Tags:
  1. CreeWolf

    CreeWolf New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2011
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0

    Finding New Myths

    Discussion in 'Fantasy' started by CreeWolf, Sep 21, 2011.

    I'm currently working on an urban fantasy story and am having difficulty in finding more obscure monsters and legends to draw from. Most of what I know stems from basic Arthurian, Greek, and Tolkien mythos. I've always been impressed by the diversity of the mythologies that authors, such as Michael Mignola and Jim Butcher, cite in their works. Unfortunately I have no idea where to look to find more about these diverse legends. If anyone knows of any reference books or websites that provide information on other mythologies the help would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. AllThingsMagical

    AllThingsMagical Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2011
    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    1
    Try typing Legendary creatures into Wiki, it has a really good list.
     
  3. suddenly BANSHEES

    suddenly BANSHEES Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2011
    Messages:
    384
    Likes Received:
    148
    Location:
    the wasteland, baby!
    Mythology from the Philippines is pretty cool. All kinds of freaky monsters there - I suggest googling it.
     
  4. psychotick

    psychotick Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Messages:
    1,526
    Likes Received:
    477
    Location:
    Rotorua, New Zealand
    Hi,

    From memory the wiki has a humungous list of mythical creatures and beings, and links to pages about most of them.

    Cheers.
     
  5. cruciFICTION

    cruciFICTION Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 18, 2011
    Messages:
    1,232
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Brisbane, Australia
    Aboriginal/Australian mythology is definitely the coolest. In fact, a lot of it's more real than we think (or so I reckon). Hell, how many of you have yowies?
     
  6. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    have you googled?
     
  7. erik martin

    erik martin Active Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2010
    Messages:
    250
    Likes Received:
    9
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Celtic myth, Finnish, Japanese, Indian, Native American, Babylonian, Hebrew, African...all are good sources of myth and legend.
     
  8. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,218
    Likes Received:
    45
    Location:
    Southern California
    Personally, I make up my own myths. They can still be set in the real world. That is what is awesome about fiction. You have no boundaries.
     
  9. CreeWolf

    CreeWolf New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2011
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    I appreciate all the responses. As far as googling goes, I have to admit I prefer a hard copy more than web pages. If I could only get my hands on Mike Mignola's library I would have access to everything I need.
     
  10. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    uh, in case you hadn't noticed, googling can also refer you to titles of actual, hard copy books! ;-)
     
  11. Melzaar the Almighty

    Melzaar the Almighty Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2010
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    55
    Location:
    UK
    There's always libraries and bookstores. They should have mythology sections... Try amongst kids' books if you can bear to be seen there, as often they make surprisingly good basic resources, seeing as adult books tend towards analysis and picking out one or two for close study. Kids' books actually tell the stories, don't assume you know anything about the subject, and often have a much broader range.
     
  12. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,218
    Likes Received:
    45
    Location:
    Southern California
    Or Amazon if you don't want to leave the house.
     
  13. AllThingsMagical

    AllThingsMagical Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2011
    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    1
    ^ yeah if I'm looking for a book based around a certain thing - such as myths - I use amazon to search and read reviews for what's good and what's not and then go and get it from the library/local bookshop. Amazon is also good for recommending similar types of books but similarly whenever I've been into a book shop - normally waterstones - they bend over backwards to help and they really do know what they're talking about so it's always worth asking in store.

    Robert Graves has written several books about Greek myths. I skimmed through one, 'Greek Myths', a couple of months ago out of interest in the subject and found it to be far more thorough than I needed for light reading. Not sure if that's the type of thing you're looking for but thought I'd mention.
     
  14. Flashfire07

    Flashfire07 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
    Messages:
    186
    Likes Received:
    8
    Well if you're writing a modern urban fantasy why not use modern urban monsters? Like Slenderman, Jersy Devil, things like that?
     
  15. adrenaline7

    adrenaline7 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2011
    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    I remember a book my parents had (God help me if I can remember the title or publisher) that had all sorts of information about the different mythological characters, creatures and stories, from the earliest Babylonian myths to Japanese and the Pacifics. I have to admit, Greek, Egyptian and Norse mythology seem overdone. I really like Native American mythology (from what I remember) and some Pacific (Mauri and Australian) myths weren't bad either. When I see my parents next, I'll be sure to get details on the book and post it here.
     

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