How to Create Imaginary Mythical Creatures for Fantasy Novel

Fantasy novels are the new talk of the town and readers are going crazy over this genre, especially if they have mythical creatures in it. Fourth Wing, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Titan’s Cruse, and many more are available for the readers to dive into a very new world.

But creating a mythical creature for a fantasy novel can be a little daunting and terrifying even for the best fantasy Ghostwriting Agency. That is why, this guide is here – you will learn how to create an imaginary mythical creature. 

So, let’s start this magical journey!

1. Brainstorming and Conceptualization 

You should always start the process by brainstorming and conceptualization. Spend some time to let your imagination run wild, and write down the ideas, sketches, and notes as they come to you. Also, consider the environment in which your creature will dwell, their behaviors, powers, and relationships with other beings in your fictional world. 

It will be food if you allow yourself the freedom to explore unconventional ideas and combinations as there is where you can truly create creatures that grip your reader’s attention.    

For Example: 

His dark Material series – the fantastical creatures like daemons are integral to the world-building and plot. 

2. Create Unique Traits and Characteristics

The most thrilling element that you must add to your mythical creatures is their distinctive traits and characteristics. You should take care of their physical appearance such as size, shape, coloration, and texture. In addition to this, think about their anatomy and how it reflects their abilities and behaviors. 

Are they winged beings who soar through the skies or burrowing creatures who are hidden beneath the earth? Do they possess magical powers, supernatural abilities, or extraordinary senses? These traits will define your creatures and shape their role within your story. 

For Example: 

The Stormlight Archive series – the unique spren creatures have varying forms and powers based on emotions.  

3. Symbolism and Meaning 

Mythical creatures mostly carry symbolic significance that represents abstract concepts, emotions, or societal themes. That is the reason why you should consider the deeper meaning behind your creatures and how they contribute to the thematic aura of your novel. 

You can make them struggle between good and evil, the balance of nature, or the resilience of the human spirit. When you infuse your creatures with symbolism and meaning, it will elevate them beyond mere fantasy constructs and give them resonance and relevance within your story. 

For Example: 

In The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien, Smaug symbolizes greed and power which add depth to the themes of heroism and temptation to the story. 

4. Building Cultural Context 

Just like in the real world where culture influences mythology and folklore, the cultural context of your fantasy world can also shape the creatures that inhabit it. You should go for societal norms, beliefs, and values of the civilization within your novel, as well as their interactions with the natural world. 

How do different cultures perceive and interact with mythical creatures? Are they revered as Gods, feared as monsters, or known as guardians? You can use the cultural content in your creature design to enrich the world-building and create a more immersive reading experience for your audience. 

For Example: 

N.K Jemisin’s The Inheritance Trilogy dives into the diverse cultural influences with mythical creatures that reflect the complex world’s societal structure and belief. 

5. Balancing Familiarity and Originality

 While it is tempting to create a whole new species of mythical creatures – there is also value in drawing up familiar archetypes and tropes. You should balance familiarity with originality that will allow you to get into the existing knowledge and expectations of the readers while still surprising them with fresh interpretations and twists.  

Furthermore, you can put a unique spin on classic creatures such s dragons, unicorns, or griffins to infuse them with new lore, abilities, or cultural significance. 

For Example: 

In The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski, the familiar mythical creatures like vampires and werewolves are reimagined within a rich and original world. 

6. Testing And Refinements 

As you develop the creature, don’t be afraid to test out the different ideas and iterations. You can share your concept with trusted beta readers, fellow writers, or online communities to gather feedback and perspectives. 

Also, pay attention to how readers respond to your creatures and note what aspects align most strongly and where improvement could be made. Refinement is an essential part of the creative process and you must embrace the feedback to polish your creatures. 

Conclusion

So, if you have to create an imaginary mythical creature, you should look for little details. Whether they are dragons, griffins, fairies, werewolves, or anything else, you must know about them to create the best version. Go through this short guide and ensure you are on the right path.