About this Video

• Video Title: Oh my Glob! How Adventure Time Created an Unforgettable Mythology
• Channel: E.B. Andrews
• Speakers: E.B. Andrews
• Duration: 00:15:43

Introduction

This video analyzes the mythology of Adventure Time, explaining how the show effectively incorporates supernatural beings and establishes their rules and weaknesses within the show's quirky and light-hearted tone. The video aims to help viewers understand Adventure Time's otherworldly forces and provides guidance on creating one's own cast of deities for storytelling.

Key Takeaways

• Subtle Introduction of Deities: Adventure Time initially hints at the existence of deities (like Glob and the Lich) before fully introducing them, allowing audience engagement and mystery.
• Deities as Representations of Concepts: The show's deities embody cosmic forces like creation, order, destruction, and chaos, representing broader thematic elements.
• Rules and Weaknesses for Deities: Each deity has rules and weaknesses, preventing them from becoming overpowered and making them more relatable. These limitations enhance the narrative and prevent plot inconsistencies.
• Importance of Perspective: The video highlights how Adventure Time uses diverse perspectives on the deities (belief, study, fear, casual friendship) to add depth to the mythology. This creates ambiguity and allows for nuanced storytelling.
• Indirect Divine Influence: The show's deities influence events but don't directly control the characters' fates, emphasizing free will and choice. This approach creates a more compelling and realistic narrative.

Creating an Unforgettable Mythology: Guidelines Inspired by Adventure Time

Based on the analysis of Adventure Time's mythology in the provided transcript, here's a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines for crafting a memorable mythology for your own stories:

I. The Subtle Reveal:

1. Hint at Existence: Before formally introducing major deities or supernatural forces, subtly allude to their existence through casual mentions, rumors, or cryptic clues within the narrative. This creates intrigue and allows the audience to gradually piece together the mythology.
2. Delayed Introduction: Don't overwhelm your audience with a detailed exposition of your mythology early on. Introduce key figures and concepts strategically, as the story progresses and the need arises.

II. Deities as Embodiments:

1. Represent Abstract Concepts: Instead of simply creating powerful beings, design your deities to represent abstract concepts, such as creation, destruction, order, chaos, love, loss, or other powerful themes relevant to your story. This gives them a deeper symbolic meaning.
2. Cosmic Forces: Frame your deities as manifestations of larger cosmic forces that shape the world and influence its events, rather than just individual personalities with arbitrary powers.

III. Establish Rules and Limitations:

1. Define Powers and Constraints: Clearly define the powers and abilities of your deities, but also establish their limitations, weaknesses, or rules that govern their actions. This prevents them from becoming overpowered plot devices and makes them more relatable.
2. Vulnerabilities: Give your deities specific vulnerabilities, which can be physical, emotional, or even based on their core nature. This humanizes them and provides opportunities for conflict and character growth.
3. Consequences: Ensure that the actions of your deities have meaningful consequences. Their choices should impact the world and its inhabitants in tangible ways.

IV. Multiple Perspectives:

1. Varied Interpretations: Present your mythology from multiple perspectives. Different characters may view the deities differently, leading to varied beliefs, interpretations, and understandings. This adds depth and complexity to your mythology.
2. Conflicting Accounts: Allow for conflicting accounts and incomplete information surrounding your deities, mirroring the way real-world myths and legends are often subject to different interpretations.
3. Ambiguity and Mystery: Embrace ambiguity and don't provide every single detail. Leave room for questions and interpretations. Let the audience engage with the mythology and form their own conclusions.

V. Indirect Divine Influence:

1. Free Will: Emphasize that your deities do not directly control the fates of the mortal characters. Instead, they influence events indirectly, leaving room for free will and choices to play a significant role in shaping the narrative.
2. Catalyst, Not Puppeteer: Frame your deities as catalysts for change, rather than puppeteers manipulating events for their own amusement. Their actions should impact the story, but the characters still retain agency.

VI. Character Foils and Mirroring:

1. Parallelism: Develop parallels or contrasts between your deities and your main characters. These relationships will create resonant themes and add depth to both the divine and mortal aspects of your story.
2. Universal Themes: Illustrate how the struggles and experiences of your characters (big or small) echo the conflicts and challenges faced by your deities.

VII. Storytelling Techniques:

1. Don't Over-Explain: Avoid excessive exposition. Show, don't tell. Let the audience discover the details of your mythology organically through the unfolding of the story.
2. Subtle Integration: Weave the mythology into the fabric of your story seamlessly. Don't treat it as a separate, tangential element; make it integral to the narrative.
3. Maintain Consistency: Although ambiguity is valuable, maintain internal consistency within your created mythology. This will prevent confusion and add to the credibility of your world.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create a rich, memorable, and impactful mythology that resonates with your readers. Remember, the goal is to craft a world where the divine and mortal realms intertwine in a meaningful and engaging way.