Building Metaverse Mythology

Metaverse
Written By Brave New Tales

For any culture to thrive, it needs a common mythology.

This is what we’re striving to co-create with all of you at Brave New Tales.

"In essence, a common mythology acts as the cultural glue, connecting individuals across time and generations by providing a shared narrative and meaning."

Mythology helps shape our worldview, values, and sense of purpose, allowing cultures and communities to thrive and evolve.

Relic, No More

Mythology is not merely a relic of the past, for it continues to influence our everyday lives in the form of stories, movies, art, and larger-than-life-adventures.

By engaging with myths, you connect with timeless truths that transcend boundaries and foster cultural continuity. And when a culture maintains its myths and symbols, it enriches its collective identity and provides a shared framework for understanding life and existence.

The Hero's Journey

Joseph Campbell, well known for his work on comparative mythology, explored the universal themes and patterns of myth in various cultures.

In his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”, he introduced the concept of the monomyth, or the hero's journey, a story pattern that is shared by many cultures from around the world.

Suggesting that certain story structure is ingrained in our collective unconscious, helping us grow and even transcend as a human being.

Your Inner Reaches

Campbell’s last book “The Inner Reaches of Outer Space” delves into the profound role of mythology in shaping culture and individual self-discovery.

Myth and Universalistic Meanings

Campbell explores how myths provide universalistic meanings that guide people’s lives. These myths are not confined to specific geographical locations or historical periods; rather, they transcend time and place.

He emphasizes that mythmaking is a process of individual self-discovery. As individuals engage with myths, they discover deeper layers of their own consciousness and connect with universal truths.

Art as a Bridge Between Worlds

Campbell considers art as the highest expression of our evolving consciousness. Artists serve as creators of a conduit between the internal spiritual world and the external mythical one.

Art becomes a bridge that connects the external expression of mythology in society with an individual’s internal representation of it. Through art, people can access the universal themes embedded in myths.

Functions of Myth in Society

Campbell identifies four primary functions of myth within society:

  • Awe and Mystery: Myths generate a sense of awe and mystery about the universe, inspiring wonder and reverence.

  • Explanation: They provide explanations for the existence of the world, addressing fundamental questions about life.

  • Social Order: Myths contribute to maintaining social order by providing shared narratives and values.

  • Individual Support: They offer solace and guidance to individuals during life’s challenges.

Intersections of Art, Psychology, and Religion

The book also explores how art, psychology, and religion intersect. Campbell discusses how new myths emerge through these intersections, shaping cultural narratives.

NFTs and Mythology

So, how does this all relate to the NFT space and web3 you might ask?

What is currently happening in web3, and in particular the NFT space, is that said emergence of “new myths” through the arts.

"For we, as a new popular culture that is forming around NFTs, are currently in the process of creating a new shared mythology together."

One that is home to the Metaverse. One that is filled with composable stories, themes, and symbols that creators and communities around the world are currently manifesting out of the creative Aether

It is a very exciting time. As we can witness in realtime the birth of a new universe, a new cosmology, and new mythology.

Co-created with you.

Got curious?

Learn more in our post below.

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