Lesson 3: Mythic and Mythopoeic Fantasy
This lesson is about the sub-category of Mythic Fantasy and its cousin sub-genre Mythopoeic Fantasy.
Introduction
This lesson covers the closely tied together sub-categories of Mythic and Mythopoeic Fantasy.
Lesson objectives:
Students don’t need any preparation but could check out American Gods if interested.
Fantasy has its roots in myth. Some say it is the modern day mythology. Authors of Fantasy strive to be myth-makers by touching a deep chord that exists in everyone. Mythic and Mythopoeic Fantasy are the closely bonded sub-genres that consist of books with mythic themes seeking the deeper truths within us.
Mythic Fantasy has slowly grown over the years. Much of its growth started with the renewed interest in mythology thanks to the late Joseph Campbell and his “The Power of Myth” TV series. The public realized the importance of myth and looked for books with mythic themes. They discovered some Fantasy books fit what they were looking for. Mythic Fantasy is characterized by the heroic journey and explorations of man’s collective unconscious to reach deeper truths. The books are serious with a depth to leave readers thinking for a long time.
Mythopoeic Fantasy is a special part of Mythic Fantasy. It comes from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, and means roughly “myth-making.” These authors’ books have common values and parallel themes to them. One of the basic themes is a journey through sorrow to find joy even if it is only fleeting. The Mythopoeic Society (http://www.mythsoc.org) is an organization devoted to this sub-genre.
Authors of Mythic Fantasy create extraordinary books of great depth. The mythic themes of these books touch something deep within each of us. In the next section you’ll learn about mythic fantasist Robert Holdstock.
