That's right. Gods and Goddesses rule the realm of fantasy more often than not. Sometimes it is just one higher being or a whole plethora. Well, pantheon, if you want to be technical about it.
Gods and Goddesses can play a significant role in your world, or they can just be casual mentions. Their involvement is entirely up to you.
They can either roam the world in avatars, walking, working, living side by side with their creations. Or, they can live high above the world, looking down on what they have created, pushing people through their lives like puppet masters.
They can be cruel or loving. Generous or miserly. Full of wrath and hate for their creations or compassion.
Maybe the gods were at war and humans, Elves and Dwarves became their champions or they were just a nasty side effect of their magical battles.
In my world, their was one creator, Ioweth. He created the earth and everything in it. The other gods and goddesses came about through the power of prayer and energy. Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Ogres, whatever the race, if there was a significant need for something like protection from bandits while traveling, their plea would be heard and out of the energies of the world, a deity would be "born".
Some choose to remain apart from the world, others choose to interact. Fizanu is the goddess of Justice and her Champion is the Black Rose. She speaks to him, gave him longevity and special weapons and he makes the world a better place for those who seek justice but are unable for whatever reason to take care of it themselves.
So think about if you want your world to include deities or just one higher being and the role they play in the lives of those living on earth.
15 comments:
You could really have a lot of fun with them. I opted not to use any in my books though. Wasn't ready to add that layer yet.
I write historical (Celtic and Roman Gods and goddesses getting a mention) though not fantasy, but my 'E' post was about Etain otherwise known as Epona the Horse Goddess. Nice world you're creating! Nancy at Welcome to she said, he said
I use deities as a main group of characters in my story. Always love reading about gods and goddesses to add more inspiration for my works
Interesting, and possibly extremely complex. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge and I look forward to visiting again.
Sylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
@ Alex ~ That definitely is a layer that takes time to figure out. :D
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate the comments I get. :)
A worlds gods always seem to have such interesting backstories and, sometimes, can be a good foundation when 'world building'.
Cool post! Just stopping by from the A-Z. Love reading and hearing about different Gods. My housemate studied Ancient Greek at uni and we used to come in from nights out and have her regail us with tales! I loved it and I love considering the influence a higher being might be having on all of us right now :) Great post!
Being a big fan of mythologies, I had to create gods/goddesses for the first fantasy world I made. They're almost as much fun as the humans. :)
Have not considered writing about Gods, but I do have to come up with a supreme ruler for my Protectors, so maybe you just gave me an idea! Great post lady,
For my current WIP I've been researching Norse mythology, but I've been crazy about Greek Gods and Goddesses since childhood.
All inspired by books I've read.
@ Mark ~ Yes, the back stories of the deities are almost as much fun as the characters in the rest of the world.
@ Burkester ~ I love Greek mythology with a passion!
@ Cherie ~ I agree! ;)
@ Hildie ~ Ooh, I hope I helped to inspire!
@ Donna ~ I've been fascinated by Greek, Roman, Norse mythology and Egyptian almost my entire life. I read all the stories, read fables and everything. Mythology is my blood. :D
I've not actually attempted to write about any dieties before--characters who thought they were gods, but none actual ;)
Hi,
I love fantasy books that include gods and goddesses. Even more so when they are the equivalent of ones I already know.
You've inspired me to write a short story concerning gods actually. I've been having writers block for a while and wanted a short story to write, so thank you.
Stacey
http://stillsofmylife.blogspot.co.uk/
Hey, that's awesome Stacey! Good luck and when it's done, I'd love to check it out. :D
I love putting in a pantheon of gods in my stories - they're usually based on Celtic mythology, so you get some interesting characters :)
Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom
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