Mythic Writers Blog

I’m returning to one of my favorite topics today: What is mythic fiction? I try to move on to other things, but this just seems to creep back into my thoughts when I least expect it.

Last week, I was completely convinced that ghost stories—at least some of them—are mythic fiction. Today, as I toyed with the idea of the Frankenstein monster and wondered if he’s been around long enough that monsters of his ilk can be considered mythic, I started thinking about vampires. Are they mythic? Suddenly I’m not sure about them or about the ghosts.

I tend to think of mythic fiction as involving some sort of “otherworld” or otherworldly beings becoming entwined with a real world setting or real world characters. (So for ghosts, I guess the fact that they aren’t entirely here might be what qualifies them?.)  And vampires, if they exist, would be of this world, right? But they’re still creatures of myth and legend…

I think there might be part of the definition I’m just not pinpointing yet. Some stories that would traditionally be categorized as horror— mostly vampires, werewolves, ghosts—fit into the mythic fiction category, too. I’m just not sure of my reasons for calling some of these stories mythic fiction. But I’m working on it. The definition will come, just not all in one piece I guess.

I’m tempted to fall back on the old “I can’t define it but I’ll know it when I see it” bit. But that would be a complete cop out. And not nearly as entertaining as turning the idea over and over in my head while I work to hone my thoughts.

So I guess what I’m coming out of this brainstorming session with is a question: to be mythic fiction, does a story have to involve some sort of other world or beings from another world (not to be confused with from another planet!), or can the story be about something from mythic or legendary from our own world that has just remained hidden thus far? I’m leaning toward the second option, but my reasons will have to wait for another post, after I’ve figured out exactly what they are.

Mythic Writers was born Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 2:08 p.m.  Of course, it was stirring in my mind (Kim) for quite a while in various incarnations.  And then I talked to Jaymi about it in October.  And now here we are!  I’m really excited, and more than a little nervous, about my “baby” finally starting to take form out in the world.  But I think it’s going to be something wondrous and beautiful when it grows up.

The site it brand new right now, but we have all sorts of exciting ideas percolating.  Look for forums on mythology, mythic fiction, Joseph Campbell, writing, and all sorts of other interesting topics soon.  Also, as we grow a bit, keep your eyes open for new areas such as a newsletter,  articles and essays, book and movie reviews, and online classes and workshops.

We’ll make sure to post here under the “admin” tag whenever we add something or change something, so if you subscribe to the RSS feed, you’ll be sure to keep up to date as we continue to bloom.