Myths, Mysteries & Magic - An Art & I.T. Animation Project
A myth is a story with a purpose. It tries to explain the way the world is. Myths also try to explain the relationship between gods and humans. Even though the events in a myth are usually impossible, they try to send a message that has an important social or religious meaning.
People have always tried to figure out common questions like who made the universe or questions like what causes a storm. Gods, Goddesses and myths were created when people tried to make sense out of these questions. For early people myths were like science because they explain how things work. They also explained other questions that are now answered through modern science. Some may have factual origins, while others are completely fictional. But myths are more than mere stories and they serve an important purpose in ancient and modern cultures, telling the tales that explain the world.
People have always tried to figure out common questions like who made the universe or questions like what causes a storm. Gods, Goddesses and myths were created when people tried to make sense out of these questions. For early people myths were like science because they explain how things work. They also explained other questions that are now answered through modern science. Some may have factual origins, while others are completely fictional. But myths are more than mere stories and they serve an important purpose in ancient and modern cultures, telling the tales that explain the world.
Making Your Mythical Character
A myth is a made-up story that explains the existence of a natural phenomenon — such as where thunder comes from or why snow falls from the sky. Myths — which often include gods and goddesses and other supernatural characters who have the power to make extraordinary things happen — are popular even when people know the actual reasons for natural phenomena. Before you start creating your mythical character put some thought into what, or who, you want to create. Follow these steps:
1. Brainstorm Topic Ideas - Think about what you would like to explain. Some examples include:
2. Pick out the natural phenomenon that you want to use as the inspiration for your character.
3. Observe - Makes some observations. It helps to know something about the topic you choose. Make observations - watch the sun set or the tides rise. Think about how you would describe or represent what you see.
4. Think & Plan - Come up with some ideas for how a character (human, god, or goddess) could impact this. Why would they want to make it happen, or how could they make it happen accidentally? There could be some connection to the real science behind it or it could be complete fantasy.
1. Brainstorm Topic Ideas - Think about what you would like to explain. Some examples include:
- Why there is a moon
- Why there is a sun
- Where rainbows come from and/or how they are formed.
- Why the seasons change. Why plants grow.
- Why an animal has a certain feature: stripes, spots, horns, long neck, etc.
- Why there are deserts, oceans, mountains, rivers, etc.
- Why there is rain, snow, hail, clouds, thunder, lightning, fire, etc.
- Then think about what your character will do to show his/her connection to the natural phenomenon you have chosen?
2. Pick out the natural phenomenon that you want to use as the inspiration for your character.
3. Observe - Makes some observations. It helps to know something about the topic you choose. Make observations - watch the sun set or the tides rise. Think about how you would describe or represent what you see.
4. Think & Plan - Come up with some ideas for how a character (human, god, or goddess) could impact this. Why would they want to make it happen, or how could they make it happen accidentally? There could be some connection to the real science behind it or it could be complete fantasy.