Download or read book Mythological Storytelling written by Joshua Coker and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-05-30 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As a fiction writer, the goal is to create a story that has an emotional impact on the audience. We all want to write something gripping that people will share with friends and family; a narrative that resonates with the reader, and keeps them revisiting the book for years to come. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. No matter how logical we structure our story, or how perfectly we write our prose, many of us fail to capture the power that all great stories seem to inherently possess. Even well known professionals face this problem. Think about how many times you've picked up a book by a writer you follow, or watched the latest installment in a franchise you love, only to be let down. How many forgettable novels or films have you come across in your lifetime? Some written by reputable authors and screenwriters. Even though the action, mystery, or romance was great, the story fell flat. The narrative lacked some mystical element that every great story seems to inherently possess. This is the major problem every author, writer, poet, screenwriter, and storyteller face. The answer is found in the power of myth. Through centuries of storytelling, a mythological structure called the Monomyth evolved. Some of the most powerful stories of all follow this mythic structure. In this book, fiction author Josh Coker explains how to harness the seemingly magical powers of myth so your story can reach it's fullest potential and create an emotional impact in the audience. Within these pages, you'll learn: -Definition and background of the Monomyth-Three act mythic structure. -The differences between the known world and the special world of your story -What really makes a character heroic -How plot and character feed off of each other, creating both an inner and outer journey-The 18 distinct stages of the Hero's Journey Additionally, this book provides over 72 examples from well known modern stories. Each example will help you understand Hero's Journey, and help you identify the stages in your own book. Every chapter concludes with action steps, which you can immediately take on your story. These will help you infuse mythic power and life into the narrative. By the end of the book, you'll have a basic understanding of the Hero's Journey and a road map for your own story. Ultimately, you'll ensure that your story to reaches it's full potential by taking full advantage of the Monomyth's ancient storytelling secrets.

Download or read book Mythology written by C. Scott Littleton and published by Duncan Baird. This book was released on 2004-09 with total page 688 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Myths are the timeless expression of the imagination born out of the need to make sense of the universe. Moving across the centuries, they resonate with our deepest feelings about the fragility and grandeur of existence. Mythology is a comprehensive, richly illustrated survey of the mythic imagination in all its forms around the world, from the odysseys, quests and battles of ancient Greece and Rome to the living beliefs of indigenous cultures in the Americas, Africa and Oceania. Looking at each major myth-making culture in turn, this book retells some of the most significant and captivating stories in a lively, contemporary style. Generously illustrated with more than 700 color photographs, Mythology brings you the vibrant stories that echo time and again in our lives.

Download or read book Mythology for Storytellers written by Howard J Sherman and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-12-18 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Illustrated in full color throughout, this delightful collection puts the riches of world mythology at the fingertips of students and storytellers alike. It is a treaury of favorite and little-known tales from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Oceania, gracefully retold and accompanied by fascinating, detailed information on their historic and cultural backgrounds. The introduction provides an informative overview of mythology, its purpose in world cultures, and myth in contemporary society and popular culture. Mythic themes are defined and the often-misunderstood difference between myth and legend explained. Following this, the main sections of the book are arranged thematically, covering The Creation, Death and Rebirth, Myths of Origins, Myths of the Gods, and Myths of Heroes. Each section begins by comparing its theme cross-culturally, explaining similarities and differences in the mthic narratives. Myths from diverse cultures are then presented, introduced, and retold in a highly readable fashion. A bibliography follows each retelling so readers can find more information on the culture, myth, and deities. Character, geographical, and general indexes round out this volume, and a master bibliography facilitates research. For students, storytellers, or anyone interested in the wealth of world mythology, Mythology: Stories and Themes from Around the World provides answers to common research questions, sources for myths, and stories that will delight, inform, and captivate.

Download or read book Your Mythic Journey written by Sam Keen and published by Penguin. This book was released on 1989-09-01 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We all tell stories about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. These personal myths in turn shape who we become and what we believe—as individuals, families, and nations. This book offers readers the tools to detect the story line in their own lives and to write and tell it to others, opening up a hidden world of self-discovery and meaning. The numerous accessible exercises are followed by examples of personal stories and inspiring quotes to stimulate the journey to the center of one's purpose. "By the art of fantasy and imagination, story and image, these authors map the ways personal stories deepen into transpersonal mythic journeys." —David Miller, Ph.D., Watson-Ledden Professor of Religion, Syracuse University

Download or read book Cassandra Speaks written by Elizabeth Lesser and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2020-09-15 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What story would Eve have told about picking the apple? Why is Pandora blamed for opening the box? And what about the fate of Cassandra who was blessed with knowing the future but cursed so that no one believed her? What if women had been the storytellers? Elizabeth Lesser believes that if women’s voices had been equally heard and respected throughout history, humankind would have followed different hero myths and guiding stories—stories that value caretaking, champion compassion, and elevate communication over vengeance and violence. Cassandra Speaks is about the stories we tell and how those stories become the culture. It’s about the stories we still blindly cling to, and the ones that cling to us: the origin tales, the guiding myths, the religious parables, the literature and films and fairy tales passed down through the centuries about women and men, power and war, sex and love, and the values we live by. Stories written mostly by men with lessons and laws for all of humanity. We have outgrown so many of them, and still they endure. This book is about what happens when women are the storytellers too—when we speak from our authentic voices, when we flex our values, when we become protagonists in the tales we tell about what it means to be human. Lesser has walked two main paths in her life—the spiritual path and the feminist one—paths that sometimes cross but sometimes feel at cross-purposes. Cassandra Speaks is her extraordinary merging of the two. The bestselling author of Broken Open and Marrow, Lesser is a beloved spiritual writer, as well as a leading feminist thinker. In this book she gives equal voice to the cool water of her meditative self and the fire of her feminist self. With her trademark gifts of both humor and insight, she offers a vision that transcends the either/or ideologies on both sides of the gender debate. Brilliantly structured into three distinct parts, Part One explores how history is carried forward through the stories a culture tells and values, and what we can do to balance the scales. Part Two looks at women and power and expands what it means to be courageous, daring, and strong. And Part Three offers “A Toolbox for Inner Strength.” Lesser argues that change in the culture starts with inner change, and that no one—woman or man—is immune to the corrupting influence of power. She provides inner tools to help us be both strong-willed and kind-hearted. Cassandra Speaks is a beautifully balanced synthesis of storytelling, memoir, and cultural observation. Women, men and all people will find themselves in the pages of this book, and will come away strengthened, opened, and ready to work together to create a better world for all people.

Download or read book Daily News Eternal Stories written by Jack Lule and published by Guilford Publications. This book was released on 2001-01-16 with total page 26 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This compelling, often surprising book demonstrates the ways news articles of today draw from age-old tales that have chastened, challenged, entertained, and entranced people since the beginning of time. Through an insightful exploration of hundreds of New York Times articles, award-winning professor and former journalist Jack Lule reveals mythical themes in reporting on topics from terrorist hijackings to Huey Newton, from Mother Teresa to Mike Tyson. Beneath the fresh facade of current events, Lule identifies such enduring archetypes as the innocent victim, the good mother, the hero, and the trickster. In doing so, he sheds light on how media coverage shapes our thinking about many of the confounding issues of our day, including foreign policy, terrorism, race relations, and political dissent. Winner of the MEA's 2002 Lewis Mumford Award for Outstanding Scholarship in the Ecology of Technics

Download or read book The Truth about Stories written by Thomas King and published by House of Anansi. This book was released on 2003 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the 2003 Trillium Book Award "Stories are wondrous things," award-winning author and scholar Thomas King declares in his 2003 CBC Massey Lectures. "And they are dangerous." Beginning with a traditional Native oral story, King weaves his way through literature and history, religion and politics, popular culture and social protest, gracefully elucidating North America's relationship with its Native peoples. Native culture has deep ties to storytelling, and yet no other North American culture has been the subject of more erroneous stories. The Indian of fact, as King says, bears little resemblance to the literary Indian, the dying Indian, the construct so powerfully and often destructively projected by White North America. With keen perception and wit, King illustrates that stories are the key to, and only hope for, human understanding. He compels us to listen well.

Download or read book Eladria written by Rory B. Mackay and published by John Hunt Publishing. This book was released on 2013-05-31 with total page 415 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A dire prophecy is fulfilled when Tahnadra s royal moon is attacked and overthrown by religious extremists. Now a fugitive, Princess Eladria finds herself embroiled in a sinister experiment that threatens to destroy her world and countless others. With the barriers between dimensions rapidly collapsing and her planet in the midst of a bitter war, Eladria must travel to the forbidden land of Drantak, where a dark and ravenous force seeks to unleash its fury on a universe it was long ago banished from. Only Eladria can prevent a universal armageddon, but in order to do so she must confront a shockingly familiar adversary and be willing to make a devastating sacrifice.

Download or read book Scottish Myths Legends written by Daniel Allison and published by Nielsen ISBN Store. This book was released on 2020-05 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The blue-skinned old woman who made the mountains. Finfolk, seal-people and the Makers of Dreams. Within these pages are the little-known stories of Scotland, collected and retold by an oral storyteller who performs them throughout the world. From folk-tales and local legends to ancient epics, these stories will astonish and delight readers everywhere. Daniel Allison is an acclaimed oral storyteller who performs everywhere from schools and prisons to global festivals. He hosts the House of Legends Podcast and is the author of The Bone Flute, Silverborn, Scottish Myths & Legends and Finn & The Fianna. 'A masterpiece... Celtic myths and legends at their fantastic best. Mythical, flirty, thumpingly violent and divinely nasty!' Jess Smith reviewing Finn & The Fianna 'A tremendous read... no end of dramas, surprises and reversals of fortune... wonderful stuff' Fay Sampson reviewing The Bone Flute 'The best mythology podcast I've heard' House of Legends listener review

Download or read book The Greek Myths written by Robin Waterfield and published by Quercus. This book was released on 2013-10-01 with total page 485 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A highly readable and beautifully illustrated re-telling of the most famous stories from Greek mythology. The Greek Myths contains some of the most thrilling, romantic, and unforgettable stories in all human history. From Achilles rampant on the fields of Troy, to the gods at sport on Mount Olympus; from Icarus flying too close to the sun, to the superhuman feats of Heracles, Theseus, and the wily Odysseus, these timeless tales exert an eternal fascination and inspiration that have endured for millennia and influenced cultures from ancient to modern. Beginning at the dawn of human civilization, when the Titan Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and offered mankind hope, the reader is immediately immersed in the majestic, magical, and mythical world of the Greek gods and heroes. As the tales unfold, renowned classicist Robin Waterfield, joined by his wife, writer Kathryn Waterfield, creates a sweeping panorama of the romance, intrigues, heroism, humour, sensuality, and brutality of the Greek myths and legends. The terrible curse that plagued the royal houses of Mycenae and Thebes, Jason and the golden fleece, Perseus and the dread Gorgon, the wooden horse and the sack of Troy--these amazing stories have influenced art and literature from the Iron Age to the present day. And far from being just a treasure trove of amazing tales, The Greek Myths is a catalogue of Greek myth in art through the ages, and a notable work of literature in its own right.

Download or read book Traditional Storytelling Today written by Margaret Read MacDonald and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-16 with total page 1042 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traditional Storytelling Today explores the diversity of contemporary storytelling traditions and provides a forum for in-depth discussion of interesting facets of comtemporary storytelling. Never before has such a wealth of information about storytelling traditions been gathered together. Storytelling is alive and well throughout the world as the approximately 100 articles by more than 90 authors make clear. Most of the essays average 2,000 words and discuss a typical storytelling event, give a brief sample text, and provide theory from the folklorist. A comprehensive index is provided. Bibliographies afford the reader easy access to additional resources.

Download or read book The Modern Myths written by Philip Ball and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2022-10-17 with total page 437 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With The Modern Myths, brilliant science communicator Philip Ball spins a new yarn. From novels and comic books to B-movies, it is an epic exploration of literature, new media and technology, the nature of storytelling, and the making and meaning of our most important tales. Myths are usually seen as stories from the depths of time—fun and fantastical, but no longer believed by anyone. Yet, as Philip Ball shows, we are still writing them—and still living them—today. From Robinson Crusoe and Frankenstein to Batman, many stories written in the past few centuries are commonly, perhaps glibly, called “modern myths.” But Ball argues that we should take that idea seriously. Our stories of Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Sherlock Holmes are doing the kind of cultural work that the ancient myths once did. Through the medium of narratives that all of us know in their basic outline and which have no clear moral or resolution, these modern myths explore some of our deepest fears, dreams, and anxieties. We keep returning to these tales, reinventing them endlessly for new uses. But what are they really about, and why do we need them? What myths are still taking shape today? And what makes a story become a modern myth? In The Modern Myths, Ball takes us on a wide-ranging tour of our collective imagination, asking what some of its most popular stories reveal about the nature of being human in the modern age.

Download or read book Storytelling and Mythmaking written by Frank D. McConnell and published by New York : Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1979 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Classic Fairy Tales And Myths Retold written by GEW Humanities Group and published by Global East-West. This book was released on 2024-06-16 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Classic Fairy Tales and Myths Retold" reimagines global myths and legends with modern twists, exploring universal themes, cultural identities, and the interplay between ancient and contemporary storytelling. The book offers a mesmerizing journey through the verdant landscapes of our shared human heritage, reimagining the timeless tales that have been the bedrock of cultures around the globe. This unique collection breathes new life into the ancient stories, weaving contemporary themes, settings, and sensibilities into the fabric of myth and folklore. From the shadowy forests of Europe to the sun-soaked tales of the Middle East, from the mysterious legends of Asia to the vibrant narratives of the Americas and Africa, this book traverses the world to gather an unparalleled compilation of stories that have captivated humanity for centuries. Each tale has been meticulously selected and thoughtfully reinterpreted to resonate with modern readers, offering fresh perspectives on classic themes of love, courage, betrayal, and justice. This collection not only preserves the essence of the original narratives but also challenges readers to contemplate how these ancient wisdoms align with today's world. Through this exploration, "Classic Fairy Tales and Myths Retold" highlights the enduring relevance of these stories, proving that the lessons they hold and the escapades they describe are as impactful now as they were hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Key Takeaways The book reinterprets classic fairy tales and myths from diverse cultures, blending traditional motifs with contemporary art styles. Universal themes such as the hero's journey, creation, love, and cosmic order are prevalent across global mythologies. The adaptation of ancient myths in modern contexts bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary societal dynamics. Cultural identity and storytelling are deeply intertwined, preserving heritage while fostering cross-cultural understanding. The book highlights the impact of myths on shaping societal values and promoting multiculturalism. Modern storytelling techniques, including digital platforms, are essential for the preservation and evolution of these narratives. The work emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusivity in the retelling and reinterpretation of mythological tales.

Download or read book Graphic Narratives and the Mythological Imagination in India written by Roma Chatterji and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2019-12-05 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores graphic narratives and comics in India and demonstrates how these forms serve as sites on which myths are enacted and recast. It uses the case studies of a comics version of the Mahabharata War, a folk artist’s rendition of a comic book story, and a commercial project to re-imagine two of India’s most famous epics – the Ramayana and the Mahabharata – as science fiction and superhero tales. It discusses comic books and self-published graphic novels; bardic performance aided with painted scrolls and commercial superhero comics; myths, folklore, and science fiction; and different pictorial styles and genres of graphic narration and storytelling. It also examines the actual process of the creation of comics besides discussions with artists on the tools and location of the comics medium as well as the method and impact of translation and crossover genres in such narratives. With its clear, lucid style and rich illustrations, the book will be useful to scholars and researchers of sociology, anthropology, visual culture and media, and South Asian studies, as well as those working on art history, religion, popular culture, graphic novels, art and design, folk culture, literature, and performing arts.

Download or read book A Life in Storytelling written by Binnie Tate Wilkin and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2014-03-25 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Life in Storytelling contains the reflections and lessons from one of the most noted storytellers of our times. Fifty years of storytelling has provided Binnie Tate Wilkin with the experiences and insights to form the basis of a text for the storyteller, both for the professional librarian, teacher or parent wanting to provide children with substance through story. The sections of the book are designed to provide background material for the art and craft of storytelling, the methods and uses of storytelling, sources and examples of stories, and a broad selection of over 100 stories briefly annotated. Included are sections that explain how to derive or adapt stories from current events, history, or imaginative writings and a detailed treatment in the use of dance in storytelling, a technique that, if not invented by Wilkin, has become a trademark of her approach. The treatment is always informal and personal and is interleaved with anecdotes drawn from the author’s more than 50 years of storytelling.

Download or read book Ancient Mythology of Modern Science written by Gregory Schrempp and published by McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. This book was released on 2012-03-09 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Humans have long been captivated by mythology and theorized about the lessons embedded in their tales. In The Ancient Mythology of Modern Science, Gregory Schrempp brings a mythologist's critical eye to popular science writing, a flourishing genre that forms a key link between science and popular consciousness. Schrempp argues that the defining and appealing characteristic of this genre is not simplification or "dumbing-down," but the attempt to parlay scientific findings into aesthetically and morally compelling visions that offer guidance for humanity. Schrempp argues that in striving for inspirational visions, popular science invariably reproduces - with ingenious invention - the structures, strategies, and cosmic imagery that infuse traditional mythological views of the cosmos. His claim challenges the widespread tendency to separate myth and science. Schrempp considers both the intellectual history of mythography and concrete examples from world mythologies including ancient Greek, Oceanic, and Native American. Schrempp's explorations span a range of fields, including astronomy, evolutionary biology, and cognitive science. In a world informed, transformed, and sometimes mesmerized by science, this book offers the first in-depth study of popular science writing from a mythologist's perspective.