Myths are stories that explain a natural
phenomenon. Before humans found scientific explanations for such
things as the moon and the sun and rainbows, they tried to understand
them by telling stories. These tales — which often include
gods and goddesses and other supernatural characters who have the
power to make extraordinary things happen — remain popular
today. We will examine a few of these stories and then you will start to think about writing your own myth.
Lesson taken from http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/mythmachine.htm
Links to Examples of Myths
Myth and Legends Showcase
Examples of Natural Phenomenon Myths
Follow these five steps.
1. Pick out the natural phenomenon
you want to write about.
Make it something that really interests you. You might want to think about the way a single rainstorm
can cause a flood. Or think about the way
a snowstorm can cover the ground like an icy blanket. Consider the way the tide comes in and out each
day.
2. Observe carefully.
It helps to know a thing well before trying to make up a story about
it. The old myths were created by poets and storytellers who were
well-acquainted with nature. Find out as much as you can about the
natural phenomenon that you've chosen. Do some research and find
out what it is scientifically — and read what other storytellers
have said about it.
3.
Write down what is actual about the phenomenon.
Keep a record of what you have observed or read. What are the smells,
sights, and sounds connected to this natural phenomenon? If you
are artistic, you might want to try drawing sketches or painting
pictures. Think of yourself as a reporter, not a storyteller.
4. Write down key words
from your research.
If you're researching the desert, the words you find could be:
sand,
rain,
gully,
wash. Then look in a thesaurus
or dictionary to find as many synonyms, phrases, and meanings for
your words as you can. For example, under "sand" you might find
grain,
granule,
gravel,
shingle,
powder,
pulverizer. As you are writing those words down, think about
the images behind them. It's those images that will help you build
your myth. For example, I thought of a pepper grinder when I reached
the word
pulverizer. Once you've got a picture in your mind,
it's time for the big WHAT IF. . . ?
5. Ask yourself, WHAT IF?
Hop onto your image and head off into myth land. This is the point
from which you need to start brainstorming! Take a picture in your
mind of what an aspect of the world would be like if certain events
happened. Then use this "what if" to create a story that explains
why the natural phenomenon exists. The story can be as
fantastic as you want.
For example, take the pepper grinder
from Step 4. What if there was a chef to the gods who lived in a
beautiful green countryside but became upset one day because no
one ever complimented his cooking? While wandering around, he sat
under one of those beautiful green trees and wished (always be careful
what you wish for in a myth) that he could somehow make the gods
take notice. And suddenly in front of him was a special pepper grinder
that said, "Use me, and you will be noticed." And so the chef took
the pepper grinder and used it that evening as he was seasoning
the gods' stew. But instead of churning out pepper, it ground out
sand — more sand than the chef had ever seen! The sand kept
pouring out, completely covering the beautiful green countryside.
And thus the desert came into existence.
Are
you ready to write your myth? Then let's begin!
Pretend you have an audience of the
king's court before you. Or that you are in a cave with other cave
painters trying to summon the sun or the rain. Or think of yourself
as a griot in an African village who is about to explain to your
people how the world began. Using your brainstorming observations
and ideas, write a story that explains a phenomenon in the natural
world that you've experienced or witnessed on TV. You can pick almost
anything — a snowstorm, an earthquake, or even a rainy day.
Be as creative as you can — let your imagination run wild!
If you need more help, try using the
Myth Brainstorming Machine to get your ideas flowing.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/mythmachine.htm
