Mythic Themes in Avatar the Last Airbender
Avatar the Last Airbender pulls on mythological themes and archetypes. It looks at the interplay between change and tyranny.
2023 NEPCA Conference
Old Gods of Appalachia and the Need for Bone-Chilling Horror
Old Gods of Appalachia” invites outsiders to the mountains and in from the cold. It provides gold old-fashioned hospitality, served with a side of monsters.
The Lion King and Myths of Balance
The Lion King is a story about the mythic motif and trope of “The Good King” vs. “The Bad King.” It is about the community’s soul being fractured and unbalanced. The Rightful Ruler must return in order to bring balance.
Mythic Images Hold Many Meanings
Myth and mythology offers a rich language to view the world through. It’s layered images with individual meanings that combine with other ideas to form new meanings.
The Mythology of Disney’s Encanto: A Hero’s Journey Based on Curiosity and Care
In a divided country, we need more stories of curiosity and care. It is time to put aside our traditional ways of fixing things through strong martial powers. These are loud and often we cannot hear the quieter energies of the soul because of the clanking armor. It is clear we want to speak, listen, give, and receive compassion as a community. It is time to befriend the dragon, not kill it. In order to confront our history of abuses, colonialism, oppression, and violence, we have to embrace our shame and empower our curiosity. One way that we grow more powerful in these areas is by continuing to tell stories about souls who exhibit these types of caring and curious journeys, we need more Mirabels.
The Mandalorian and Rituals of Masked Performance
I had to let go of my desire for Din Djarin's face. I had to accept the convention and trust that the story would unfold. As the tale engrossed me, I cared less and less about seeing Mando's face. Pedro Pascal's performance and command over his voice and body are exceptional. It did not matter if I could see his face because I felt everything I needed to feel. It was almost like watching a spirit "possess" an inanimate object, one without eyes, mouth, or any discernible features, and bring to life a character.
What is Myth?
Myth is not dead. Myth and mythic images surround us. But what exactly is myth?