The Art of Emphasizing Religious/Mythological Fantastical History in Epic Fantasy
In the realm of epic fantasy, magic is often a central element that infuses stories with a sense of wonder and enchantment. However, not all tales require a traditional magic system to transport readers into a realm of awe-inspiring fantasy.
By leveraging the power of religious and mythological elements, authors can weave a rich tapestry of history, lore, and spirituality that imbues their stories with a magical essence. In this article, we will explore the art of emphasizing religious and mythological fantastical history to make a story feel magical, even without the presence of a formal magic system.
A Prime Example
When writing my debut epic fantasy adventure novel, The Beauty of Dawn, I never even considered the fact that my book had magical elements.
In a realm cursed by eternal darkness, a mistrustful thief named Nathaniel relies on his dark power instead of his friends as he embarks on a dangerous quest to restore the sunlight to his realm. The key word here is dark power. When you read the synopsis of my book, you would assume there is a dark magic system element to the story, right?
Well, when I was writing the book, that thought never even crossed my mind. I thought my story was unique because it didn’t have a magic system of any kind. Instead, The Beauty of Dawn relied on a well fleshed-out fantastical lore and history that intertwines itself with the main character’s greatest weakness. Combining mythology with the goals and personality of my main character made me completely forget that, at its core, Nathaniel was practicing magic.
The result is organic, fresh, and unique storytelling.
Tapping into Religious and Mythological Inspirations
Religious and mythological beliefs are steeped in centuries of human imagination and are treasure troves of inspiration for fantasy authors. Delving into ancient myths, legends, and religious texts can help authors discover fascinating elements that can be seamlessly woven into their narrative. Drawing upon these sources, authors can create a sense of awe and wonder by introducing legendary figures, divine interventions, or prophecies that shape the destinies of characters and their world.
Evoking a Sense of Mystery and Wonder
By incorporating religious or mythological aspects into your epic fantasy, you can imbue your story with an inherent sense of mystery and wonder. Develop enigmatic rituals, sacred artifacts, or ancient ruins that hold great significance within your world.
Allow characters to encounter ancient temples, encounter cryptic prophecies, or witness the remnants of divine interventions. In my book, there are multiple worlds, and a plane of existence called the Veil which acts as a seam connecting all the worlds together.
These elements will ignite curiosity and add depth to your narrative, enchanting readers with a sense of the unknown.
Interweaving Symbolism and Allegory
Religious and mythological symbolism can serve as a powerful tool for conveying deeper meanings within your epic fantasy. Symbolic motifs such as dragons, serpents, or mythical creatures can represent primal forces or embody archetypal struggles.
In my story, a dragon the size of a mountain range will grant you the gift of prophecy in exchange for your most treasured possession. The dragon has been weighed down by all the unnecessary needs of humans, he has turned to stone and can no longer fly. Tying moral symbolism to your lore can enhance the story, giving it a sense of universality, resonating with readers on a profound level.
Cultivating Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
Religious and mythological elements often explore complex moral and ethical questions. By incorporating these elements into your epic fantasy, you can delve into profound dilemmas faced by characters. Pose questions about faith, destiny, or the struggle between good and evil. Allow characters to grapple with their beliefs, challenging readers to ponder their own perspectives and assumptions.
In The Beauty of Dawn, prophets believe they are free once they let go of their desires and give up their most treasured possession — but Nathaniel, the main character who has lived on the streets for the past ten years, has always wanted a family. His happiness lies in achieving what he wants, arguing against that narrative.
Nurturing Characters’ Spiritual Journeys
Religion and mythology often encompass spiritual journeys and quests for enlightenment. At one point in my story, the main character embarks on a journey to become a knight, called the Test of Will. On the journey, he discovers a very important fact about himself and the darkness encompassing his realm.
Use this framework to develop your characters’ personal growth and transformation. Through encounters with mythical beings, sacred sites, or prophetic visions, characters can embark on spiritual odysseys, evolving their beliefs and forging deeper connections with the fantastical world around them.
Conclusion
While a formal magic system can undoubtedly enhance the allure of an epic fantasy story, it is not the sole source of enchantment. By emphasizing religious and mythological fantastical history, authors can infuse their narratives with a profound sense of magic and wonder. By tapping into ancient beliefs, evoking mystery and symbolism, exploring moral dilemmas, and nurturing characters’ spiritual journeys, you can create a truly magical experience for readers, even without the presence of a conventional magic system. Embrace the power of the mystical tapestry, and let your epic fantasy soar to extraordinary heights.
