Mythical creatures are woven into the fabric of fantasy fiction; they bring intrigue and danger, but sometimes quite a lot of humour, too. Creation takes a degree of imagination, but they significantly benefit from considered worldbuilding, culture, and characterisation, too. Whether your inspiration is drawn from the creatures of British folklore or created fresh for this occasion, this guide will take you through building beings that feel imaginative, yet believable, and will suck readers deeper into your fantasy world.
Step 1: Establish the Role of Your Mythical Creatures
What will the role of your magical creatures be? First of all, to create mythical creatures, you need to define what place they occupy in your story. Will they be powerful allies, mysterious foes, or neutral beings holding the balance of nature? If you can define a role for them, it further will help shape how they will interact with your plot and characters.
Step 2: Develop the Physical Attributes and Abilities
Once you have some idea of what they are for, start thinking about what your creatures look like and what kind of powers they might have. Are they towering monsters with eyes that shine like lanterns in the dark, or sleek, winged animals that softly glow? Think about how this could affect the way they move, the way they relate to one another, or even the way they are perceived by other characters. Remember that their magical limitations can be just as important as their powers and strengths.
Step 3: Define Their Origins and Culture
Where is the origin of these mythical creatures? Their origins can add depth to your world. Are they ancient beings connected with the history of your setting? Do they have their own societies, traditions, or even languages? Giving an imaginary culture to your creature will make them feel like a part of your fantasy world.
In your own writing, consider how your creatures fit into your world’s history. Are they ancient beings, tied to the land’s magical lore, like the Jesters in Fool Me Twice?
Don’t forget to develop their societal structure. Do they have a hierarchy? Religious beliefs? Are there rituals they perform, or specific taboos they follow? For instance, in Fool Me Twice, the decisions of characters like Lani and Tillandra are shaped by larger forces and cultural pressures, adding layers to their personal struggles.
By defining their origins and culture, you create a deeper narrative where your mythical creatures feel both unique and essential to your fantasy world’s fabric.
Step 4: Incorporate Personality and Behavior
Don’t let your magical creatures just be a prop in the background. Are they a strong protector or a sly trickster? Perhaps there might be any other quirks or maybe behaviours that make them different from others? Describe how they would act and react in different situations to make it interesting to your readers.
Step 5: Create a Habitat and Ecosystem
Every creature needs a home. The habitat you design for your mythical beings should reflect their nature and abilities. Be it enchanted forests, icy mountain peaks, or under the ocean’s depths, their environment can shape how they live, what they eat, and even their relationships with other species.
Consider the rich ecologies shared in British fantasy-the settings almost become a character unto their own.
Step 6: Writing Creatures in Action
Now that you have designed your creatures, it’s time to bring them onto the page. How do they move? How do they fight or fly or use their powers? Show their actions in detail in a way that readers would feel as though they had plunged into the scene, and any happening with the creatures is thrilling and dynamic. This is all about making your readers feel the presence of these beings in every interaction.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Creatures Memorable
Mythical creatures can take your fantasy world from great to fantastic. You can create beings with depth and personality, a place within the world of your story, with which readers will identify for a very long time after they have finished reading your book. If you want to learn more about British authors who create outstanding mythical creatures, check out British Authors and sample a range of fantasy writers with engaging worlds!
