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How to Write a Myth in 3 Easy Steps (From a Real Mythology Expert)

Mythology is fun. I know, I have a whole website about it.

And some of the best ideas for a novel have gained inspiration for books. And your books don’t have to be based on mythology, i.e. they don’t have to be the next Percy Jackson series , to resonate with audiences.

In fact, you don’t have to use existing mythology at all. You could create your own myths that your characters believe.

This is especially common in fantasy and science fiction books, but keep in mind that not all myths involve epic heroes and gods. 

Some myths are just common stories that hold meaning for us.

And stories like that can really deepen a story.

• What a myth is
• The key elements in a myth
• My step by step process to developing a myth

Table of contents

• What is a Myth?
• The Difference Between a Myth, Legend, Fable, and Fairytale
• Distant Origins
• A Moral Lesson
• Explain the Unexplainable
• Fantastical Elements
• Episodic Structure
• Step 1: Brainstorm
• Step 2: Write the Myth
• Step 3: Incorporate the Myth Into Your Story

There are competing definitions of “myth” among scholars, but a broad definition is that a myth is a traditional story that explains a belief, custom or mysterious natural phenomenon. Myths often have to do with the early history of a group or place, and feature supernatural beings, gods, and heroes.

Myths have several key features that tend to be common:

• They take place in an imaginary world or time. Myths don't (usually) aim to be historically accurate.
• They feature gods, supernatural beings and extraordinary heroes.
• They explain the origin of a custom, name or natural feature.
• They illustrate a worldview. 

Myths persist and have endured for centuries and remain popular (even when the religions that spawned them are long gone) for a number of reasons, including:

• Entertain audiences. Myths keep cultures amused and engaged.
• Transmit values. The themes in myths reinforce social customs.
• Explain the inexplicable. Myths give meaning to what seems unknowable.
• Link past and present. Myths connect contemporary life back to a magical past.

As mentioned above, there is debate among scholars about the exact definitions and boundaries between myths, legends, fables, and fairytales. 

However, some loose general guidelines are:

• Myth – An ancient story that explains the mysteries of nature, humanity, or the cosmos, often involving gods or heroes with supernatural powers. Myths convey the worldview and values of a culture.
• Legend – A story rooted in a past event or hero, but likely exaggerated and embellished over generations of storytelling. Legends blur fact and fiction to create compelling tales.
• Folktale – A fictional story originating from common people that spreads through oral tradition. Folktales use fantasy and archetypes to teach lessons and transmit culture.
• Fairytale – A folklore story written down and published by a specific author. Fairytales adapt oral stories to literary form.
• Mythology – The collection of myths, legends, folktales, and fables from a particular culture. Mythology forms a web of stories that shape a group's cosmology and identity.

The lines between these categories often blur. A story may start as a legend with some basis in history, then evolve into a myth that explains cosmic events. A fairytale may adopt aspects of older folklore. The categorization depends on perspective.

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Ultimately the labels matter less than the stories' lasting cultural influence. All four types use fantasy and imagination to convey meaningful lessons, explain the unknown, and link past to present.

Elements of a Myth

While we have already defined what a myth is (at least for our purposes), we need a deeper understanding of the building blocks of a myth before we can write one.

So while none of these are 100% required, the following are common elements that you’ll find in most real-world myths. These include:

• Distant origins
• A moral lesson
• Explain the unexplainable
• Fantastical elements
• Often episodic in nature

Myths often transport us to distant origins, a time or place filled with wonder. When writing your myth, consider creating a setting that's ancient and beyond ordinary understanding for your main characters. 

This gives your myth a sense of timeless wisdom and separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

Example: In J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, the creation story involves an ancient, mystical place created by godlike beings called the Valar. At first, it exists outside our concept of time and space, giving a sense of a distant origin to the narrative.

Every good myth has a moral lesson, usually. You can try to use your myth to showcase societal values or demonstrate right from wrong.

But make sure this isn’t necessarily YOUR moral lesson, but one that reflects those values taught by the culture that spawns the myth, whether they be fictional or not.

Example: The story of Icarus in Greek mythology serves as an example. Icarus ignored his father's advice and flew too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax. His wings melted, and he fell into the sea and drowned. This story conveys the moral lesson about the dangers of hubris and disobedience.

Ever wonder why the seasons change? Ancient Greeks believed it was due to Persephone's yearly trips to the Underworld. Your myth can serve a similar purpose. It could explain the unexplainable, providing a sense of understanding about the world of your story.

Example: In the Native American tradition, there's a myth that explains why the bear has a short tail. A fox tricks a bear into fishing with his tail in the winter. The bear's tail freezes and snaps off, leaving all bears with short tails to this day.

Most myths have some kind of fantastical elements, and honestly, most popular myths (aka popular fiction stories of today) have these as well. These elements are usually magical in nature.

Example: In J.K. Rowling's “Harry Potter” series, one of the most popular modern myths of our age, the author makes heavy use of fantastical elements.

No myth is complete without a hero. This character, either an ordinary individual, or often a demi-god of some kind, is destined for greatness. When writing fictional myths, try drawing inspiration from “The Hero's Journey” blueprint coined by Joseph Campbell.

The beauty of a hero myth is showing an exemplar facing challenge after challenge, much how we do in life, and succeeding despite bad odds.

Example: A well-known hero from myth is King Arthur. An ordinary boy, Arthur pulls a sword from a stone, showing his destined greatness. He faces numerous trials, each one leading to growth and transformation.

Bring in the gods. These powerful beings personify everything from natural forces to human emotions. Remember, while gods are powerful, they usually exhibit human-like flaws, and sometimes super-human-level flaws (looking at you, Zeus).

Example: In the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, Greek gods interact with humans, each embodying certain aspects of human nature or natural forces. 

Finally, consider an episodic structure for your myth. Mythology often involves connected events or a series of adventures with the same hero

This structure lends adaptability to your myth, accommodating new episodes or different interpretations.

Example: An example is “The Labors of Hercules,” where each labor Hercules undertakes forms an episodic narrative. Each labor is a separate adventure connected by Hercules' ongoing journey of redemption. The voyage of Odysseus has similar episodic techniques, as Odysseus moves from one peril to another.

How to Write a Myth: 3 Steps

Alright, now that we’ve established the common elements of a myth, it’s time to actually start building it out.

Remember, that you should already have an idea of what role this myth will take. Is this a retelling of an existing myth? Is it a myth to be used as part of the worldbuilding for another series?

For the rest of this article, we’re going to assume the latter, but keep in mind that these techniques can apply to any number of applications.

The three steps to write a myth are fairly straight forward:

Let’s dive into all three.

The first step is the first step for any good story, and that is brainstorming. But there are a few key differences that you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re writing a myth, specifically.

Here are some tips:

• Start with a creation myth: There are many types of myths to start with, but one of the most common is a creation myth. And it has the advantage of being a nice introduction to the mythical realm you are creating.
• Borrow from existing myths: You don't need to reinvent the wheel entirely. Feel free to borrow elements from existing myths, especially from more obscure mythologies (my favorites are Canaanite, Korean, and Inuitt). This can give your myth authenticity and depth. And you can also base your entire book off of a myth in some way.

Once you have the full brainstorm down, you can start putting together the pieces. Which leads us to step 2…

The next step is to actually write the myth. Now, if you’re creating this as a background for another story, like for your worldbuilding, thankfully this won’t take as long as writing a full story.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind while you are writing, including the style of prose you use. Here are some tips:

• It’s not a normal narrative: when you begin to write, move through the plot fairly quickly. Myths aren't generally long, drawn-out narratives. Instead, they focus on actions and events.
• Make it an oral story: Using more flowery, oral storytelling language can enhance the mythical feel of your story, as most myths were originally told through oral storytelling. However, this is optional and should fit your overall writing style.
• Introduce the setting and protagonist: Start by introducing your setting and main character. Set the scene and establish the stakes for your hero. The hero's introduction should ideally follow a concise format, such as the ‘who/who must' format, i.e. My story is about BLANK who must BLANK in order to BLANK.
• End with the moral: Lastly, finish your myth with the moral of the story, driving home the lesson or value it seeks to impart to its audience (which remember, might be the people/culture within the story you are telling).

When incorporating your myth into your story, there are really three ways to do it:

• Your story is the myth: If this is the case, then your entire plot revolves around the myth. If this is the case, you’ll want to flesh it out even further from what we created in step 2. Break it down into chapters and scenes, flesh out the characters, and then write it like you were writing a regular novel.
• Your myth is part of the worldbuilding: one of the most common ways to use a myth is to create one as part of the worldbuilding. Most cultures have myths, and so it would make sense that the cultures in your book, particularly in science fiction and fantasy, have myths as well. If that’s the case, then incorporating your myth into your book will help to make the world feel alive. But don’t just include the myth for the sake of including it. Make sure the myth has some reason to be shared, perhaps it’s important to a particular character, or elements of the myth foreshadow something that happens in the plot. Whatever the case, 
• Your story is inspired by the myth: This is often the case as well, where your story isn’t based directly on the myth, but inspired heavily by it. Think Percy Jackson or Marvel’s Moon Knight. If this is the case, writing the myth down ahead of time helps you to solidify it in your mind, making it easier to use as reference down the road. You could even use what you wrote as additional material in the appendix for your book!

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Myths are fun stories, and they’re fun to adapt and create. But ultimately, you’re going to want to focus first on writing a novel, and all of the skill that goes into that.

And that’s not to mention all of the marketing that still has to happen, which you can learn about on our Book Marketing 101 page . 

Finally, once your book is finished, it’s time to format it, which is why I recommend Atticus as the primary tool, because it will format books beautifully with just a few clicks, and it’s cheaper than the leading alternative, and works on all platforms.

Plus you get lifetime access, which is pretty awesome.

Jason Hamilton

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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• How-To Guides

How To Write A Creation Myth in 10 Steps

Ever wondered how worlds come to life in stories? Learn how to write a creation myth in a few simple steps with examples. Writing a creation myth can seem daunting, but crafting an origin story for your fictional world doesn’t have to be hard. Let’s explore a few examples of creation myths and look at some key elements that make them work, like symbolism and explaining natural phenomena.

What is a creation myth?

A creation myth is a symbolic story that explains how the world and everything in it was created. Creation myths are found in nearly all cultures and religions throughout history. They help make sense of where we came from and why the world is the way it is.

The most well-known creation myth is probably the Biblical story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. But creation stories come in all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of beliefs. Common themes involve one or more creator gods, earliest chaos, creatures being shaped from clay or emerging from a cosmic egg, and the separation of various natural realms like the heavens, earth, and underworld.

No matter the tradition, creation myths give insight into a culture’s fundamental values and understanding of the universe. As an author crafting your own fictional realm, thinking about its origins through a creation myth can reveal a lot about its inhabitants, environment, and belief systems. The key is tapping into timeless archetypes that resonate with readers while putting your own fresh spin on the genre.

See our post on how to write a myth for more details on the different types of myths .

Types of Creation Myths

There are many ways to classify creation myths, but one common method is to identify the main theme or motif that connects them. For example, some creation myths involve a creator god or goddess who makes the world out of nothing, while others involve a primordial being or force that is divided or separated into different parts. Here are some examples of different types of creation myths based on this method:

• Creation from chaos : This type of myth describes how the world came from a state of disorder or nothingness, and how order was established by a powerful being or force. For example, in the Babylonian creation myth, Enûma Eliš, Marduk defeated Tiamat, the primordial sea monster, and created the heavens and the earth from her body.
• Creation by emergence : This type of myth describes how the world emerged from a primordial substance or element, such as water, fire, or air. For example, in the Chinese creation myth, Pangu was a giant who separated heaven and earth by his body. He died after 18 days and his body parts became different features of nature.
• Creation by world parents : This type of myth describes how the world was created by a pair of deities who represented different aspects of nature or life. For example, in the Greek cosmogonical myth, Heliopolis creation myth, Uranus (sky) and Gaia (earth) were separated by their children Cronus (time) and Rhea (motherhood). They gave birth to other gods and goddesses who shaped the world.
• Creation from the cosmic egg : This type of myth describes how the world was created from an egg that contained all living things. The egg hatched or broke open to reveal a new world. For example, in the Hindu creation myth, Hiranyagarbha creation (India), Brahma (the creator god) emerged from a lotus that grew from Vishnu’s navel. He created various worlds with his breath.
• Creation ex nihilo: This type of myth describes how the world was created out of nothing by a single deity or a group of deities. The deity(s) then shaped the world according to their will and imagination. For example, in the Genesis creation myth (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Rastafari), God created the heavens and the earth in six days and rested on the seventh.
• Earth-diver: This type of myth describes how the world was created by a deity or a group of deities who plunged into the primordial waters and brought up different elements or features of nature. For example, in the Chinese creation myth, Pangu was a giant who separated heaven and earth by his body. He died after 18 days and his body parts became different features of nature.
• Division: This type of myth describes how the world was created by a primordial being or force that was divided into two halves or joined together by another being or force. The two halves then became different realms or aspects of reality. For example, in the Greek cosmogonical myth, Uranus (sky) and Gaia (earth) were separated by their children Cronus (time) and Rhea (motherhood). They gave birth to other gods and goddesses who shaped the world.
• Dismemberment : This type of myth describes how the world was created by a primordial being or force that was dismembered into different parts by another being or force. The parts then became different realms or aspects of reality. For example, in the Norse cosmogonical myth, Ymir was a giant who was killed by Odin and his brothers. His body parts became different features of nature.

These are just some examples of creation myths from different cultures and religions. Keep on reading to learn how to write a creation myth yourself.

Examples of Famous Creation Myths

Before diving into how to craft your own creation myth, let’s look at a few popular creation myths from various cultures around the world to inspire your imagination:

• Ancient Greek Creation Myth : In ancient Greek mythology, first there was only chaos in the form of a primordial void known as Gaia. The Titans emerged out of Gaia, including the sky god Uranus and earth goddess Gaea. They gave birth to the first gods like Cronus, who later produced the Olympian gods such as Zeus and Poseidon who shaped the cosmos. Zeus would defeat Cronus and the Titans to usher in mankind along with the other creations of the gods.
• Aboriginal Australian Creation Myth: According to Aboriginal Australian beliefs, in the beginning, the world was flat, barren, and dark. The Rainbow Serpent emerged from the ground and gave life to plants, animals, and the first people. The travels of the Rainbow Serpent shaped the earth itself, forming mountains, valleys and waterways. The stars were embodiment of ancestral spirits. Tjukurrpa stories detail their creative acts.
• Mayan Creation Myth: The Mayans told that originally the world was covered only by the primordial sea. Then the feathered serpent god Kukulkan built land in the sea and created sky to separate realms. Kukulkan constructed people out of maize then set the sun, moon, stars and planets in motion. Other gods finished details like mountains, rivers, plants and animals to finish creation.
• Norse Creation Myth: According to Norse mythology, in the beginning, there was only a vast abyss called Ginnungagap, between the realms of fire and ice. When the fire and ice met, they formed a giant being named Ymir, who was the ancestor of all the frost giants. From Ymir’s sweat, a cow named Audhumla emerged, who nourished Ymir with her milk. Audhumla licked the ice and revealed a god named Buri, who had a son named Bor. Bor married a frost giantess named Bestla, and they had three sons: Odin, Vili, and Ve. The three brothers killed Ymir and used his body to create the world. His flesh became the land, his blood became the sea, his bones became the mountains, his teeth became the rocks, his hair became the trees, and his skull became the sky. They also created the first humans, Ask and Embla, from two pieces of wood.
• Chinese Creation Myth: According to Chinese mythology, in the beginning, there was only a chaotic mass of energy called Hundun, which contained the seeds of all things. A cosmic egg formed within Hundun, and a giant being named Pangu emerged from it. Pangu held the eggshell above him and the earth below him, separating the sky and the land. He grew taller every day for 18,000 years until the sky and the earth were fully apart. When he died, his body parts transformed into various elements of nature. His breath became the wind, his voice became the thunder, his eyes became the sun and the moon, his blood became the rivers, his hair became the stars, his flesh became the soil, his bones became the minerals, his sweat became the rain, and his parasites became the humans and animals.

Crafting an imaginative origin story for your fictional world can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these 10 key steps on how to write a creation myth and give a deeper meaning to your fictional world’s lands, creatures, and beliefs.

Step 1: Define the Purpose of the Myth

Before embarking on the creation of a myth, it’s essential to clarify the purpose behind it. Consider what you want the myth to achieve and the message you aim to convey to your audience. This step involves introspection on the broader goals and themes you wish to explore in your myth. Here are key questions to help guide this process:

• Define the core idea or moral lesson you intend your myth to communicate. This could be a lesson about courage, the consequences of hubris, the cyclical nature of life, or any other theme.
• Clarify whether your myth will focus on cosmogony (the origin of the universe), theogony (the origin of gods), anthropogony (the origin of humans), or a combination of these.
• Decide if your myth will serve as a vehicle for conveying moral principles, ethical guidelines, or cultural norms.
• Consider if the myth will play a role in preserving cultural identity, offering solace during challenging times, or instilling hope in the face of adversity.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at this post on 56+ myth ideas .

Example: 

Let’s say the purpose of your myth is to convey the importance of environmental stewardship and the consequences of neglecting the natural world. Your message could revolve around the interconnectedness of all living things and the responsibility humans have to care for the planet. This purpose will guide the development of themes, characters, and events in your myth, ensuring they align with the overarching message of environmental harmony.

Step 2: Establish the First State

In this step, you define the formless initial state of your fictional world before creation. This setting provides the canvas upon which the rest of your myth will unfold. The first (or primordial) state could be chaos, oblivion, darkness, a void, or even a cosmic egg. It sets the stage for the transformative journey from the formless to the formed.

Let’s imagine your myth begins with the description of a cosmic egg hovering in the dark vastness of chaos. The egg symbolizes the potential for creation, containing within it the essence of all that will come into existence. The chaos represents the undifferentiated and unstructured state before order and life emerge. This cosmic egg becomes the focal point from which the entire universe will hatch and evolve. In your myth, you might describe the cosmic egg as a luminous orb, pulsating with energy. The darkness surrounding it is impenetrable, emphasizing the mystery and limitless possibilities contained within the egg. As your myth progresses, the cosmic egg will play a pivotal role in the creation process, acting as the catalyst for the birth of stars, planets, and life forms.

Step 3: Introduce the Creator/s

This step involves introducing the entities or forces responsible for bringing your world into existence. Consider whether they are gods, demigods, spirits, early human beings, or something entirely different. Understand their powers, limitations, intentions, and how they shape the narrative. The nature of your creators will significantly influence the tone, themes, and messages conveyed by your myth.

In your creation myth, let’s say the creators are ancient celestial beings known as the Luminara. These divine entities are beings of light, each representing different aspects of creation. They possess the power to mould reality, shape cosmic forces, and breathe life into the void. The Luminara exist beyond mortal comprehension, and their intentions for creating the world are rooted in a desire for balance and harmony. You can describe the Luminara as radiant beings, shimmering with ethereal energy. Each deity has a unique role: one governs the celestial realms, another oversees the natural world, and a third is the guardian of the cosmic order. The limitations of the Luminara might include their inability to directly interfere in the affairs of the mortal world, emphasizing the need for mediators in the creation process. Understanding the Luminara’s motivations and characteristics will guide the subsequent stages of your myth.

Step 4: The First Creations

In this step, you define the earliest realms formed out of primordial chaos or the initial state you established. Typically, these creations represent fundamental elements like light/dark, sky/earth, and land/sea. Consider the symbolic significance of each creation and how they contribute to the overall structure of your fictional world.

Continuing with the myth of the Luminara, the first creations could include the division of the cosmic elements. One deity, associated with radiant light, manifests the celestial realm, where stars and galaxies form. Another deity shapes the earthly domain, sculpting mountains, valleys, and seas. A third deity is responsible for the ethereal space between, crafting the atmospheres and cosmic energies that connect the celestial and earthly realms. The light and dark paradox may be introduced at this stage, symbolizing the cosmic balance maintained by the Luminara. The celestial realm shines with eternal brilliance, while the earthly realm experiences the ebb and flow of day and night. This sets the stage for the subsequent steps in the creation process, illustrating the interconnectedness of these elemental realms and their importance in the unfolding myth.

Step 5:  Describe the Creation Process

In this step, you delve into how your creators brought the world into existence. Consider the method they used, the challenges they faced, and the setbacks they overcame. This is an opportunity to inject excitement, drama, and conflict into your myth, making the creation process dynamic and engaging.

In the Luminara myth, the creators embark on a harmonious dance, weaving cosmic energies with their divine powers to shape the realms. As they perform this cosmic ballet, challenges arise—conflicting forces seeking to disrupt the balance. A disgraceful deity, jealous of the Luminara’s creation, attempts to plant chaos. The creators face the challenge of maintaining cosmic order against these destructive forces. The dance becomes a metaphorical battleground, with each step countering the disruptive energies. Setbacks occur as the evil deity temporarily throws the realms into turmoil. The Luminara respond with resilience, devising ingenious solutions to restore equilibrium. This step adds depth to the myth, portraying the creation process as a struggle against opposing forces, reinforcing the themes of balance and resilience.

Step 6: Create a Cosmic Structure

This step involves outlining the establishment of cosmic order within your mythological world. Define the celestial elements such as stars, planets , moons, and seasons. This cosmic structure shapes the framework of your universe and influences the life within it.

In the myth, as the Luminara harmonize the cosmic forces, they sculpt a breathtaking celestial panorama. Seven planets, each infused with unique essences, orbit in perfect synchrony. Gaianthos, the green orb, symbolizes life and growth, while Lunathria, bathed in silver luminescence, embodies wisdom and reflection. And Celestria, the yellow orb symbolises everything that is light and positive. Each planet becomes a testament to the Luminara’s intention for a diverse and thriving cosmos. Three moons gracefully dance around the planets. Selentara, with its gentle glow, influences dreams and emotions. Umbraforge, the shadowed companion, governs the ebb and flow of magical energies. Lastly, Aetherion, the radiant moon, bestows blessings upon the creatures below. The moons’ celestial choreography weaves an intricate tapestry of energy that resonates through the mythic realms. The seasons unfold as a divine symphony, orchestrated by the Luminara. Spring brings a burst of life, with blossoms unfurling in the wake of Gaianthos. Summer bathes the cosmos in a warm glow from Celestria, while autumn heralds a time of reflection under Lunathria’s silver gaze. Winter, guided by the ethereal dance of the moons, is a season of rest and introspection. This detailed cosmic structure enriches the myth, intertwining natural elements with symbolic significance, reinforcing themes of balance and interconnectedness.

Step 7: Introduce the World

Mark the point where humans enter the world, often after everything else is prepared for them. What is the physical appearance of your world? Is it a vast expanse of stars and planets, a lush and verdant planet filled with life, or something else entirely? What creatures inhabit your world? Are they humans, animals, spirits, or something else entirely? What is their relationship to the creators and the world itself?

See our guide on 112+ World-Building Questions for more ideas.

The Luminara’s cosmic symphony gives birth to Celestria. The world has endless sunshine, floating islands adorned with vibrant flora, and crystalline rivers that weave through the landscape. Celestria, along with the six other planets, all orbit a radiant sun casting a kaleidoscope of colours across the cosmic universe. Three moons—Umbraforge, Selentara, and Aetherion— rotate the world, influencing the ebb and flow of magic in the realm. As the planets and moons collaborated, they birthed the first inhabitants: the Celestrians. These beings possessed ethereal beauty and a deep connection to the cosmic energies surrounding them. The Celestrians lived in harmony with the enchanted flora and fauna that adorned Celestria. Beyond the Celestrians, mythical creatures roamed the land. Majestic Gryphons soared through the starlit skies, their wings trailing stardust. Luminescent Faewings flittered among the floating islands, spreading magical pollen that gave life to vibrant, floating blossoms. Enigmatic Meriphins, beings with the tail of a dolphin and the grace of a celestial dancer, inhabited the crystal-clear waters of Celestria. The land also echoed with the calls of Celestial Songbirds, their melodies harmonizing with the cosmic energies. These creatures, with feathers that shimmered like the night sky, brought messages of harmony and unity to all corners of the realm. Celestria, a world of wonders, where Celestrians coexisted with enchanting creatures, embodying the magic and harmony instilled by their cosmic creators.

Step 8: Establish the Moral

If your myth is intended to teach moral lessons, now is the time to introduce them. What are the values and principles that the creators instilled in their creation? What actions are considered right or wrong? What are the consequences of breaking these codes? This will help to shape the culture and society of your fictional world.

Celestria’s creation myth revolves around the moral teachings bestowed by the Luminara, the creators of the world. They emphasized virtues such as compassion, enlightenment, and cosmic balance. The Celestrians were entrusted with the duty of upholding these virtues, fostering an enlightened society that respected the diversity of all cosmic beings and maintained harmony on  Celestria as well as the entire universe.  The gatherings in Celestria are marked by celestial festivals, where the Celestrians come together to celebrate cosmic diversity. During these luminous events, they engage in celestial dances, exchanging stories of enlightenment, and participating in rituals that symbolize the interconnectedness of all beings. Holidays in Celestria align with events such as the Great Conjunctions and Nova Unions. These moments are revered as sacred, prompting Celestrians to reflect on the celestial order and renew their commitment to the moral teachings of the Luminara. Actions considered right in Celestria involve fostering unity, seeking enlightenment, and maintaining cosmic balance. Celestrians are encouraged to assist fellow beings in their cosmic journeys and contribute to the collective enlightenment of the world. Conversely, actions that disrupt cosmic harmony or show disregard for the diversity of beings are deemed wrong. Celestrians who deviate from the moral code may experience a temporary dimming of their celestial essence, symbolizing a disconnection from the cosmic wisdom imparted by the Luminara. Serious consequences involve the permanent removal of the celestial light that surrounds them exiling them into eternal darkness. Through these consequences, the myth emphasizes the enduring importance of upholding moral teachings.

Step 9: Convey a Sense of Wonder

Remember, your creation myth is not a scientific explanation of the universe. It is a symbolic story that is meant to inspire awe and wonder. Use vivid language, imagery, and metaphors to create a sense of mystery and enchantment.

As the Celestrians engage in their celestial dances during the Great Conjunction, the myth describes the celestial bodies swirling in harmonious choreography, casting ethereal glows that illuminate the entire universe. The celestial music, a symphony of energies, resonates through the heavens, captivating the senses of all who partake in the celestial celebration. The celestial realm itself is described as a tapestry of cosmic hues, where stars paint trails of radiant colours across the vast canvas of space. Nebulas unfurl their tendrils, weaving tales of ancient cosmic events, and the gentle hum of energies provides a soothing backdrop to the cosmic wonders. Metaphors and vivid language abound, describing the celestial bodies as poets and the cosmic winds as storytellers whispering secrets across the celestial plane. The narrative is infused with a sense of mystique, urging Celestrians to look upon their cosmic home with ever-renewed wonder and appreciation. Through such poetic imagery and metaphorical language, the creation myth transports its audience to a realm where the boundaries of reality blur, inviting them to experience the cosmic wonders with a childlike sense of awe.

Step 10: Share your Myth

Once you have written your myth, share it with others. Let them interpret its meaning and draw their own lessons from it. The more people who hear your myth, the more it will become part of your fictional world’s culture and history.

In the vast expanse of nothingness, where darkness reigned supreme, an ethereal orb pulsated with an otherworldly glow. This was the cosmic egg, the cradle of all creation. Within its shimmering depths, the seeds of existence lay dormant, waiting to be awakened by the Luminara, the celestial beings who had sculpted the cosmos with their divine light. The Luminara, a triad of radiant beings, each representing a facet of creation – Zenith, the celestial architect, Solaris, the guardian of life, and Umbra, the weaver of harmony – converged upon the cosmic egg. Their combined brilliance illuminated the surrounding darkness, heralding the dawn of a new era. Zenith, with a touch as gentle as a star’s caress, moulded the cosmic egg into a swirling vortex of energy. Solaris, with her warm embrace, infused the vortex with life’s essence, and Umbra, with his gentle touch, wove the threads of harmony into the fabric of creation. As the Luminara worked, strong opposing forces emerged seeking to disrupt their work. A sinister entity blanketed sections of space in shadow, suppressing light and life. The Luminara persevered, countering darkness with galaxies of dazzling stars. But the shadow would not be easily defeated. It was cunning, unpredictable – a worthy cosmic adversary. The struggle between light and dark turned into an elegant dance – creation countering destruction in an eternal interplay of forces. Matter and antimatter were borne. From this dance seven celestial bodies emerged – planets of vibrant hues, each with its unique essence. Gaianthos, the verdant gem, was a beacon of life, teeming with lush flora and diverse creatures. Lunathria, the silver sphere, exuded wisdom and tranquillity, its ethereal glow illuminating the cosmos. Celestria, the golden orb, pulsed with warmth and enlightenment, embodying the divine principles of balance and harmony. Encircling these celestial gems, three moons – Selentara, the gentle guardian of dreams and emotions, Umbraforge, the shadowed protector of magic, and Aetherion, the radiant bestower of blessings – danced in perfect harmony, their celestial ballet weaving a tapestry of cosmic energies. As the Luminara continued their creation, they brought forth the seasons, each with its distinct character. Spring, awakened by Gaianthos, ushered forth a burst of life, with blossoms unfurling in a riot of colours. Summer, bathed in Celestria’s golden glow, brought warmth and vitality, while autumn, under Lunathria’s silver gaze, inspired reflection and introspection. Winter, guided by the moons’ ethereal dance, was a time of rest, rejuvenation, and inner peace. From the celestial symphony, the world of Celestria emerged, a paradise of endless sunshine, floating islands adorned with vibrant flora, and crystalline rivers that wove through the landscape. Its inhabitants, the Celestrians, were beings of ethereal beauty, their hearts attuned to the cosmic energies that permeated their world. With the Celestrians came a harmonious society, where humans, mythical creatures, and the natural world coexisted in perfect balance. Majestic Gryphons soared through the skies, their wings trailing stardust, while Luminescent Faewings flittered among the floating islands, spreading magical pollen that gave life to vibrant, floating blossoms. Enigmatic Meriphins, beings with the tail of a dolphin and the grace of a celestial dancer, inhabited the crystal-clear waters of Celestria, while Celestial Songbirds, their melodies harmonizing with the cosmic energies, brought messages of harmony and unity from the sky. Celestria, a world of wonder and magic, exemplified the principles of harmony, balance, and interconnectedness, a testament to the Luminara’s divine creation. The Celestrians, guided by the moral teachings of the Luminara, fostered a society that respected the diversity of all beings and maintained harmony on Celestria and throughout the cosmos. Through celestial festivals, gatherings, and rituals, the Celestrians celebrated their cosmic heritage, reinforcing the importance of unity, enlightenment, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The Great Conjunctions, when the celestial bodies aligned in perfect harmony, and the Nova Unions, when new stars were born, were considered sacred occasions, prompting Celestrians to reflect on their cosmic journey and renew their commitment to the Luminara’s teachings. Celestria’s creation myth served as a guiding force, emphasizing the importance of upholding the moral principles instilled by the Luminara. Celestrians who strayed from the path of righteousness faced consequences, their celestial essence dimming as a reminder of their connection to the cosmic wisdom. Those who committed acts of disharmony or disregard for the diversity of beings were exiled into eternal darkness, a stark reminder of the consequences of disrupting the cosmic order. Through the creation myth, the Celestrians were reminded of their responsibility to cherish their world, to foster harmony among all beings, and to uphold the principles of enlightenment and compassion. The myth served as a constant beacon, guiding Celestrians towards a future filled with cosmic harmony and wisdom.

And that’s how to write a creation myth in just 10 easy steps. Follow each step and create a spectacular origin story for your fantasy world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a creation myth.

A famous creation myth comes from Ancient Greek mythology. This story explains how the god Chaos was the first thing to exist. The Ancient Greeks thought Chaos was an empty, black nothingness.

Then Gaia, the Earth goddess, emerged from Chaos. Next came Eros, the god of love. Gaia and Eros created Uranus, the sky, and Pontus, the sea. Together, Gaia and Uranus made the Titans, who were the parents of the Olympian gods like Zeus and Athena.

There was a big battle between Zeus and the Titans. Zeus won and then became the chief god. Under Zeus, the Olympian gods created humans and the world as the Ancient Greeks knew it.

This Greek myth shows how creation stories try to explain where everything originally came from. They often involve supernatural beings with magical powers that form lands, seas, skies and living creatures. By sharing these tales, people aim to understand cosmic forces shaping the universe and the world around them.

What Is The Structure Of A Creation Myth?

A creation myth has a similar structure to any good story. There’s a beginning, middle and end. But there are also some key elements that most creation tales include:

• The First State: This sets up the formless initial situation, like a void, chaos or darkness.
• Introducing Creators: Next, gods, magical beings or cosmic forces arrive to start shaping things.
• First Creations: The most basic parts of reality are formed first, like night and day, water and land.
• Shaping the World: The creators make landscapes, plants , animals and humans.
• Cosmic Structure: Heavenly features like stars, planets and moons are established.
• Introducing Inhabitants: Creatures, spirits and people emerge to inhabit the world.
• Initiating Actions: The creators instruct inhabitants how to act or make mistakes that affect what happens next.
• Imparting Meaning: By the end, readers understand the beliefs behind the myth and the lessons it teaches.

So most creation stories follow a logical order where the cosmos originates from some initial state and then evolves bit by bit. Scenes where the gods use their powers to craft different natural elements are very common. Adding vivid imagery for each step makes myths even more engaging!

How To Write A Creation Myth Story?

A creation myth is all about imagining a fictional origin tale for your fantasy world. Here are some tips on how to write a creation myth:

• Brainstorm Ideas: First, jot down any concepts, images or creatures that you want to include. Cosmic eggs? Mysterious gods? Dragon ancestors? Let your ideas run wild!
• Build the World: Outline the geography, environments and beings that will populate your world. Decide if events will take place on an Earth-like planet, in magical dimensions, or across multiple realms.
• Develop a Plot: Structure your myth into a narrative with a beginning, middle and climax. Maintain continuity by listing each major step in the creation process.
• Characterise the Creators: Give your cosmic creators clear identities and abilities that influence how they shape reality. Are they benevolent goddesses or mischievous sorcerers?
• Incorporate Symbolism: Embed symbolic elements that hint at deeper meanings about life, death, human nature or spirituality.
• Use Description: Choose emotive, vivid language to immerse readers in your world and leave a strong impression.
• Add Your Own Flair: Make your story distinctive by putting a spin on common myth tropes. Surprise your audience and stir their imaginations!

Once you have a draft, re-read your myth and fine-tune anything unclear or contradictory. Polish any rough patches. Then bring your fictional creation epic to life! Crafting creation stories takes creativity but yields epic world-building rewards.

And there you have the foundation you need to start crafting an imaginative creation myth for your own fantasy realm! We explored creation myths by covering the essential steps – establishing the first state, introducing supernatural creators, shaping domains out of the void, populating your world with wondrous inhabitants, and instilling deeper meaning. 

With this guide on how to write a creation myth plus examples, you now have the tools to develop a custom origin tale filled with symbolic flare. So put these tips into action, unleash your inner cosmic vision, and build a unique creation myth that will enrich your fictional universe. we would love for you to share it in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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