What All Writers Can Learn from Folktales (Writing Exercise)

Folktales ignite our imaginations and reveal facets of human nature. In any story, writers design challenges that force their characters to confront their worst fears and insecurities. Here, you’ll find a folktale-inspired writing exercise wherein you can craft a story around a character’s flaws and an event or mystical being that challenges that flaw.
Text version of this video: / what-all-writers-can-l...
Joe Webb’s KZbin channel:
/ joewebb-thestoryteller
“The Bwca” folktale, narrated by Daniel Morden:
/ the-bwca-told-by-danie...
Check out my other collaborations with Joe Webb on his channel!
+ Writing stories from the same prompt:
• Writing A Story From T...
+ Writing a collaborative story one sentence at a time: • Writing A Collaborativ...
Love my channel? Treat me to a cup of coffee at ko-fi.com/quotidianwriter.
My Published Stories and Poems: www.quotidianwriter.com/my-wr...
Twitter: / quotidianwriter
Opening Animation by Vitor A. Dupont: www.behance.net/vitordupont
Title and End Music: “Clockwork” by Vindsvept - • Fantasy Music - Vindsv...
Background Music by Vindsvept:
+ “Alone”
+ “The Journey Home”
+ “Leaving the Dream”
+ “Keeper of the Forest”
Features of Folktales (0:00)
Crafting a Folktale (3:09)
Case Study: The Green Knight (6:46)
Writing Exercise (9:26)
The Ugly One and the Beautiful One (11:50)

[@QuotidianWriter]

Hi there, viewers! You can read a text version of this video on Medium: quotidianwriter.medium.com/what-all-writers-can-learn-from-folktales-writing-exercise-834dbb30ae7b Check out Joe Webb’s KZbin channel for more writing tips and stories: kzbin.info

[@WalesRebel]

The story of the sisters at the end was beautifully written!! The plot twist at the end sent chills down my spine

[@celtictarotreadings333]

I don’t get it! What was the plot twist

[@DamienZshadow]

My people are Circassian and we originate from the Caucasus mountains. It was said that one of our tribes, the Shapsug (my mother's side) used to throw their elderly off the sides of cliffs when they could no longer provide for themselves. A day came when the young man had to tie his father up and drag him to the top of a cliff. As he did so, his father bumped his head and laughed. His son asked him how he could laugh in such a dire situation. He said that he remembered how he did the same thing to his father and now it was his turn to pay the same price. The son felt terrible and could not go through with it. The father pleaded for him to continue with his duty or he would bring shame to his family but the son decided to hide his father in the attic instead. Not long after, nobleman arrived in the Village and claimed to give away a great part of land, gold and his daughter's hand in marriage to the wisest in the village who could identify the first moment of Daybreak. The son told his father about this and his father advised him to not look towards the east where the sun was Rising but instead to the opposite in the West. Unsure why, the son did exactly as his father said and immediately noticed the sunlight gleaming on the clouds to the West and declared it before anyone looking to the east would notice. When the nobleman asked how he came up with such a plan, the son admitted that she had protected his father who had given him the advice. The nobleman then declared that the Shapsug where to end their tradition and allow the elderly to be protected and respected for their wisdom.

[@QuotidianWriter]

An amazing story! Thank you for sharing it so eloquently!

[@DamienZshadow]

@@QuotidianWriter Thank you for putting out such incredible content that really makes me think about what I put on the paper. I know listen to the original song that you use in your opening whenever I want to get in the mood to writing because it has such an incredible link to inspiration for me. My sons even know it and ask for me to play the Clockwork song every now and again. Lol

[@nootnootd9450]

this reminds of midsommar and I am NOT ready to relive the trauma teen me had while watching it 😭

[@fulldivemedia]

It was a great story, and it was well told,

[@DamienZshadow]

@@fulldivemedia Thank you!

[@lakeshagadson357]

they need to teach me folktales in group litercy

[@nyrdybyrd1702]

I can almost relate as they’ll tell folktales about my inclusion within group therapy.

[@macolof362]

I love your videos not just for the content, which is excellent, but also for the soothing tone of your voice. Like for many, anxiety can really squeeze and suffocate, but listening to your soft voice really has a calming effect. I would love to hear you read stories, audiobooks etc. Thank you

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Mark! Keep writing! :)

[@Jasonwolf1495]

A folktare I've long loved, and adapted to my own setting is the story of Jack O'Lantern. A classic warning tale about trying to just outsmart every problem, instead of facing the consequences. Like Jack, Direk of Aerlain was a trickster, but he was no drunk. He was a storyteller and sage, a collector of knowledge. When it was his time to die, the sage, knowing Death's nature as a fellow keeper of stories, made a final request. He would ask to share his entire life story with Death, who was more than intirgued in the sage's tale. When the sage finished speaking, Death rose to take him, but the Sage simply held up a hand, "My story has not ended yet. I still breath do I not? I still speak do I not? You cannot kill me until my story is done." Death nodded, and turned away, "Very well, but know the best stories know when to end." The sage walked away thinking himself clever. His sense of pride began to wane, and unease grow when he noticed he couldn't sleep, a small thruuming throughout his body made it impossible. Still he managed and pressed on. Years passed and the sage realized he had not aged. Soon it was decades, and the sage could no longer continue. Those he knew had grown old and died. His works were seen as outdated and replaced. He pleaded with Death, that his story was over. Death replied, "Your story has just begun. Go, live the life you clung to so preciously. When the mountains fall, the seas dry, the very ground crumbles from under your feet, the last spark of energy dies, when there are no more stories to tell. Then we will reach The End."

[@QuotidianWriter]

I love that! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@tuskinekinase]

Love the story, reminds me of Yūn-Ilāra in The Gods of Pegana! Don't mess with Death, no one ever outmesses Death.

[@fulldivemedia]

Wise tale, but let see the other side too, personally I don't belive in God, and I think we wasted the time by evolution, and petty conflict, we could have focused on science and overcome our evolution and love longer and maybe for ever, there are infinite planets that could have Been humans living on,k that's probably one of the reasons I like star trek, beside finding new things and new stories) we just think the dying is the part of life, because it was like that form the start, I am saying everything can change, and living and learning is my goal, so if the day comes that I stop learning, that is the day I am dead, Do not limit yourself to anything, and keep writing ^w^

[@Jasonwolf1495]

@@fulldivemedia leave immortality to the water bears. If man lived forever we'd never progress. We are creatures of habit. Power would never shift, new ideas wouldn't have their time, the old would rule and the young never be born. Progress is succession. As lycen gives way to grass, grass gives way to brush, brush to pine, and pine to oak. The moral of my work is that the fear of death and the work to undo it is a far greater threat and cause for stagnation. Humility in the face of entropy lets you reach with eyes unclouded and pass on that good work to the next with no fear.

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

As a folklorist and published writer, I was so excited to see this. I love how the various forms provide templates for writers.

[@erinparry-bennee4129]

There’s something so magical about folktales. Great video, I love all these collaborations between you two!

[@JoeWebb-TheStoryteller]

The Erin, me too! 😎

[@paperboy1116]

A large inspiration for my projects are myths and folk tales! From characters, to concepts, to names and symbolism, it’s all over my writing if you know how to look. Edit: I had to think on my favorite folk tale for a bit and I think I have to settle for either The Snow Queen or The Creation tale from Philippine folklore. The former is a strange coming of age tale between a girl and a boy, focusing on the girl as she looked for the boy whisked away by the Snow Queen who had hypnotized him. The latter is one from my grandparents’ homeland about how groups/tribes of people came to be with their cultures via salt and clay.

[@JoeWebb-TheStoryteller]

This is such a magical video! I love how it turned out :D

[@QuotidianWriter]

I'm so glad to hear that, Joe!!! It was such a fun collab. :)

[@lillydevil2486]

Could you possibly do a video on character flaws?

[@joehebert789]

That was fabulous. Very thought provoking.

[@barbarabunn86]

Thank you. My favorite folktale is about a king with no children who presents a challenge to the children of the kingdom. The child that can grow the nicest flower from the seed they are given in the next year will become king/queen. The seeds were previously boiled and were unproductive. It tested honesty and humility in a way that children can understand. Children these days go through so much with their peers about what is expected at that age by the child and his peers. The reward comes when the child doesn't give in to this as his peers did. I enjoyed this and will look up Joe Webb. Thanks again I do love your tutorials.

[@joesmith41789]

Love your videos Diane, so helpful!

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

Most comforting channel ever. Also great advice!

[@whawkins8636]

Oh my. I love her videos

[@marianalopez6958]

I learn so much from your videos! Thank you :)

[@LovelyTrendyCoolGirl]

Thank you this was really fun & informative to watch 💛 Subscribed !😁

[@irene2958]

I'm so happy every time you upload a new video. THANKS! 😃

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@rodgilley-writer]

This video was incredibly entertaining! Educational as well. The two of you did an amazing job of blending entertainment and knowledge. Very well done!!!

[@luisac2193]

Thank you!! My favorite days are the ones where you post a video

[@cjpreach]

"Enchanting Education" - that's what I just experienced. Brava, Diane.

[@noonana31]

I simply love this channel. Thank you, Diane. Thank you.

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Ana! Keep writing! :)

[@prof.toussaintosborne474]

This channel produces so much great and useful information.

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Keep writing! :)

[@ChadZLumenarcus]

I freaking love your videos covering writing.

[@kimatlastlooks2915]

Great story, Joe! One of my favorite folklore-ish stories is The Knights of the Silver Shield by Raymond MacDonald Alden and deals with courage.

[@JoeWebb-TheStoryteller]

Thank you! Ooh I've never actually heard of that one. That'll be next on my read list! :D

[@zhadebarnet3773]

Cannot effectively convey how much i loved this video ❤

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! :)

[@troydaum4728]

Hey Diane! I absolutely adore your content. Your advice is so measured. I am a new writer and always found some of the "guidelines" a bit limiting and you've really helped to open my eyes to their utility and when to apply them and when to just run free and be creative. This is a bit off topic but I've noticed in a few of your videos you have used Infinite Jest/Wallace as a visual or example. I would really love a video regarding your perspective on his writing style and the novel. At times, I find DFW's style to be incredibly illuminating and stunning while other times it can feel like such a drag reading him haha. Anyways, I would just love to hear your thoughts on him someday. Thanks for all the great content!

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad that my videos have been helpful to you. I have shown _Infinite Jest_ in a video or two, but I've always been too intimidated to read the entire thing; the same goes for _Ulysses_ by James Joyce. For now, I much prefer DFW's essays, but the longevity of _Infinite Jest_ seems to be a testament to his ability to write about "what it feels like to live," as he reportedly once said, "instead of being a relief from what it feels like to live."

[@troydaum4728]

@@QuotidianWriter it’s been so so helpful I love how you really break everything down. I was never able to read Ulysses and have had a few false starts with infinite jest 😂 this last one got me about 400 pages in but it just didn’t hook me like people told me it would. It’s such an extraordinary effort and technically very impressive but I think I just prefer more conventional fiction. But I love his essays and short stories! So great to hear your perspective and looking forward to learning more from your awesome videos!

[@MxZui]

This is really interesting! 💛

[@fulldivemedia]

You are such a good natured person, I wish you a long happy life ^^

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kindness! I wish you the same! :)

[@writethepath8354]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@mackdmara]

I Love these stories. Often I seek to incorporate them into my works. I used to do it in poems, but I have started it in stories. I feel there maybe some kind of moral play possible also. On another note, I found this fellow on imgur named bestiarium. He makes posts on mythical creatures and folk tale creatures. It is fun stuff to read & might be useful. I also love Campbell for this kind of content. I know his work is dated, but I still appreciate its insight about myths. There was also a PBS special about it if you want a clift notes version of the concepts he uses. This was a wonderfully fun topic to hear about. Thanks for taking tthe time.

[@Roylaffman]

another great video!

[@r.m.montano7413]

New video from Quotidian Writer? That philosophy essay for school will have to wait a few more minutes.

[@foxhound9780]

Appreciate your never predictable know you got other stuff planned but would be really cool bouncing off this if you could do one of approaching mythologies.

[@selftaughtkh]

Have been listening and enjoying to your contents at home and on my commute to work. I wish you could make your video contents available in audio format. It would be more convenient to listen to audio format like a podcast on a commute to work. Whether or not it is possible for you to do that, still love your video contents.

[@zenclover8468]

This is really soft and my volume is all the way up.

[@womeninhistory9272]

Thank you loved this new sub here! 🤗❤️

[@Bene_Singularis]

wow that was a really good video.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

While I usually scour for creatures and characters from Folklore, even more than the stories themselves, finding their concepts useful to exemplify a visual or dramatic personification of the very virtues or vices in question... There is one, off the top of my head, I have grown rather fond of over the years... It's about a Buddhist monastery, and a brotherhood of monks that live there. The elder among them has been around for decades, and his struggles to continue keeping up with the other brothers and the goings on have gotten markedly more difficult. Everyone knew what was coming, and the decisions that had to be made, but he was a fine leader, and they didn't want to rush him. Deep down, each one of them wanted the position when he was gone, and somewhere in there, they knew the concepts of envy and pride were the kinds of things he'd almost certainly notice for any of them bringing up the subject. Other than occasional murmurs when a couple of them might argue about who's responsibilities were already larger or were being more keenly or efficiently seen to... If you've ever known any group of adults in a communal living arrangement, it's not hard to understand that even monks with their vows aren't so much freed from the same kinds of conversations... Nevertheless, a day comes when the Elder declares over breakfast that he's arrived at the consideration that he needs to choose his replacement so training can begin. It might not be inhumanly complicated, but duties are duties. He thought it only fair to forewarn someone of their new arrangements and what it entails before he dies. The others mostly hastened to assure him of their patience about his choice, and that he still had time in this life. He could take his time to pick among them. He was quick to assure them that there would be a test, and he could only make his choice upon everyone's completion. It wouldn't take long. SO he calls the first of the seven to a small room, and in the middle of the room is a vase resting quietly on a small stool. It was a fine vase for the purposes, but plain and unspectacular. This was a monastery, after all, and humility was practiced in all aspects, including in the decorative possessions kept there. "What can you tell me about this vase?" The Elder asked simply of the brother, a wave of his hand gesturing to the very vase on the stool... One by one, each of the brothers waxed or waned, they explained and analyzed through rhetoric, lyrics, and poetry. Each one explored the various aspects of the care of the craftsman who must've created it, or the grace and symmetry of its form and the delicacy of its material. They admired it's mystery and the careful manipulations of positive and negative space... even finding a profound eloquence and beauty in the decision not to so much as add glaze before firing it, so it didn't even glisten in the light... AND then, the last brother, the Cook, was sent into the room. A ladle was dripping and still steaming in his hand as he reluctantly trudged in and glared down at the Elder and the Vase. "What can YOU tell me about this vase, Brother Cook?" The Elder wanted to know, and waved his hand as with the others. The Cook glared to the vase and back to the Elder a time or two, and then snatched the vase up with a grunt and hurled it against the wall, where it exploded into thousands of pieces. "I can tell you I've got soup foaming up and about to drown out the fire!" AND he promptly whirled and left the room. At dinner, the Elder announced, the Cook would be his replacement, and training would begin as soon as he found someone to help in the kitchen... {For those who don't know... In Buddhism, while they do practice meditation and lean heavily into growing one's consciousness, they also stress NOT to press for so much development as to deny the ordinary and daily aspects... chopping wood, carrying water, or taking care of yourself.} BUT... yeah, I've always rather enjoyed the telling, no matter who retells it. It IS allowed to be a fun tale. ;o)

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Diane, I have no imagination and as I age...Nor do I have the intellect- all proficient writers are of high I.Q. But I have this urge, have had it since I was a kid- my teachers said I'd likely be a writer- well. Stephen King believes writers are born not made- do you agree? I recently encountered a woman of 70 who published either a memoir or a mystery novel, her debut! To acclaim- I think she was a teacher or a librarian though- just wondered what YOU think- I subscribed a few months ago but low self esteem and depression has kept me away- looks like a terrific channel. Namaste from Canada

[@QuotidianWriter]

First of all, Iet me say that I've yet to meet a writer who truly lacks imagination. I would venture to guess that you have plenty of imagination, although it might not be the type of imagination you'd like. Writers are rarely blessed with the strengths they wish they had or feel they "should" possess. Instead, they must lean into the skills they _do_ have rather than fighting to be something they're not. Like with all arts, some people are born with more natural talent than others, but as the saying goes, talent means nothing without hard work. I've heard so many stories of acclaimed authors who only started writing fiction in their forties or fifties. Laura Ingalls Wilder famously had _Little House in the Big Woods_ published when she was sixty-five. Frank McCourt published his debut memoir _Angela's Ashes_ in his sixties and called himself a "late bloomer." To be honest, I don't know if I believe that all proficient writers have a high IQ or imagination. Some of the most successful writers (now and in the past) were famed in part for appealing to the masses, not because they had any great talent or originality-and that's not a negative thing, in my mind. If all art were avant-garde and cerebral à la _House of Leaves_, far fewer people would enjoy it. There are plenty of stories that I adore that wouldn't be considered "high art," including fan fiction. Marvel movies are populist stories that are wildly successful and dependably entertaining (I enjoy them!), even though they rely on certain formulas and platitudes. We need all types of art, and writing that might seem brilliant and innovative to one person will feel dull and lifeless to another. So, I wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself in that regard. If you feel the urge to write, you should write. You were born with that itch. All writers have doubts about whether or not they're good enough; it's a tale as old as time. The fact that you're self-aware enough to recognize your own limitations means you'll never let yourself settle for less. You will strive to outdo yourself and revise your work until it sings, and _that_ is what makes a good writer.

[@cjpreach]

@@QuotidianWriter ABSOLUTELY! From one sexagenarian to another, GO FOR IT, Anonymous, Anonymous!

[@suncoco6495]

Hey Anonymous, Anonymous, wanted to say some words of encouragement. Don’t believe that. Everyone has the capacity to be writers/storytellers. It sounds like you might be insecure about your writing. Try practicing everyday. I know depression might make this difficult, but don't give up. It sounds like it's something you've always wanted to do. I also used to think like this and suffer from bouts of depression so can relate. Everyone had to start somewhere. Don’t let what others say prevent you from doing something you love. Btw: not sure if this helps but you told a story in that comment, which would make you a writer.

[@fulldivemedia]

​@@QuotidianWriterthank you for your time and kindness ^^

[@totallynameless8861]

Listening to this while doing my makeup.

[@spillitnow]

I wonder if the story at the end was inspired by The Kings and Queens of Roam by Daniel Wallace.

[@gabrielpacheco6383]

May you please make a video about how to portray mental health issues and illnesses in literature? I'm writing a novel about a character struggling with PTSD and am having trouble with figuring out how he is going to heal. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me.

[@diarythatyouforgot8704]

I think i have a vid bout it in my playlist. I'll search it for you.

[@gabrielpacheco6383]

@@diarythatyouforgot8704 Oh! Thank you!

[@irene2958]

It's okay. Why should we hate you?

[@gabrielpacheco6383]

@@irene2958 For asking that question.

[@footlong7980]

Here's an extensive video on it that I watched about a year ago, by Hello Future Me kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJSboGlunM16eK8 Here's another regarding Azula from Avatar the last airbender kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGWYZWeQiteSnaM

[@ti1286]

I listen to this channel to help me fall asleep but this last bit made me afraid of the dark :(

[@lostwanderingprince]

Hi! I have a different kind of question regarding writing, that does it involve hardcore math to compose quality prose? I saw a video of vsauce about constraint writing and he showed a book that has pi in it's process of its creation. I also heard that few authors has some unique hardcore ways in their prose like if I'm not mistaken in Ulysses that's like has music technicalities in it. So my question is is this always a required in writing? Did Mary Shelley used hardcore math in writing Frankenstein? I'm into classics and scifi and I'm also an aspiring writer and I still have a lot to learn.

[@QuotidianWriter]

This is an interesting question! While I think math _can_ be used in writing, I don't think it's at all necessary in the composition of quality prose. It's simply one of many tools a writer can use in building a story, often as a writing constraint, as you said. That can turn the creative process into a game or challenge while also deepening the themes, showing the connection between story and mathematics or the storytelling nature of mathematics itself. Thomas Pynchon's work often features mathematical explorations (particularly _Gravity's Rainbow_). Someone wrote a dissertation on the combinatorial mathematics of Italo Calvino's _Invisible Cities_. Poetry uses meter and patterns as part of its rhythm, which has a mathematical feeling to it. I'm not sure if Mary Shelley used math to write _Frankenstein_. It's certainly possible, though!

[@lostwanderingprince]

@@QuotidianWriter Thank you for your response. If I can still add to my question. Even though we couldn't really tell if they used math or something complex in some of my other favorite classic books like: Howl's Moving Castle, Flowers for Algernon, Dune, Catcher in the Rye, The Little Prince, Lord of the Flies, The Stranger, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Brave New World, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Don Quixote, 2001 Space Odyssey, The Collector and Sherlock Stories. I'm still wondering if the books I mentioned is possible that they didn't need to apply math or something complex to create it? Writing something now that would be a classic someday without any math or other too complex subliminals? Like science with math? Even tho I'm also into scifi I'm curious if you could create deep philosophical scifi stories without actually being a math and science wizard? At 23 I'm still figuring out my life and I have a lot of factors that are affecting me at the same time from the place where I'm from. It would be helpful if I can really lean on on my strengths because I have a bad foundation at math and now I'm curious at to what extent math's (or other complex stuff) connection to literature is.

[@QuotidianWriter]

@@lostwanderingprince I think those subjects might subliminally influence writers, and having a deep understanding of scientific topics is definitely needed for writing genres like hard sci-fi. However, I don't personally believe that writing can be distilled into an exact science. There is no mathematical equation or formula that will produce a perfectly crafted book. Even the books you listed are partially renowned and remembered simply due to sheer luck rather than skill alone. If they were published at a different time, or if they never fell into the hands of the right influential person, then those authors might never have been published or widely read. Perhaps this question of the connection between math and literature is a topic you could research more and write about as part of your learning process. It's great to cultivate that sense of curiosity. :)

[@purpleghost106]

I think this is an inverted take on the issue. Writing reflects speech, and because every language has a cadance there will be certain musicality to speech. When we write prose that lands we might invoke that element of music in our writing, and thereby get math and music without ever seeking anything but something which is sonorous. Not everyone needs to, and not everyone can (some people really can't hear rhythm, and some can only hear certain rhythms not others) and I'd advise you to follow your inspiration. Do you feel inspired to write with constraints so that you have a challenge to push through? Some writers have, but it's far from common. Would that prevent you from writing the story you wish? There isn't a wrong answer, it's simply what works for you.

[@notyourpieceofcake]

❤️❤️❤️

[@fredthemithrilogre]

Was that story published in the net or somewhere before? I swear I think I read it back then

[@billyalarie929]

11:46 okay there Deckard Cain

[@Cici900]

What about urban legends? I wrote out a plot for a story based on the legend of Madam Koi Koi.

[@lakeshagadson357]

i would want to know what books she has out

[@willadkins1354]

Pretty sure she’s an editor.

[@QuotidianWriter]

I'm a writer as well as an editor, and you can read my short fiction in various publications! :) Someday, I hope to have a novel published as well. www.quotidianwriter.com/my-writing

[@DalCecilRuno]

This is beautiful and so soothing. Fantasy in general is something I tend to avoid. Medieval fantasy has given me unpleasant reading experiences. Folktales however, they’re a different branch. I love how folktales and urban fantasy still hold a strong link to real life. Without that connection to the real world, I think I can’t enjoy the stories so much.

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind comment, Dal! :) My husband is the same way about needing that connection to the real world in fantasy (as well as sci-fi). I think it's just easier to ground yourself in a story when you have a familiar entry point. Sometimes when I read high fantasy or hard sci-fi, it's like learning to speak another language, and it takes me longer to read than a book with a real-world setting.

[@MB-fp9lq]

How were Medieval fantasy stories unpleasant? Asking to learn.

[@DalCecilRuno]

@@MB-fp9lq short answer: ableism against blindness. Long answer: have you ever noticed (probably not) that all the evil creepy monsters that the hero needs to kill to move the plot forward in medieval fantasy inspired stories tend to be blind? Medieval and also Greco-Roman inspired fantasy stories do this all the time. To quote the dear Rick Riordan in his novel “Sea of Monsters” (book 2 of the Percy Jackson 5-book series), chapter 10: “a lot of monsters have terrible eyesight.” It’s there in the scene where Percy and Anabeth are fighting a hydra. I made videos about this. Of course I don’t expect sighted people picking up on it at all. Harry Potter is another one I can’t stand. After reading those 2 very popular fantasy series, I decided I was done with that genre. Some YA scifi does it as well, especially YA with aliens that the chosen ones must kill to save the day. Usually blind aliens. No blind human in sight. I avoid those types of scifi as well. But I find more variety within scifi, and it’s my favorite genre. Sorry for the long essay. Hope it helps. Thank you for asking.

[@MB-fp9lq]

@@DalCecilRuno I see. How about grimdark?

[@DalCecilRuno]

@@MB-fp9lq not sure I’ve read in that genre to give an answer. I just avoided most fantasy stories, with the exception of Norse myth inspired ones, because the Norse pantheon is a lot more wlecoming and diverse. There’s even a blind god and some partially sighted ones, so yeah. I know it’s safer. The rest, I’m not reading unless another blind reader recommends it, and even then I hesitate. It’s just not my thing. Magical realism works better, and scifi of course. Literary scifi has become my favorite. Horror sometimes, thrillers, some historical fiction. Folktales could be my “ok, I like this type of fantasy” reader mood sometimes.

[@AN-jz3kf]

Narrator is pleasant to listen too

[@roni_foxcoon]

Can a folktale also be in a scifi senting or will it become something else?

[@QuotidianWriter]

Ooh, a sci-fi folktale appeals to me, but it might be harder to give the story that "folktale" feeling, if that makes sense. Folktales can be as much about the atmosphere and tone as they are about the setting. Frank Herbert's "Dune" has a mythic, almost folktale-esque quality because of the various belief systems. I would go ahead and try it to see how it turns out!

[@billyalarie929]

do we write these with the intention of weaving a tale of unfettered imagination, or do we write these with the intention that the reader should contemplate how we should live our lives?

[@JoeWebb-TheStoryteller]

They way I look at it is that stories are our waking dreams. Just write whatever comes to you. Then you can find meaning in your "dream" and insert meaning and metaphores and symbolism for people to think about.

[@samuelsmith5400]

perhaps both

[@fiachoconnor]

I thought it was púca there for a second. That's a ghost in Ireland.

[@QuotidianWriter]

I think they might be related creatures! From Wikipedia: "The púca has counterparts throughout the Celtic cultures of Northwest Europe. For instance, in Welsh mythology it is named the pwca and in Cornish the Bucca (thus being related in etymology and milieu to the bugaboo)."

[@fiachoconnor]

@@QuotidianWriter Hey! Never thought it would be you that would reply! Yeah we're all celtic cousins so there's a ton of over lap. I have to say, I'm a professional musician, and being out of work for two years over the pandemic realigned some of my perceptions so I decided to write the novel I had always wanted to, at the age of 40! Your channel is a gold mine! Thank you so much for what you do. I can't thank you enough for helping me fulfil a dream, for better or worse! You're doing fantastic work! Thanks a million.

[@QuotidianWriter]

@@fiachoconnor I'm so glad my videos have inspired you to create! I hope you'll continue performing music as well. I truly appreciate your thoughtful comments. Keep writing! :)

[@fiachoconnor]

@@QuotidianWriter Absolutely. You're very welcome. And please keep creating content yourself. It's excellent. Thanks so much.

[@soccerandtrack10]

The emporor of mankind is a host.

[@addiebrice6001]

TU.

[@leigh-anjohnson]

So in that folktale...is the beautiful sister dead??

[@QuotidianWriter]

I would almost hope so, at that point... 😬

[@ethanmulvihill7177]

People still saying Morality is relative... smh. Thought people left that fantasy behind a while ago.

[@SplashyCannonBall]

I'm always Proud to listen to a well spoken White woman, who loves literature and writing. May you have many children and a massive amount of good memories.

[@poontang3zizo]

What the actual fuck

[@iodinex64]

what the fuck!?

[@SplashyCannonBall]

@@iodinex64 Have you ever considered starting a vocabulary notebook? If you do, start with the word Prosperity.

[@SplashyCannonBall]

@@poontang3zizo there is an old Folk saying, “Put your manners where there’s nothing else.” good luck to you. We will be watching.

[@mrnnhnz]

Very interesting. Thanks for uploading this. One of my favourite folklore-ish morality stories is 'Someday,' by Isaac Asimov. I heartily encourage you to have a read. Or listen here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZesimapn9h5adk (that's the first part of three.) I guarantee you won't regret reading/listening to this story.