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
