Imaginary Worlds Creating Hindu Fantasy Worlds
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Oct 25, 2023 Authors Kritika H. Rao, Shveta Thakrar, Roshani Chokshi, and Ram V discuss the challenges of incorporating Hindu mythology into their fantasy books for a Western audience. They share their favorite deities, the Hindu comics they grew up reading, and the questions they've faced about who gets to tell their stories. They explore themes of love transcending lifetimes, the power of mythology in storytelling, and the conflicts between religion and creativity. They also discuss the complexities of Hindu mythology and its portrayal in fantasy worlds.
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Comics Sparked A Turn To Mythic Roots
- Shveta Thakrar grew up reading Amrit Chitra Katha comics and initially wrote white characters because that was what she consumed.
- She later realized she wanted protagonists who looked like her and began using the mythology she knew.
Philosophy Over Literal Retelling
- Kritika H. Rao embeds Hindu philosophy rather than direct myth retellings in her science-fantasy world.
- She uses Shiva/Shakti dualities as thematic architecture for character dynamics.
Frame Retelling As Devotion
- Treat myth retellings as acts of devotion and reinterpretation rather than canonical betrayal.
- Allow readers to approach stories subjectively and avoid over-defensive explanations for changes.