A hero must face a creature that embodies their greatest fear---an immortal beast who is said to reflect the inner darkness of anyone who faces it. How does the hero confront this creature, and what do they discover about themselves in the process?"

4.3. Retelling Myths with a Twist

One of the most engaging ways to create prompts inspired by mythology is to take an existing myth and offer a fresh perspective or twist.

Example Twist Prompt :

"In the myth of Persephone, she is forced to spend half the year in the underworld. Imagine that Persephone decides to rebel against her fate and changes the rules of the underworld. What happens as a result, and how does the balance of life and death shift?"

Conclusion

Writing prompts inspired by mythology offer endless possibilities for creative exploration. Whether you draw inspiration from the hero's journey, divine archetypes, or timeless themes like fate and sacrifice, mythology provides a wellspring of material to fuel the imagination. By tapping into these ancient stories, you can not only create engaging prompts for yourself but also connect to the universal themes and characters that have shaped human storytelling for millennia.

Embrace the power of mythology in your writing, and let it inspire you to craft stories that explore timeless questions and resonate with readers on a deep, emotional level.

View Product