Writing about mythology can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for any writer. Whether you’re exploring ancient tales or reimagining myths for a contemporary audience, mythology offers a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and themes that can inspire and challenge your creativity. However, writing about mythology also requires a deep understanding of the source material, as well as a willingness to engage with complex themes and ideas. In this context, research, perspective, and a clear sense of purpose can all be valuable tools for any writer seeking to explore the world of mythology. In our session, Nayak shared his insights on writing for mythology, highlighting the importance of research, creative license, and personal worldview.

Satyarth Nayak is a bestselling author, known for his books in the mythology and thriller genre. He has authored biographies and novels, including The Emperor’s Riddles, Porus, and The Eternal Screen Goddess published in 2019 by Penguin Random House.

The significance of research in mythology writing

According to Nayak, research is the backbone of any book, particularly for mythology writing. He emphasized the importance of reading up and understanding the source material, which in India’s case, is a treasure trove of mythology literature. Nayak shared that he studied all the available Puranas in English for his research, providing him with a broad perspective and knowledge to borrow from. He also advised authors to find out if similar books exist and to be aware of them.

“It’s always good to be aware of that if something has already been written in that space”

The balance of creative license and historical accuracy

Nayak believes that the degree of creative license in mythology writing is a personal choice. Authors may choose to write about a particular aspect of mythology from a contemporary or historical perspective, and both are correct. Celebrating the past creates a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a time gone by while writing through a modern lens adds a new perspective to an old story. Nayak also highlighted the importance of understanding the framework and narrative one wants to create and making personal choices based on their worldview.

The plurality of Hindu mythology

Nayak notes that Hindu mythology celebrates the plurality of voices, and every narrative has a place in it. It makes Hindu mythology rich and complex, with many different interpretations and versions of the same story. In a time where a single grand Hindu narrative is being propagated, Nayak reminds us of the importance of celebrating the diversity of voices that Hindu mythology offers.

The impact of personal worldview on narrative

Nayak points out that writers’ personal worldviews and moral upbringing influence the narrative they create. It shapes the version of the story they choose, reject, or celebrate. These are very personal choices and add to the richness of Hindu mythology.

The responsibility of writers in representing characters

Nayak believes that when writers create characters, they expose themselves on many levels. It is essential to be true to the character one creates and not impose one’s own moral values. Nayak states that writers must understand the character they are representing and remain authentic to their representation.

Satyarth Nayak’s insights on mythology writing provide a roadmap for budding authors. His emphasis on research, understanding of personal worldview and balance of creative license and historical accuracy, and celebration of the plurality of voices that Hindu mythology represents, are valuable lessons for any aspiring writer. Nayak’s words are an affirmation of the power of stories and the responsibility writers hold in representing them. As Nayak himself states, “When a writer writes, he’s also in a way exposing himself on so many levels”.