Read as a God

Disciplines > Storytelling > Telling stories > Campbell's Commandments > Read as a God

Commandment | Discussion | See also

Previous: Read in the present tense

Next: Understand magnetic effects

Commandment

Read myths in the first person plural: the Gods and Goddesses of ancient mythology still live within you.

Discussion

Ancient gods and goddesses were immortal beings who looked down on humanity as their playthings and hobbies. In the manner of visiting advanced aliens, they saw us like pets, perhaps to be cherished, perhaps ignored, perhaps punished.

Gods and goddesses also have an immortal memory. They see the long stories that play out over aeons and have depth and universal purpose. Although perhaps fickle, they have deep and abiding respect for story.

Imagine that you are a god, reading your own story that has meaning beyond the ken of man. Give it depth and purpose that makes your listener sense the greater universe.

'Read as a God' is one of the 'Ten Commandments for Reading Myth' as defined by Joseph Campbell.