Mythical Monday (8)

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Fantasy author R.M. Prioleau

Talking of Harpies.

"The Necromancer's Apprentice" is a gothic fantasy novella about a girl named Jasmine, who, after a series of perils, is given a second chance at life by a mysterious stranger with a hidden agenda. The setting of Caristan, the fictional country of the fantasy world that the story takes place in, is very dark and bleak -- like the kind of feeling you get when watching a Tim Burton movie. Various types of creatures and monsters lurk throughout Caristan, making extremely hazardous for unwary travelers. One particular type of creature that I will highlight from the book, and I thought had a very large impact on the story, is the harpy. 

Harpies date as far back as Greek mythology, as they were the winged spirits who constantly tormented Phineus by stealing his food. Harpies are depicted as hybrid, winged creatures with a human female's upper body, and a bird's lower body. Many popular cultures depict them as beautiful creatures, while others show them as hideous monsters. Their names are often mistaken and/or interchanged with Sirens, especially in popular videogames. According to Wikipedia, the literal meaning of 'harpy' means "to snatch." When writing "The Necromancer's Apprentice," I thought these creatures would be perfect in creating a turning point in the story, in which all that Jasmine loved and knew was suddenly snatched from her.

(Image from Wikipedia)

As I wrote "The Necromancer's Apprentice," I learned a lot about the histories of the creatures I used based on my research. I tried to choose creatures that I thought would be appropriate for a gothic setting. Harpies are commonly used in horror films and books, and I thought that it would be something that many readers would relate to and expect to see in "The Necromancer's Apprentice."


"The Necromancer's Apprentice" is available now on Amazon, B&N, and other major online retailers in ebook and paperback. Check out my website for more information about "The Necromancer's Apprentice," as well as my other books, which feature mythologically-inspired creatures.

R.M. Prioleau has many mythologically-inspired creatures in works.

You can find R.M. Prioleau at:

My website/blog: www.RMPrioleau.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RMPrioleau

Twitter: www.twitter.com/RMPrioleau

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/RMPrioleau