It’s wise to stay mindful of the bigger and more aggressive things in this world.
However, it’s important to note that certain threats are unseen, and they will catch us off guard when they arrive unannounced!
The dangers of certain threats may go unnoticed until it’s too late, especially if they are small, deceptive, or shadowy.
The virus is a prime example of such a threat, being a submicroscopic infectious agent. The vast majority of infectious agents are friendly. Most are invisible. A few of them will cause our demise. Covid took us by surprise, didn’t it? And that’s because (principally) it's unperceivable. But even if we'd seen the virus coming, would we have been able to protect society from it? Probably not! But we might have been able to strengthen our defences if we'd been ready for it.
We should be constantly aware of unspeakable threats to our existence and we should know how to handle unimaginable tragedy when it occurs. Rejecting the metaphysical and the non-visible, and refusing to acknowledge the unseen only serves to weaken us, not strengthen us. Recognizing potential invisible dangers is never a weakness; it is always a strength. believing in something that cannot be seen is an important risk prevention strategy.
The mythic belief system functions as a way to manage potential risks.
For instance, were you aware that bathing in polluted waters can lead to headaches, muscle aches, and fevers? A sign isn’t required to indicate that bathing in a gravel pit is silly and (therefore) prohibited; common sense should prevail. Swimmers ought to be aware of the ineffable threat. There could be additional risks in polluted bodies of water, too. These threats will also be invisible, like abandoned chemicals or bundles of tangled barbed wire.
One effective way to promote awareness of genuine risks is by fabricating a fictional monster that is believed to inhabit the treacherous area, thus deterring careless people from taking stupid risks.
By acknowledging the existence of unseen & uncontrollable threats, society can address potential dangers.
The creature lurking beneath the stairs serves as a cautionary tale against entering enclosed areas without informing others. The creature dwelling in the depths of the forest serves as a cautionary tale against veering from the safe route. The horrid thing that lives in the pit serves as a cautionary tale against swimming in polluted waters.
Mythological creatures will:
Uphold morality (honesty & integrity will be rewarded, whereas sin will be punished)
Enforce taboos (stamp out forbidden practices)
Connect humans to divinity. (For example, angels bring messages from God)
Warn against unseen dangers
Establish or uphold sensible proprieties? i.e. agreed standards of decency and politeness
Remind folks of sensible precautions and preventatives? (wear a scarf when out, take a stick, when travelling)
Help maintain a general state of preparedness in the society (hide inside during storms)
Entertain through stories
Neil Mach is highly regarded in the field of fantasy studies and has authored So You Want to Write Fantasy? It’s a fascinating manual that delves into fantasy perspectives.
