Mythopoeic Narrative in The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda series is an example of mythopoeia, which is the human desire to make meaning out of the world. This series explores how the avatar, through which the player interacts with the in-game world, becomes a player-character symbiote, enacting and observing the process of integrating worldbuilding with storytelling.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Legend of Zelda series stands as a remarkable and iconic representation of what J.R.R. Tolkien termed "mythopoeia," or the creation of myths within the realm of video games. In his essay "On Fairy Stories" and the accompanying poem "Mythopoeia," Tolkien compellingly argues that the fairy tale aesthetic serves as a more intimate manifestation of the same underlying principle that underpins grand myths: the innate human yearning to derive meaning from the world around us. By employing the concept of mythopoeia as a guiding framework, the essays collected in this volume delve into the intricate ways in which The Legend of Zelda series transforms the avatar, through which players engage with the game's world, into a symbiotic player-character entity. This unique relationship allows individuals to actively participate in the process of seamlessly blending world-building with storytelling, creating a truly immersive and captivating gaming experience.

Twelve insightful essays explore the rich tapestry of Zelda's mythmaking from diverse perspectives, including literary criticism, videogame theory, musicology, ecocriticism, pedagogy, and more. These essays offer deep insights into the series' creative process, exploring how it weaves together intricate narratives, immersive environments, and meaningful themes to create a timeless and influential gaming franchise.

Through its exploration of mythopoeia, The Legend of Zelda series not only captivates players but also invites them to reflect on the profound human desire for meaning and storytelling. It serves as a testament to the power of video games as a medium for artistic expression and intellectual exploration, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in the realm of interactive entertainment.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032238517