War, blood, honor, loyalty, tradition, mythical creatures, magic, the supernatural—these powerful themes echo through the myths and legends of ancient civilizations across the globe.
For centuries, these stories have captivated the human imagination and served as an endless well of inspiration for writers.
From Homer to Suzanne Collins, countless authors have drawn from mythology to create unforgettable masterpieces.
If you’re looking to spark incredible ideas for your own novel, you’re in the right place. This post is packed with inspiration straight from the legendary tales that shaped cultures and continue to fuel bestselling fiction today. (Check this post too for more inspiration.)
After all, I believe that legends and myths are largely made of ‘truth’.
j. r. r. Tolkien
Would you like to write about one of these topics? Or maybe use mythology as the foundation for your plot? Whether you’re a seasoned author or a newbie learning how to write a novel, the truth is, mythology is a goldmine of stories, conflicts, characters, and plotlines—and it’s deeply connected to the very birth of literature.
Genres like fantasy, horror, adventure, and dystopia have stood out over time thanks to their imaginative characters, eerie settings, and supernatural beings. They offer us myths and magic, legends and lore, set in extraordinary worlds where heroes rise to face incredible odds.
Chances are, you’ve already heard of some of the most iconic myths—like the Olympian gods Zeus and Hera, or the Norse deities Odin and Thor who dwell in Valhalla. These legendary figures are deeply tied to fantasy. Since ancient times, humanity has looked to them to spark creative visions and explain the mysteries of the natural world.
Diving into this mythological realm—shaped by the cultures and religions of ancient civilizations—means exploring the core of identity and tradition across global societies.
To help you get started, here’s a brief guide to the mythologies that have powerfully influenced literature. Use it as inspiration for building your world or shaping your next big story idea.
Before we get started…
First, it’s important to understand that every culture has its own mythology. These myths can vary widely depending on the folklore of each region, and over time, they evolve—shaping and influencing local customs, traditions, and even behavior.
The word mythology originates from the Greek words mythos, meaning “story of the people,” and logos, meaning “speech.” In ancient times, poets and storytellers passed down sacred tales about gods, supernatural beings, and heroic adventures.
These stories often feature extraordinary creatures and powerful deities, allowing for rich, vivid narratives filled with unexplainable events, fantastical settings, and natural phenomena controlled by divine forces.
While the terms myth and legend are often used interchangeably, they do carry subtle differences. Myths typically involve gods and creation stories, while legends are more rooted in historical or semi-historical figures and events. Still, the line between the two is often blurred, especially in storytelling.
Let’s get into it:
Greek myths and legends
Some of the most influential works you can turn to for inspiration from Greek mythology are the epic poems of Homer: The Iliad and The Odyssey. These timeless stories revolve around the events of the Trojan War and offer a deep look into the lives of the gods—and how they directly influenced the actions and destinies of mortals.
Much of the narrative centers on tragedy, where the fate and misfortunes of heroes are often determined by the whims of the gods. The ancient Greeks had an expansive pantheon of deities they worshipped, each one embodying powerful traits and roles within the universe.
This structure—where divine beings guide or manipulate human actions—can be a powerful storytelling tool for your own writing. By weaving in gods or higher powers, you can add layers of tension, fate, and moral complexity to your plot.
Among the many fascinating figures you might draw inspiration from are:
- Zeus, ruler of the gods, master of lightning and the sky
- Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, love, and desire
- Apollo, god of the sun, music, and protector of truth and paternal rights
…and countless others, each rich in symbolism and story potential.
Some fascinating creatures from Greek mythology you can use to bring your story to life include:
- Centaurs – Half-human, half-horse beings known for their strength, wild nature, and occasional wisdom.
- Giants – Towering beings often in conflict with the gods, representing chaos and raw power.
- Chimera – A fearsome fire-breathing monster with the heads of a lion, a goat, and a serpent for a tail.
- Sphinx – A mysterious creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, often posing riddles to test the worth of heroes.
- Pegasus – The legendary winged stallion, symbolizing freedom, divine inspiration, and heroic journeys.
- Spartae – Skeletal warriors dressed in ancient armor, said to be born from the blood of a dragon’s teeth—creatures of violence and vengeance.
- Unicorns – While more commonly associated with later European myths, unicorns sometimes appear in ancient lore as symbols of purity and magic.
- Seagoats – Mythical hybrids with the upper body of a goat and the tail of a fish, linked to Capricorn and deep, ancient wisdom.
- Panes – Mischievous woodland creatures with the upper body of a man and the lower body (and horns) of a goat—closely related to the god Pan and known for their playful, untamed energy.
Each of these creatures can add texture, symbolism, and excitement to your narrative—whether you’re writing epic battles, mysterious encounters, or magical world-building.
Mythological Storylines You Can Use for Inspiration
If you’re looking for powerful, symbolic storylines rooted in Greek mythology, here are some gripping legends that can serve as the foundation for unforgettable plots:
- The Legend of Agriopas – After tasting the viscera of a human child, Agriopas was cursed and transformed into a wolf for ten years. A chilling tale of punishment and transformation that’s perfect for horror, dark fantasy, or shapeshifter stories.
- Laocoön and the Serpents – As he tried to warn the Trojans about the true purpose of the wooden horse, the gods sent two giant sea serpents to silence Laocoön forever. A tale of betrayal, divine interference, and the cost of truth.
- Theseus and the Minotaur – To end the cruel tradition of sacrificing youths to the Minotaur, Theseus entered the labyrinth and slew the beast. With the help of Ariadne and her thread, he found his way out. This classic story blends heroism, romance, and strategy—ideal for any genre.
- Prometheus and the Fire of the Gods – Prometheus defied Zeus by stealing fire and giving it to humankind. As punishment, he was condemned to eternal torment. A powerful theme of rebellion, sacrifice, and the price of progress.
- The Tragedy of Icarus – Icarus and his father Daedalus crafted wings to escape captivity. But Icarus flew too close to the sun, melting the wax and plummeting to his death. A poetic reminder of the dangers of ambition and hubris.
- King Midas and the Golden Touch – Midas was granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold—but his gift quickly became a curse when even his loved ones were affected. A cautionary tale about greed, desire, and unintended consequences.
- Pandora’s Box – Driven by curiosity, Pandora opened a mysterious box that released all the evils into the world—leaving only hope inside. This myth is perfect for stories about temptation, consequence, and the resilience of the human spirit.
- The Danaides – In a chilling tale of betrayal, the Danaides—fifty sisters—murdered their husbands on their wedding night. As punishment, they were sentenced to an eternal task: filling a bottomless vessel. A dark, haunting story that explores vengeance, guilt, and eternal punishment.
These storylines are filled with emotional depth, symbolism, and drama—perfect for adapting into your own novel, whether you’re writing fantasy, tragedy, or even modern retellings.
Norse Myths and Legends
Norse mythology is one of the most fascinating and rich sources of inspiration for writers. What makes it especially captivating is that it reflects the beliefs, values, and way of life of a real society—the Vikings—who laid the foundations for many of today’s cultural laws and traditions.
According to experts, each Norse myth is more than just a story—it’s a lesson, a legacy of divine knowledge passed down from the gods to humankind. These myths were not only spiritual teachings but also blueprints for how to live, fight, and honor one’s ancestors.
Norse mythology offers a unique cosmogony: it describes the creation of the world as a dramatic, elemental event. When the gods entered the kingdom of fire, they struck two mighty bolts of lightning—one to form the sun, the other to create the moon. From the leftover sparks, the stars were born. Epic, right?
The gods and creatures who populated this universe were nothing short of legendary. Giants of immense power threatened the order of the cosmos, while gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja fought to maintain balance. For the Vikings, life did not end with death—those who died bravely in battle were welcomed into Valhalla, the majestic hall of the slain, where they would feast and prepare for Ragnarok, the final battle.
Whether you’re writing fantasy, action, or even historical fiction, Norse mythology offers timeless archetypes and bold narratives that can elevate your storytelling.
Creatures and Characters from Norse Mythology
Norse mythology is filled with powerful gods, mystical beings, and terrifying creatures that can bring depth and drama to any story. Here are some of the most iconic ones you can draw inspiration from:
- Odin, Thor, and Freya – The principal gods of the Norse pantheon. Odin is the all-father and god of wisdom and war, Thor is the thunder-wielding protector of mankind, and Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, and battle.
- Giants – Often the main antagonists in Norse myths, giants (or Jötnar) represent chaos and are locked in constant struggle with the gods.
- Elves – Ethereal and beautiful, these semi-divine beings have pale skin and are often associated with light and magic.
- Dwarfs – Skilled craftsmen who dwell in labyrinthine mines. They forged many powerful items for the gods, including Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir.
- Valkyries – Fierce female warriors who serve Odin. They choose who dies in battle and escort the worthy to Valhalla.
- Jörmungandr – A colossal sea serpent, son of Loki, cast into the ocean by Odin. It is said to encircle the entire world.
- Fenrir – A monstrous wolf and another of Loki’s children. Feared by the gods, he was bound by magical chains to prevent the chaos he would bring.
If you’re looking for a tool to help organize your research and bring your mythological ideas to life, Scrivener is a fantastic option. Scrivener allows you to easily structure your novel, store notes on characters, and track your world-building elements—perfect for writing fantasy, horror, or adventure stories inspired by myths and legends. With its user-friendly interface and powerful organizational tools, Scrivener helps you focus on what matters most: your creativity. Give it a try and see how it can elevate your writing process!
Powerful Norse Plotlines to Explore
Looking to craft a compelling story rooted in Norse mythology? These legendary plotlines are filled with emotion, conflict, and divine drama:
- Odin’s Sacrifice – Odin gives up one of his eyes in exchange for profound wisdom, proving the great lengths he’ll go to gain knowledge and power.
- The Birth of Humanity – According to Norse myth, the gods created the first humans from two pieces of driftwood they found on the shore of the newly formed world.
- Ragnarök – The Final Battle – The gods and giants engage in an epic war that determines the fate of the world. Many die, but from the ashes, a new world rises—offering a powerful theme of destruction and rebirth.
I’m sure many of the elements of the Norse mythology were familiar to you. They are certainly present in many different stories from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling to The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Roman myths and legends
Closely linked to religious aspects, Roman mythology is not as fictitious as Greek or Nordic mythology, as it narrates fundamental situations about the lives of men and their preparation for life.
In Roman mythology, the gods are responsible for protecting humans from the dangers of nature, safeguarding their crops, and watching over the lands they ruled. It was during this time that the famous temples began to appear, where people worshiped deities. This also marked the beginning of the conflict with Christianity, which could be an interesting topic for further exploration.
Believe it or not, Roman mythology still has a significant influence today. For example, the current lunar calendar includes the names of Roman gods, such as Venus, the goddess of fertility and love; Jupiter, the father of all gods and men; and Mars, the god of war and violence.
Some of the creatures in Roman mythology include:
- Faun: A bipedal, half-human, half-goat creature
- Lemures: Spirits of the dead
- Abarimon: People with feet turned backwards who could run at remarkable speeds
- Cacus: A fire-breathing giant
- Caladrius: A bird that inhabits the chambers of kings and can absorb illness before flying away
Useful plot ideas:
- Romulus and Remus: Twin brothers abandoned in a river, who were saved by the river’s spirit and fed by a wolf.
- Jupiter and the Bee: A queen bee flew to Jupiter and asked him to grant her a sting capable of killing the humans who were stealing her honey. Jupiter agreed, but because he loved humans, he warned her that using the sting would cost the bee her life.
- Cassandra: Apollo granted Cassandra the power of prophecy on the condition that she marry him. However, when she refused to honor her part of the deal, Apollo cursed her so that no one would believe her prophecies. People locked her up and considered her a lunatic. Tragically, no one listened to her warnings about the Trojan horse.
Myths and Legends from Egypt
Egyptian mythology boasts one of the most diverse pantheons of gods in the history of humankind. Deities such as Horus, the god of the sky, and Anubis, often depicted as a figure with the head of a dog, represent various elements like the earth, the moon, and the stars. The Egyptians held animals like cats, beetles, hawks, snakes, and hippos in sacred reverence. They even created legendary creatures, such as the sphinx, which had the body of a lion and the head of a woman, by combining different beings.
With the arrival of Christianity, many of these ancient beliefs began to fade. Tombs were looted and destroyed, causing the loss of much valuable information about Egyptian mythology. However, discoveries continue to be made about the culture and folklore of this civilization, making it an intriguing subject for a novel. Its great importance and influence are still felt today.
Some elements of Egyptian culture you could incorporate into your book include:
- Water Gods: The Egyptians believed in the existence of eight water gods, known as the Ogdoad. These gods were depicted with frog heads and existed in male-female pairs. They were inspired by the belief that, in the beginning, the Earth was made entirely of water.
- Osiris: The legend of Osiris tells the story of a king of Egypt who was killed and dismembered by his brother. His wife gathered the pieces and brought him back to life, allowing her to conceive a child. Osiris is typically depicted as a mummy.
- Ra: Ra was believed to be the creator of the world. The Egyptians thought he traveled through the sky every day, overseeing his creations. Kings considered themselves direct descendants of Ra.
- Horus: Horus is often depicted as either a falcon or a man with the head of a falcon.
Latin American Myths and Legends
Latin America is a vast and diverse region, with many countries sharing a common historical past. This shared history has led to many cultural similarities across the region. However, the variety of cultures within Latin America is immense, offering a wealth of fascinating stories and traditions worth exploring.
Within these countries, there are countless hidden stories that continue to play a significant role in the region’s cultural fabric. You can use these legends as a resource to take the characters in your novel on a journey through the Amazon rainforests or across the varied landscapes of Latin America.
The legends of this region are often eerie and chilling. Here are a few:
- El Chupacabras: A creature that feeds on the blood of goats. Although it doesn’t attack humans, its appearance is terrifying. It is often described as a hybrid between a human and a bat.
- La Llorona: This legend tells of a mother who, in a fit of despair, drowned her children in order to be with the man she loved. After being rejected by him, La Llorona wanders the earth crying for her lost children and is said to kidnap others in her sorrow.
- El Cuco: Similar to the boogeyman, El Cuco is a creature that kidnaps and eats misbehaved children. It’s mainly a figure used by parents to scare their children into good behavior.
- La Ciguapa: A female creature that can hypnotize men and lead them into the woods to their death. This mythical being is known for having her feet facing backward, which adds to her eerie allure.
- El Güije: A Cuban myth, El Güije is believed by many rural people to inhabit the forests. These creatures are described as small beings with long dreadlocks, dark skin, and bloodshot eyes. They lurk in the woods, seeking victims to murder and eat. It’s common for people in rural areas to ask for permission from the Güije before crossing into their territory.
- La Novia (The Bride): A woman who appears as a legend in many countries, La Novia is said to hitchhike in a wedding gown. If someone stops to give her a ride, she will cry in the backseat before either disappearing or killing the driver. According to the story, she killed herself after being abandoned at the altar by her fiancé. Now, she seeks revenge on men by chasing them at night.
Summing up…
Myths and legends are an endless souce of inspiration for writers all around the world. Well, there is no doubt that thanks to all the mythological tales and stories, that went from generation to generation, whether in written or orally, different civilizations formed their culture, and donated abundant knowledge to the present. Many of these even in the uncivilized corners of the planet are a tool to explain many events. Besides, as part of literature, they enriched the world library, leaving great works that encouraged many writers to start their profession and look for new ideas.
If you want to start writing in literary genres such as fantasy, horror or adventure, it is always a great idea to research the different cultures, traditions, deities and convictions. This will bring depth to your story and excellent material to write powerful inciting incidents for your novel. I mean, if the gods did it, then, it was important, right?
The characters you will face are supernatural, magnificent beings capable of changing events. You have many resources that you can use, do not be afraid to exploit your ideas at the fullest. Just as other authors have done it before, you can use these myths and legends to nurture your work.
Always keep in mind that it is vitally important to preserve the custom of reading and writing about the culture of our countries. This is the only way to keep it alive.
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