Join Dino, Aravar, Imachinate, Inky, and Red in a discussion on the importance of magical beasts and animals in fiction and mythology. They explore the fascination with mythical creatures, dragons as catalysts for world-building, perception of mythical creatures and real-life exotic animals, blending fantasy creatures in urban settings, annoyance with naming fictional animals, and the significance of naming in world-building. They also discuss creating memorable and plot-relevant creatures in storytelling.
Fantastical creatures in fiction and mythology add depth to world-building by interacting with different groups and changing dynamics.
Justifying the presence of fantastical creatures in a setting through aspects like nature, mythology, religion, and domestication enhances world-building.
Fantastical creatures serve various narrative purposes as allies, enemies, obstacles, or symbolic representations, adding layers to the story.
Deep dives
Interactions and impact of fantastical creatures in world-building
Fantastical creatures add depth to world-building by exploring how they interact with various groups and change the dynamics of the world. The importance lies not only in their presence, but how they affect other elements. Different cultures may have different interpretations and representations of the same creature, which adds intrigue and fascination. Examples like dragons in different fantasy worlds show the diverse development and cultural variations. Placing ordinary animals in a magical or unique context also adds a fresh perspective, merging the mundane with the extraordinary. Overall, world-building benefits from considering the interactions and impact of fantastical creatures.
Tying fantastical creatures into the setting
When incorporating fantastical creatures into a setting, it is important to justify their presence and make it plausible. Considerations can include aspects like nature, mythology, religion, and domestication. By incorporating these elements, the world-building gains depth and cohesiveness. Differentiating between apparent and unseen worlds, like in urban fantasy settings, helps create a sense of believability. Plausibility can vary depending on the desired tone or genre, from gritty realism to traditional fairy tale settings. Understanding the relationship between fantastical creatures and the setting's inhabitants, whether they are allies, enemies, domesticated, or forces of nature, enhances the narrative and overall immersion.
Narrative purposes of fantastical creatures
Fantastical creatures can serve various narrative purposes in a story or setting. They can be allies, enemies, or obstacles for characters to overcome. Their inclusion can establish a sense of good versus evil, or represent different forces in the world. Religious or mythological symbolism can provide deeper layers to the narrative. Additionally, considering their role as livestock or domesticated creatures versus wild and untamed beings adds another dimension to how they impact the world. By using fantastical creatures thoughtfully and aligning their narrative purpose with the overall story, the world-building becomes richer and more engaging.
Importance of Consistency and Internal Rules
Consistency and internal rules are crucial in worldbuilding, not just in terms of creating creatures, but also in aspects like government and social policies. By establishing consistent rules, a world becomes immersive and believable. Limitations and constraints breed creativity, as seen with adapting mythical creatures like dragons to have light wings or gliding abilities. Reference is made to the square cube law and the need to overcome it to create believable creatures. Ultimately, consistency and adherence to self-established rules ensure that a world feels cohesive and engaging.
Creatures as Mythology and Narrative Tools
Mythological and fantastical creatures serve different purposes in storytelling. Mythological creatures often have a specific role in epic tales or nature-appointed tasks, while fantastical creatures in fiction have predefined roles to justify their existence in a setting. Connecting creatures to the narrative and giving them meaningful roles and origins enhance their impact on readers. Plot-relevant creatures, like Nina in Full Metal Alchemist, can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Additionally, creating one's own naming system for creatures can add depth and authenticity to a world.
Join Dino (Tyler), Aravar, Imachinate, Inky, and Red in a discussion on the Importance of magical beasts and animals in fiction and mythology. From iconic creatures such as the dragon or gryphon, to lesser known and ancient ones such as the Sirrush. The roles they play in the narrative, and the perception of the wilder lands that they create.
In defense of the magical beasts of our world, we here at Worldcasting would like to call upon you to donate to the WWF- Australia to help them combat the devastation of the bushfire. Together, we can beat the destruction and save the mystery and wonder found in our world.
Link to the WWF-A >> https://www.wwf.org.au/#gs.vdc53l
This episode was edited by Zaivy Luke-Aleman.
Works referenced:
The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings (book/animated/movie series) - J.R.R.Tolkien
How to Train Your Dragon (animated series) - Cressida Cowell
Dragonology (book) - Dr. Ernest Drake
Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Stormlight Archives (book series) - Brandon Anderson
Aesop’s Fables - Aesop
Anasi the Spider (folktale)
Avatar (movie) - James Cameron
Avatar the Last Airbender (series) - Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino
The Supernaturalist (book) - Eoin Colfer
Dürer's Rhinoceros (woodblock painting) - Albrecht Dürer
Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师) (animated series/book) - Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (墨香铜臭)
Carnival Row (television series) - René Echevarria and Travis Beacham
Fables (comics)/The Wolf Among Us (game) - Bill Willingham
The Witcher (game/television/book series) - Andrzej Sapkowski
Dresden Files (book series) - Jim Butcher
World of Darkness (game series) - White Wolf Gaming Studio
Shadowrun (game) - Fantasy Productions Catalyst Game Labs
Final Fantasy (game series) - Square and Square Enix
Terry Prachett (author)
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