Mythology

[Tiger]

I have a story swirling around in my head, but it covers mythology from multiple religions of the past as well as a few modern ones. While it is primarily Norse and Greek, there are elements of others as well. I want to be as genuine as possible. I want to know if anyone knows of any good reading materials on these subjects. The story involves elves, which of course are derived mostly from Norse mythology, but I find the idea of a universe in which gods of many religions exist and even have planets throughout the galaxy who still worship them. I haven't written anything major in about 5 years, mainly due to my unstable mental health, but I'm finally on a cocktail of medications that are keeping my depression and anxiety disorders stable. Of course, having a wonderful therapist and community support specialist are the real key for me. I am ready to dive into this new project. I have a beta reader already on board for the project. I won't start releasing chapters until Part 1 is finished, but I think once I get started, I won't be able to stop. Just like reading, when I find a good story to write, I just cannot put it down. Here is a list of Mythology, Creatures, and religions I need to research for the project. 

 

1. Norse
2. Greek
3. Shinto Religion
4. Egyptian
5. Hindu
6. Buddhist
7. Druidism
8. Elves
9. Dwarves
10. Dragons
11. Kitsunes

[Valkyrie]

I can't help you with the resources, but it sounds like an interesting story.  I look forward to reading it.

[JamesSavik]

It's very hard to find but the old Deities and Demigods D&D manual would be just what you are looking for. That is of course if the Baptists haven't succeeded in burning them all.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deities_%26_Demigods

[Tiger]

I can't help you with the resources, but it sounds like an interesting story.  I look forward to reading it.

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

 

It's very hard to find but the old Deities and Demigods D&D manual would be just what you are looking for. That is of course if the Baptists haven't succeeded in burning them all.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deities_%26_Demigods

 

It seems that the Baptists would have to burn down Amazon's distribution network to destroy the books. Arson on that scale is terrorism and mass murder, so I think the best they can do is boycott Amazon, which is also counterproductive, since Amazon is a major marketplace for Christian literature and media. Thanks by the way. Amazon even has the 1st edition, although it is rather pricey. 

[Aditus]

I just wrote a piece for the spring anthology and I had to look up Babylonian Gods and religion.

 

Usually I google the names of gods first and then go from there. Wikipedia is the place I go first, then I look at the sources at the end of the page. It's sometimes helpful, if you can read the articles in different languages.

 

There are also lists of angles/gods, who appear in different religions.

 

I found this very interesting. Again you can go from this article to explore further.

Edited February 21, 2016 by aditus

[asamvav111]

Wikipedia is a good place to start to get the basics. If you have a lot of time to research and want authentic texts, this free archive is a wonderful resource: http://www.sacred-texts.com/

 

Best of luck for the story. It sounds interesting. Take care of your health.

[Former Member]

2. Greek = Myths and Mysteries of Same-Sex Love, Christine Downing. New York, 1991

 

4. Egyptian = The Gods of the Egyptians, E.A. Wallis Budge. London, 1904 (but reprinted in unabridged facsimile by Dover Press, 1969) 

Edited July 27, 2018 by AC Benus

[Former Member]

2 and 5) Bullfinch's Mythology, Thomas Bullfinch. Reprint, New York 1993 by Random House. There is a fine section on Brahmanism and the major Hindu gods.  

 

3) Shinto = Japanese Religion, A Survey by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Kodansha International. Tokyo, 1981

 

6) Buddhism = The Teaching of Buddha, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (Buddhist Promoting Foundation). Tokyo, 1966   

 

12) Shamanistic and Christ overlay = Jesus and the Shamanistic Tradition of Same-Sex Love, Will Roscoe. San Francisco, 2004 

 

 

Edited July 27, 2018 by AC Benus

[MrM]

Well I am using this web site for some of the things I forgot about Greek Mythology: http://www.theoi.com/

 

It's been really useful for my mythological piece The Seashell.

 

For Norse stuff, you're going to think I'm weird, but try Marvel's Thor. They broke down the whole cosmology of Asgard and Midgard and everything. Cross reference that with Viking sagas and Marvel did a pretty good job of covering the Norse idea of the universe: http://marvel.com/universe/Asgard

Edited February 22, 2016 by MrM

[asamvav111]

Well I am using this web site for some of the things I forgot about Greek Mythology: http://www.theoi.com/

 

 

Yes Theoi is as excellent authentic resource. Sorry I forgot to mention this. Been a while since I've been there.