Friday, October 25, 2019

Weekend Mini-Challenge: Take a chance and step into the mythical realm ~

Mythical goddesses by Katrina Taule, Pinterest
Werewolves, sirens, mermaids and creatures who devour blood, for centuries these myths and tales have continued to fascinate us. They have filled folklore, songs, poetry and works of art. 

But what is it about them that draws our interest? Is it their beauty? Is it because they have magical powers? 

Medusa

by Clark Ashton Smith

Her lethal beauty crowned with twining snakes
That mingle with her hair, the Gorgon reigns.
Her eyes are clouds wherein black lightnings lurk,

Yet, even as men that seek the glance of Life,
The gazers come, where, coiled and serpent-swift,
Those levins wait. As round an altar-base
Her victims lie, distorted, blackened forms
Of postured horror smitten into stone— (Click here to read the rest of the poem)


How the Raven Became Black

by John Godfrey Saxe 

Shall I tell you how it happened
That the change was brought about?
List the story of CORONIS,
And you'll find the secret out.

Young CORONIS, fairest maiden
Of Thessalia's girlish train,
Whom Apollo loved and courted,
Loved and courted not in vain... (Click here to read the rest of the poem)



Mythical creatures have been a subject of popular culture for thousands of years. Whether Greek or Celtic, Hindu or European, every culture has its own creations and myths. 

For instance: The Crocotta, a Greek beast, featured a strange array of different animal parts. It had the haunches of a stag, the neck, tail, and breast of a lion, the head of a badger, cloven hooves, and a mouth which opened as far back as its ears. On top of this terrifying description, it was said to mimic the voices of men.
Crocotta. (donnaquinn)
Your challenge today is to find a piece of art (a painting, sculpture, etc.) and create your own poetic mythology around it. 

Choose your own form or write in free verse, if preferred. I look forward to reading what you guys come up with. Please do visit others and remember to comment on their poems. Have fun!

16 comments:

Sanaa Rizvi said...

Happy Weekend everyone! ❤️ The prompt has officially gone LIVE! Feel free to follow your muse and have fun exploring mythical realms and possibilities 😊 Looking forward to your entries! ☕️

Kim M. Russell said...

Good morning, Sanaa! Mine is somewhat ekphrastic as well as mythological. I'm sorry I have to dash off this morning to meet someone, but I have to be back by one to let an electrician in to do some work before our new stairs are installed on Monday, so I'll be reading and commenting this afternoon. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Kerry O'Connor said...

Such a beautiful picture.. and excellent prompt for the spooky season.

Sanaa Rizvi said...

@Kim; Thank you so much, heading over to read you!❤️ Hope you have a wonderful day ahead 😘

@Kerry; Thank you so much 😍 I thought it appropriate with Halloween coming up and being just around the corner!❤️

Lori said...

Apparently I had a prescient moment and posted mine two days before the prompt opened but I'll add in the link. Hope that's ok.

Sanaa Rizvi said...

@Lori; I absolutely loved it!! Thank you!❤️

Magaly Guerrero said...

I'm a bit late--and still running around--but I've added my bit!

Thank you for the prompt, precious Sanaa.

Linda Lee Lyberg said...

Sanaa- What a lovely prompt. I needed some color and positive vibes in my life so wrote something upbeat. Will be reading later- it's positively gorgeous out.

brudberg said...

Hello joining late with a bit of wild Nordic folk-lore

Margaret said...

Will try and do this... busy with Halloween festivities this weekend. :)

Sanaa Rizvi said...

@Magaly; Yayyyy ❤️ Heading over to read you, gorgeous!😍

Sanaa Rizvi said...

@Linda; I absolutely love your poem! Thank you so much for writing to the prompt ❤️

@Bjorn; Yayyy! I am looking forward to reading more about Nordic folklore! Your poem is to die for!❤️

Sanaa Rizvi said...

Thank you so much for participating everybody! I am enjoying reading the varied and stunning responses to this prompt ❤️❤️

Sanaa Rizvi said...

@Margaret; Happy Halloween!❤️ I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!🍹

RedCat said...

Oh, one of my favorite topics. Folklore. Thanks for this oppertunity.

Sanaa Rizvi said...

@RedCat; Thank you so much, heading over to read you!❤️