Mythical creatures often serve as plot devices. A quest to find a rare mythical creature or to defeat a menacing one can drive the entire story forward. Their existence can also be used to explain natural phenomena in the fictional world, such as a magical forest being protected by dryads. Their unique abilities and characteristics make them integral to the fabric of the fantasy world.
In fantasy fiction, mythical creatures like unicorns represent purity and magic. Their presence usually indicates a special or enchanted place in the fictional world. Writers use them to create a sense of wonder and mystery.
Compared to fairies, which are often associated with beauty and magic related to nature, trolls are more earthy and primal. Fairies might flit around and do good deeds, but trolls are likely to be lurking in the shadows waiting to cause harm. They don't have the delicate features or the positive connotations that fairies do. Trolls are also different from dragons. Dragons are often large, powerful, and can fly. Trolls are more terrestrial and not as majestic in appearance. They are more like the hulking, lumbering threats on the ground.
First, give them distinct characteristics. A mermaid could have a unique singing ability that affects the story. Second, integrate them into the plot. For example, if there are werewolves, make their presence relevant to the main conflict, like they are after a magic item.
They give it a distinct identity. For instance, the use of magic as a code makes fantasy different from other genres. It allows for the creation of extraordinary situations and solutions. The hero's journey convention shapes the narrative arc. It gives the story a clear progression from the hero's ordinary life to their transformation through challenges. The unique settings also attract readers who are looking for an escape into a different world.
Mythical creatures often serve as symbols or metaphors. In some novels, a werewolf might represent the dual nature of man - the civilized self and the wild, primal self. This allows authors to explore complex human emotions and themes in a more imaginative way.
Unicorns also frequently appear. They are usually white horses with a single horn on their heads. In many fantasy stories, unicorns are symbols of purity and magic. They are often difficult to capture and are associated with forests and hidden places.
I find Neverland quite interesting. The idea of eternal youth and the adventures with Peter Pan against Captain Hook. Also, Oz with its colorful characters and the journey of Dorothy to find her way back home is a classic and interesting mythical world.
These creatures have a big impact on fashion as well. You can often see dragon - themed clothing or jewelry inspired by fairies. In literature, they continue to be a major source of inspiration. New stories are constantly being written with these creatures as central elements. Moreover, they are popular in cosplay, where people dress up as their favorite fantasy creatures, showing their love for these fictional beings at various events.
Mythical creatures add a sense of wonder. They can represent the unknown and the extraordinary. For example, dragons often symbolize power and mystery in fantasy novels.
In rooster and phoenix fanfiction, the settings can be really diverse. It could be set in a magical forest where the rooster's crow wakes up the sleeping spirits and the phoenix's presence brings new life to the dying plants. Maybe there's a conflict where an evil force is trying to capture the phoenix for its power, and the rooster uses its wits and courage to help the phoenix escape. Another idea is that they are both guardians of a hidden realm, with different tasks but united in protecting their world.