Myth and Metaphor: Part 2
The main character goes out searching for a god in order to find a suitable gift for the village shaman. During a hunt he comes across Odin.
I introduce Odin as a higher power who will help the main character to discover new abilities.
Odin, the Allfather, God of Poetry, Battle, and Death tells the main character he must first pass a test of courage, and then he will recieve the gift of magic to help his village. Magic will help him heal, give an advantage in battle, call the rain and the sun for crops, and protect the village against attacks.
The process of passing the test and Odin giving the power of magic will symbolize the conquering of fear and newfound self-confidence.
Odin gives the main character a test which requires a skill he has never developed. He must trust himself and break through his own fear in order to pass the test. He will learn his limitations are self-imposed.
When the main character returns to his village he will teach others about magic.
Looking back we started with:
1. Address a problem. (example: insecure and self-doubting)
2. List new abilities. (example: developing new skills and teaching others)
3. Offer desired outcome. (example: self-confident and secure)
Address A Problem
The main character has a problem with insecurity and self-doubt. This is addressed by showing his feelings of not being able to provide, in his eyes, an adequate gift for the local shaman. So, he ventures out to find a god which can give him the ultimate gift.
List New Abilities
The main character will need to pass a test by using abilities he does not know he already has. This will be done by going beyond his self-imposed limitations. What should the test consist of? And what abilities will he discover?
This is still undecided. What do you think?
Offer desired outcome
The main character will pass the test given to him and receive the power of magic. He will realize he already had the power of magic in him to begin with. After returning to his village he will teach others, increasing his self-esteem and self-confidence.
It may look a bit sloppy so far, but like I said, don’t concern yourself with details just yet. Just address the three key points and let the metaphor follow a natural progression. But we’re far from finished.
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