How do i make prophecy not boring?

Discussion in 'Setting Development' started by gusain, Oct 5, 2015.

  1. Shadowfax

    Shadowfax Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2014
    Messages:
    3,420
    Likes Received:
    1,991
    Prophecies are always better when the fulfilment (as with MacBeth and Birnam Wood) isn't quite what you think it's going to be.
     
    X Equestris likes this.
  2. X Equestris

    X Equestris Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2015
    Messages:
    2,595
    Likes Received:
    3,186
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    How is "No man will kill me." not a prophecy? Éowyn is a woman, and Merry is a Hobbit, and together they fulfill the prophecy. The Witch King was quite positive that the prophecy meant he would be impossible to kill. And like Macbeth he died on a technicality. You seem dedicated to bending anything that doesn't fit your preconceptions.

    There's also prophecies in the Silmarillion. Are you going to try to tell those prophecies aren't prophecies? Or are you going to tell me it's not a "great" work of fantasy?
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2015
    Lifeline likes this.
  3. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2013
    Messages:
    17,674
    Likes Received:
    19,889
    Location:
    Scotland
    @gusain - I'd check out the issue of 'geis.' As a major part of Celtic mythology.

    In essence, a person is given a few 'must' and 'must not' prophecies for their lives. Things are hunky-dory over a long period of time as long as they observe their taboos and fulfill their obligations. But sooner or later ...the two will clash. When that happens, it's all over.

    The suspense in these stories comes from waiting for the two prophecies to clash. Really good stories make this clash inevitable, as it often is in real life. Sometimes the attempt to avoid the clash actually brings it about.

    It's possible to frame the story so that the 'must' prophecy is the one the character (and the readership) pays attention to, while the 'must not' assumes lesser importance, or even gets forgotten. Then, when it appears, the impact is huge. Once in a very great while, the character does discover a way to neutralise the clash, but not very often. Usually they either die or are reduced in some way.

    Here's the Wikepedia article on the subject. Excellent reading, and it might just provide the boost you need to avoid the cliche of a prophecy which fantasy readers assume will come true within the story. Put a surprise in there, if you can. There should always be a sting in the tail!

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geis
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2015
    Simpson17866 likes this.
  4. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2013
    Messages:
    17,674
    Likes Received:
    19,889
    Location:
    Scotland
    Holy shit! That would be one heck of a plot tangle! But fun. In a very sick way. :)
     
    Simpson17866 likes this.
  5. Aire

    Aire Banned Sock-Puppet

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Messages:
    81
    Likes Received:
    31
    Why does your book need a prophecy is my question. Are you writing for a publisher that demands it? Some short novelette for any of the online sites that accept short stories and give out cash that requires a prophecy or no money?

    You think that prophecies are boring and unrealistic obviously by this question. So why bother?

    Most experienced readers can differ between books written by authors who are pulling teeth to put word to paper [they hate what they're writing, have little confidence in their writing, or did poor research into it] and authors that are enjoying themselves [they like what they are writing about, they are confident in their writing, and did more than enough research]. Most books written by teeth pulling authors stay on the shelf with a few exceptions - 50 Shades of Grey for example; but then the "naughty" aspect would have sold that book even if she wrote it in braille.

    Now 99.9% of prophecies are in the front of the book. If all you think of prophecies is they are boring & unrealistic, what is to keep you from writing like you're pulling teeth? If that is the sort of intro you provide for your book; ask yourself, how many people are going to read further?
     
  6. halisme

    halisme Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2015
    Messages:
    1,772
    Likes Received:
    1,230
    My favourite fantasy prochecy doesn't come from a book, but from a game, more specifically, Dark Souls.

    "Thou who art Undead, art chosen... In thine exodus from the Undead Asylum, maketh pilgrimage to the land of Ancient Lords... When thou ringeth the Bell of Awakening, the fate of the Undead thou shalt know..."

    Firstly, it's specific, it tells people where to go and what to do. Secondly, it leads to more information, and the usefulness of the information gained is questionable. Finally, it is not a specific person that is born to fulfill the prophecy, more whoever fills it becomes the one the prophecy speaks about.

    I suppose that might be some good tips, specific directions, doesn't lead to the thing that solves the plot, and has a broad range of who it could apply to.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice