Im looking for some writing inspiration. Im looking for not so known elements of different cultures that would make incredible powers.

  • TowardsTheFuture@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    15
    ·
    8 months ago

    Look up Jinn. While plenty of people get the general “genie” stereotype there’s a lot more to Jinn/Djinn Mythology to be explored that can give inspiration. Such as ones that… tickle you to death… cuz… why not.

  • Devi@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    8 months ago

    Have you looked at 1001 Arabian Nights? Loads of fantasy and sci fi in there that might help. Jinn, mermaids, immortal space travellers, I read a fair few of them as a kid and they were cool.

  • Daze@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    7
    ·
    8 months ago

    OP, you need to check out Path of Achra!

    The game is fantastic in its own right, and I don’t know if it’s directly related to any Arabic mythos/lore or if it’s just one person’s inspired creation, but there are tons of characters, cultures, gods and elemental powers to check out that are all along the lines of what you’re looking for I think.

  • bloodfart@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    11
    arrow-down
    6
    ·
    8 months ago

    The best writing inspiration comes from reading!

    I recommend the holy Quran.

    • Dessalines@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      8
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      edit-2
      8 months ago

      There are also some excellent audiobooks now of the Qu’ran on audible, and torrents. I read a new-ish translation by prof Abdel Haleem, it was very well done.

      • bloodfart@lemmy.ml
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        9
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        8 months ago

        and the hadith as well! i only have the six books and the four books but there’s a lot!

        lol at our downvotes.

        • Dessalines@lemmy.ml
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          5
          arrow-down
          1
          ·
          8 months ago

          I can see who they are, and it’s the Islamophobic new-atheist types that migrated from reddit.

        • fastandcurious@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          edit-2
          8 months ago

          Tbh they are very easily misinterpreted, I don’t really recommend unless they really have the knowledge to understand them

          They are great if you just want to hear about their(Arabs) general life though

    • fastandcurious@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      edit-2
      8 months ago

      Yeah, not its purpose but it’s very good at explaining events, few words but very telling, not to mention the poetic nature of the Arabic language, who hasn’t heard about the people of the cave (Al-kahf)? That chapter also has some beautiful recitations (with English translations)

    • TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      arrow-down
      5
      ·
      8 months ago

      I would not say just reading. I think more creativity comes out of sitting blank and in peace, out of boredom. The location can vary, in your room staring at walls, in a dark dingy place, out in nature, staring at horizon and so on.

      • Habahnow@sh.itjust.works
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        8 months ago

        The OP is asking for inspiration related to a specific culture. Secluded boredom will not help you learn about things to write about a specific culture.

        • TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          arrow-down
          4
          ·
          8 months ago

          Religion was probably born out of solitary confinement. Somebody probably thought of ways to rule masses without law.

          Jokes aside, ask creative people if they really get ideas through being closeted bookworms.

          • Habahnow@sh.itjust.works
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            3
            ·
            8 months ago

            You’re completely missing the point of the OP. Reread his post and then reread yours to see how your’s is not helpful to his goals.

    • vis4valentine@lemmy.mlOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      5
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      8 months ago

      Any kind of anime like powers inspired by a culture. For example. A bird man with incredible force Sun fueled powers, or a Woman can turn into a Snake, or a silent assasin that confuses their victims with their whistling.

  • RBWells@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    8 months ago

    Have you read City of Brass? This novel (and the other two in the trilogy) might inspire you.