: Re: How to write a convincing religious myth? In my story the protagonist hears, in a temple ceremony, the reading of a religious/mythological text. Now in the actual story, I don't need the text

@Holmes449

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I'd say the central component of a religious text is an element within it that is magical and unexplainable, and somebody is a subject of that (whether they like it or not).

The pagans believed everything had a soul and agency, not just all animals but rocks, the sky, trees and plants, rivers, mountains, the moon and sun ... everything. The river could be angry, and that could be beyond your control, but you might be able to placate it.

The Greeks truly believed their pantheon of Gods were real beings they might meet on the road or in the forest.

To create a religious text with an Oracle, I'd describe the oracle as connected to a higher supernatural power, the gods themselves, and she is infallible, omniscient in her trance.

I'd describe your supplicant as a greedy and vain person, trying to get away with a cheap sacrifice. But the oracle knows of this stain on his soul, and punishes him for it by giving him exactly the advice that he will believe and will provide his comeuppance.

Because that is what the oracle DOES with fools vain enough to think they can hide a lie from her. It is a tale of pride going before a fall, of hubris, of your supplicant thinking he can prevail over the gods themselves. And a warning to any that hear this tale, to not be as foolish as that poor bastard and suffer his fate.

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