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Friends,
People often ask me why I dedicate my time to studying mythology and folklore instead of pursuing more lucrative endeavors. In other words, they question why I chose a career as a Historian.
Don’t worry- I do, too.
Anyone who thinks Historians are ‘bringing in the money’ is sadly mistaken. We make starving artists look like they’re rolling in cash.
Really. At least artists have the opportunity to make cool videos and social media posts that could lead to potential sales.
What am I going to do? Make a video of me staring at an old book while cross-referencing it with other old books. Maybe I can show you the thousand Post-it notes with random dates that I forgot why I wrote down.
Second, Historians are a hub of professionals that is harder to break into than trying to have tea with the Pope on Easter. I honestly have a better chance of making the New York Best Seller list before I am 44 than I do of becoming a ‘respected and well-known’ Historian.
In light of the challenges I faced, I decided to narrow my research focus to the interconnection of mythology across cultures and periods. It may seem like a wide range of information, but really, it is.
I should have gone with something easier, like World War II or the history of the Silk Road. It would have been more manageable.
But here I am—too old and too tired to change my ways. Besides, mythology makes me feel young. There is nothing like learning about the Baobhan Sith and pretending to be a beautiful fairy folk in the Scottish Highlands. Now, there is the pesky issue that they spend their time hunting down mortals, seducing them, and ultimately killing them.
But who am I to argue about feeding preferences?
There is also the issue of finding someone who will listen to your hours of research, cross-referencing religion and cultures, and finding the link between regions.
It doesn’t make for good conversation starters over a glass of rum, if you know what I mean. People tend to get offended or worse- bored.
That’s why I wrote my books. Along with some other reasons. Think about it. Mythology doesn’t usually magically appear because of someone’s active imagination. One day, Vampires didn’t exist, and the next day, they did? With a whole complex world of origins, dietary preferences, and specific ways to die.
Seems unlikely.
There was a person or people behind the tale. Something happened to create the concept, and that’s what I researched. Who was the original? What is the truth behind the myth?
And how is there a vampire in Scotland, but you can also find them in Japan, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and even the U.S.? It’s not like there were cell phones back in B.C.E. or the 15th century, where writers were texting their buddies across the world with their new ideas for the next great novel.
Therefore, they must have existed in some form or another. Right?
Honestly, there are a lot of creative licenses that I can take when writing my books. And I do. I also have to tailor the myths to the general population and balance the story to what is ‘socially acceptable.’ Stray too close to the sun of truth, and people tend to get offended.
Especially when it comes to comparing mythology to the religious movement.
You can lose friends that way.
And yet I dived headfirst into this world. Now, granted, I can’t call myself an expert. That would require traveling. And right now, my bank account says that the furthest I’m going is to the local grocery store to buy off-brand cheese and cereal.
Such is life as a starving Historian.
However, I possess sufficient knowledge and creativity to craft a world that captivates the reader’s imagination, making them believe it was a different place in the past. And I’m not talking about running water and instant coffee.
I’m talking about a world when the unexplainable was believable. Where myths and legends roamed freely, out in the open, and interacted with the world.
That’s why I study mythology. To have something more to believe in.
Until next time, Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.
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If you’re looking for your next favorite read, I invite you to check out my book, The Raven Society. This spellbinding historical fantasy series takes us on a heart-pounding journey through forgotten legends and distorted history. Uncover the chilling secrets of mythology and confront the horrifying truths that transformed myths into monstrous realities. How far will you go to learn the truth?
The Writer and The Librarian (Book 1):
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https://rlgeerrobbins.com/product/the-writer-and-the-librarian-the-raven-society-book-1/
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Historians keep the past alive. It’s a common saying but don’t let the words skim by. History defines, expands, teaches, elevates and describes us. Without history I would be a human on a conveyor belt without meaning.
Instead I read of Abraham and walk with him in Kadesh, I read of Lincoln on the battlefield of Gettysburg. I can pick every book you research and learn. Thank goodness for poor historians who pursue history rather then money.
I would find it a fascinating conversation! Any time you feel bored, give me a heads up. I like to explore the relationship between mythology and psychology.
“….comparing mythology to the religious movement.” I’m an astrologer and I often say them same thing. I stand by it.