The key lies in borrowing thoughtfully—respecting the source material while reshaping it into something that feels original, fresh, and uniquely yours. Let’s explore how you can do exactly that.
Why Mythology Speaks to Us
Myths endure because they’re rooted in universal human experience. They tackle questions of life, death, love, betrayal, courage, and the unknown. Whether it’s Persephone’s descent into the underworld or Anansi’s clever tricks, these stories resonate across cultures because they reflect our deepest fears and hopes.
As a writer, mythology gives you ready-made foundations: gods and monsters, epic quests, heroes who rise and fall. But the real magic happens when you take these elements and use them as springboards rather than blueprints.
Step One – Find the Core Theme
Before you start adapting, ask yourself: What is this myth really about? Strip away the surface details and uncover the theme at its heart.
For example:
- The story of Icarus isn’t just about wings of wax—it’s about hubris, ambition, and the danger of flying too high.
- Norse Ragnarok isn’t just a battle of gods—it’s about cycles of destruction and renewal.
- Kitsune myths from Japan aren’t only about shapeshifting foxes—they’re about transformation, deception, and wisdom.
Once you know the core theme, you can retell it in endless ways—through new settings, characters, or even genres.
Step Two – Change the Lens
One of the simplest ways to make mythology your own is to change perspective. Instead of focusing on the well-known hero, tell the story through a minor character—or even the villain.
Imagine the tale of Perseus and Medusa told from Medusa’s perspective. Or what if you wrote the Trojan War not from the battlefield, but from the eyes of a healer trying to keep soldiers alive? By shifting the lens, you uncover fresh emotional terrain while staying connected to mythic roots.
Step Three – Blend Cultures and Traditions
Some of the most compelling modern fantasy fuses myths from multiple traditions. This doesn’t mean carelessly mixing and matching (respect and research are essential), but thoughtfully finding where different mythologies echo each other.
For example:
- The flood myths found in Mesopotamian, Hindu, and Native American traditions could inspire a story about humanity’s shared memory of disaster.
- Trickster figures like Loki, Anansi, and Coyote could all influence a single character, drawing threads from multiple traditions into one mischievous archetype.
The trick is balance—honor the differences while weaving together common themes.
Step Four – Reimagine the Setting
You don’t need to place myths in their original time and place. Shift the context and watch the story transform.
- What if Hades and Persephone’s tale played out in a futuristic city where seasons are controlled by technology?
- How would Thor’s hammer look in a steampunk world?
- Could Baba Yaga’s chicken-legged hut be reimagined as a spaceship drifting through the stars?
The essence of the myth remains, but the setting makes it feel new.
Step Five – Create Your Own Pantheon
Sometimes you don’t want to retell an existing myth—you want to build one of your own. Study the structure of mythology to see how it works:
- Myths explain natural phenomena.
- They establish moral lessons.
- They give heroes trials and divine gifts.
By understanding these patterns, you can create legends for your world that feel authentic. Readers may not know why, but your invented myths will carry that same weight of timeless truth.
Step Six – Respect the Source
One of the most important considerations when drawing from mythology is respect. These stories are sacred to many cultures, and they’re not just “free ideas” to strip-mine. Do your research. Understand the cultural context. If you’re inspired by living traditions, approach with care and acknowledgment.
Respect doesn’t limit creativity—it deepens it. When you understand the original meaning, your retelling becomes richer, layered, and more powerful.
Examples in Modern Writing
If you need inspiration, look at how other authors have done it:
- Neil Gaiman’s American Gods reimagines deities in modern America, surviving on belief.
- Madeline Miller’s Circe retells a Greek myth from the perspective of a “minor” goddess, giving her voice and depth.
- Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series introduces Greek myths to a modern audience through YA adventure.
Each author borrows from mythology but reshapes it in ways that feel completely new.
Final Thoughts
Mythology isn’t meant to be locked away in the past—it’s meant to live, breathe, and evolve. As a writer, you have the power to bring these ancient stories into new worlds, giving them fresh form while honoring their timeless essence.
So don’t be afraid to draw on myths. Just remember: the goal isn’t to copy but to converse. Take what resonates, respect the roots, and weave something that only you could create. That’s how legends live on.
