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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11927-The-Mythic-Warrior.html
Fantasy: May 24, 2023 Issue [#11927]




 This week: The Mythic Warrior
  Edited by: NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

“He was the mythic Warrior, the protector of magic, defender of causes, even those not his own. His body was a weapon, and a beautiful one.” ― Zoe Archer


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

The Mythic Warrior


Men and women, gods, monsters, heroes from fable and mythology, soldiers and firefighters: the mythical warrior has many faces and professions depending on the period of the story. Traditionally, the mythical warrior comes from fairy tales and folk lore. The type is heavily represented all across mythology. Ancient warriors are almost automatically mythical warriors. Think Hansel & Gretel, Achilles, or Jeanne D'Arc.

The most obvious traits of the mythical warrior are toughness, being courageous, and working tirelessly toward the accomplishment of tasks. Obstacles and difficulties don't stand in the way of the mythological warrior for very long as he will achieve the goal no matter what. The idealized mythical warrior shows compassion and is in the fight for something bigger. Instead of wanting things for himself, he focuses on what he can do for others.

A common problem for the mythological warrior is a simplified worldview of good versus bad. Even with good intentions, the mythological warrior might overlook peaceful conflict resolutions when they present themselves. The modern mythical warrior who is represented as a police officer or in the military will have family issues due to long hours at work and an obsession with training.

Warrior also breaks down neatly into seven principles

Wealth: Generous and resourceful, the warrior amasses wealth in the form of human connections, health, and assets.

Awake: The warrior is both physically and mentally present in every moment.

Raison d'Etre: The warrior stands for something and understands the assignment. He fulfills it with purpose and drive.

Replenish: Rest and recovery are taken serious to prevent being tired or weary in the face of adversity.

Invictus: The warrior cannot be conquered.

Original: Each warrior wants to be unique and embraces authenticity and even vulnerability.

Reverent: The warrior follows a code and will not be bribed or blackmailed to go back on it.

As you craft your mythical warrior for your fantasy story, be sure to give him some or all of these principles. These traits are easily recognizable and help you to tell the story. While leaning on an archetype can feel "too easy," you can make him or her the unicorn that the story needs.

Do you prefer the classic white, male mythic warrior or do you like to see the archetype modernized?


Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2150729 by Not Available.

Weary Warrior Open in new Window. (E)
In answer to a personification challenge, a soldier ponders his retirement.
#2164923 by SandraLynn Author IconMail Icon

The Warrior's Weapon Open in new Window. (18+)
A skilled warrior fights to survive a vicious assault. Can she even the odds?
#1875942 by Sir Various Author IconMail Icon

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The Last Enchantment Open in new Window. (18+)
Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.
#2292908 by A E Willcox Author IconMail Icon

 The young fairy and the sprite Open in new Window. (E)
A young warrior fairy is tested
#2233659 by Goblin Slayer Author IconMail Icon

 The Arena - Complex Fantasy/Fiction Open in new Window. (13+)
My attempt to write in GRRM's complex sentence structure. Seeking in-depth content review.
#2130690 by Xander Scott Author IconMail Icon

 Forest Fantasy Open in new Window. (13+)
Kjel the warrior is lost in the Eternal Forest
#2232942 by Cody Michael Author IconMail Icon

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BOOK
The People of Glass  Open in new Window. (18+)
Grieving 11-year-old Sigrun must find someone to answer the needs of the innocent.
#1877630 by Joto-Kai Author IconMail Icon

 
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Zelensky: An unlikely warrior Open in new Window. (13+)
In the Russo-Ukrainian war, not all Russians are enemies.
#2289839 by LightinMind Author IconMail Icon

 Wendelgard the Warrior Maiden Open in new Window. (18+)
A 18-year-old giantess from Stormgard in A.D. 995 defends the citizens of Lilliput!
#2277150 by Riverd0g Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

Replies to my last Fantasy newsletter "Epic Short Story in Ten TomesOpen in new Window. that asked Do you prefer fantasy short stories or rather novels or even series?

s Author Icon wrote: Do you prefer fantasy short stories or rather novels or even series?

Personally, I like a good, tight fantasy short story. A Robert E. Howard tale of a couple of thousand words is plenty. Otherwise, I don't mind a good standalone novel.

I have come to dislike series. It's like many fantasy writers feel they have to write a trilogy or (more often nowadays) tetralogy, or even longer. My issue is that with series I forget who did what and who is who, and so it becomes an exercise in memory or flicking back and so I lose the pacing of the story. I do like good standalone novels; I don't even mind if they have recurring cgaracters (Fritz Leiber's tales of Fafhrd & The Gray Mouser come to mind). But standalones are becoming rarer as authors feel their stories deserve 267 volumes.

For example, I gave up on 'Wheel Of Time' and 'Game Of Thrones' because I just couldn't get all the characters, especially when they disappear for a few hundred pages.

Beholden Author Icon wrote: Thank you for including my short story, The Messenger, among your Editor's Picks.

In answer to the question at the end of your article, although I have a fantasy world that has taken most of my life to build up and detail, I also enjoy writing short stories set within less detailed worlds. This enables me to make brief statements without having to develop things beyond a few important highlights that the reader can then play with if they're interested. My troll series is an example of limited world building within short stories.

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