Writing Prompt: Mythology

Beating the Stir-crazy

This month I had my first solo poetry and journaling events scheduled to promote my upcoming book, Athena. However, like many others, I have canceled my events with a heavy heart and public health in mind. It's no secret that the Coronavirus, COVID-19, has been interrupting the world as we all know it. While positive cases are on the rise so is anxiety and uncertainty. Many of us are left with not much to do but try and maintain some sense of normalcy while becoming buried in our thoughts. As someone who has learned to channel much of my anxiety into my writing, now seems like the perfect time to try and help some of you do the same.  

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Before Beginning

I invite you to partake in a meditation or a moment of stillness to clear your mind. Slowing down the noise in our heads and the trapped energy in our bodies is a good idea at anytime. Doing this before delving into creative outlets can help us focus on what needs our attention or releasing in the moment. Should you need them, here are a few of my go-to aids:​   

• Guided Meditation: Stop, Breathe, & Think (App)
• Meditation Frequencies:  Meditative Mind (YouTube channel) 
• Instrumental Music: Chillhop Music (YouTube channel)

DEFINITION:

Mythology (mi-ˈthä-lə-jē)

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A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition

Visit Ancient History Encyclopedia's page on Mythology for an in-depth summary.

Intro

What's also not a secret? My love of mythology, fantasy, history, and culture. I am eternally thankful to the worlds of poetry, literature, music, and drama. For these mediums not only keep these topics alive and accessible, they also meld them into fantastical art and expression.

The following is based on a poetry workshop I led last fall(?) with Connect & Heal, an organization that has helped me grow by encouraging me to step outside of myself and share my voice with others. I hope this prompt helps some of you channel what you're feeling; whether it be about the current pandemic or emotions you've been harboring on a more personal matter. While I almost always write poetry, this is not a rule! Experiment with your thoughts and voice to find what sets you free. Some other options you can toy with include journaling, letters, lists, short stories, dialog, or go ahead and brainstorm for that novel you've been meaning to write. Just do what comes most naturally and enjoy the journey!    

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Approaching with Bias

​Mythology is commonly perceived in two ways.

1. Negatively. As in being outdated, overused, or cliché. For the purposes of this prompt, let's assume that you don't believe this. Or at the very least, in this moment, agree that these opinions don't serve us. 

2. Positively. Which is clearly my vote, for whatever that's worth. ​There's a reason mythology and the symbolism tied to it is beloved by writers, artists, musicians, and the masses. It's extensive and culturally diverse. It's relatable, especially if you have a flare for the dramatic or metaphoric. Within its realm there is room for the lovers, the warriors, the lonely, the holy, the mystical, the wicked, the respected, the feared, and even the unknown. It's easy to take myth and turn it into a lesson learned, an adventure lived, a moment memorialized, or a future still being dreamt. There. Doesn't that sound more inspiring?  

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Examples 

To get a feel for the process and range, I have provided some selections to read and watch before you dive into some writing all your own. Keep in mind that although these are all poetry, you are never limited to any writing style.

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Elegy for Pandora
Because you are like me — a woman scorned,
defined by your mistakes, a woman whose
mistakes hurt others, whose otherness has turned
her speechless — you know the story’s other side:
God made the jar. He filled it. Then, he lied:
It’s full of gifts for all mankind. Good news!
And you, in innocence, believed. You pried
it open. A host of miseries unfurled
before you slammed it shut with Hope inside,
a doughy, unarmed caterpillar curled
beneath the lip. Pandora, my body is what
I opened. Disease is what I spread. I shut
my mouth and chew on hope. It’s not about
to grow its wings. I cannot spit it out.
 - Michele Sharpe / Medium.com

Fast Facts About The Writer, Michele Sharpe:

• Adopted
• High school dropout
• Hep C survivor
• Trial attorney​

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Exploring Pandora:
Pandora (known as the first woman)

• Greek. Meaning "all gifts" or "all giving".
• Unknowingly released demons which Zeus told her were gifts. 
• Throughout the tellings she went from being a victim to being seen as dangerous and reckless.​

Modern and common lexicon

• Jared’s PANDORA Jewelry line focuses on earlier versions of the myth where the belief was that the jar/box was filled with gifts; evidence of Pandora’s innocence.
• The phrase, “opening Pandora’s box.” Used as both a statement and a question inducing contemplation or indicating curiosity, the unknown, or heeded as a warning.
• In the Hellraiser series, Clive Barker embraced the darker side of the myth with his use of the fictional Lemarchand’s Box, which opens up another dimension full of darkness and evil.       

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Spoken Word Videos

• ​Who Am I by Kayo:  Talks of his life with a focus on spirituality and history as if he is defining himself as a living legend or myth.
• I Am No God by iCon: Shows how myth, ceremony, and the power of belief can be used to harness our emotion when coping with trauma.
• Tropical Depression by Julissa Emile: Speaks of her depression and feminist beliefs through the deep rooted history of magic in afro-Caribbean culture.  

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Prompts (Take Notes)

Self Reflection

• What is most on your mind in this moment?
• What have you been holding on to?
• What do you think is holding you back from your current goals?
• What problems are you currently trying to solve?
• How are you feeling right now (i.e. calm, sad, comical, angry, etc.)?
• How do you prefer to communicate (i.e. directly or through figurative speech)?
• Are there places you feel drawn to or compelled to visit, read about or watch on t.v./in movies?

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Getting To Know Mythology

• How can you translate myth into relatable content?
• What stories of mythology do you know?
• What’s your favorite use of mythology?
• Have you ever felt connected to a character or being from myth?​

​Finding Someone Or Something You Identify With
Search the internet for:

• Common traits (i.e. creative, forgiving, loyal, chaotic, fierce)
• Myths related to your favorite element (i.e. earth, fire, water, air)
• Something you would like to have; a power or tool of the gods/goddesses. What would you do with it?
  • The nurturing of an Earth goddess like Gaia
  • Poseidon’s ability to manipulate water and storms
  • Thor’s hammer
• Cultures, locations or regions of interest. Check out this map for reference!

Get Writing! 

Remember to be patient with yourself. Whether you are a new or seasoned writer, the process and exploration involved can range from fun and freeing to emotional and overwhelming. It's okay to take breaks or to take a week to finish. It's also perfectly acceptable to write through tears or rage write your thoughts and toss it out or burn it (responsibly) when you're done. For pleasure or therapy, I hope you enjoy!