The world - building in mythology tends to be more symbolic. The different realms and creatures often represent something deeper in the cultural psyche. For instance, the underworld in many mythologies represents death and the afterlife. In fiction, while there can be symbolic world - building, it's more about creating a believable and immersive environment for the story. Fiction can have detailed maps, languages, and histories for its fictional worlds, which may not be as common or as developed in mythology.
In mythology, world - building is often based on cultural beliefs and religious concepts. It is more about presenting a world view that was held by a particular society. For example, in Norse mythology, the nine worlds were part of their understanding of the cosmos. In fiction, world - building is more flexible. Authors can create entirely new worlds with unique rules and ecosystems just for the sake of the story, like in the 'Lord of the Rings' series.
Mythology's world - building is limited by the cultural context it comes from. It has to stay true to the traditional beliefs of that culture. Fiction, however, allows for a much wider range of world - building. A fiction writer can blend different elements from various cultures or completely invent new ones. In mythology, the world is often a reflection of the values and fears of the people. Fiction can use world - building as a tool to explore various themes, not just cultural ones.
In Cyberpunk 2077, the world - building is very detailed. It's a vast cybernetic future world with different districts, each having its own culture, economy, and power structures. In Pulp Fiction, the world - building is more about creating a specific underworld atmosphere. It focuses on a particular slice of society, like the criminal underworld in Los Angeles.
The world - building in Psycho - Pass 3 is very much centered around a high - tech, dystopian future. There are complex systems in place that govern society, like the Sibyl System. In contrast, Pulp Fiction is set in a more recognizable, albeit seedy, modern - day world. There's no overarching technological system controlling people's lives like in Psycho - Pass 3.
The world - building in Harry Potter is centered around the wizarding world hidden within the Muggle world. In fanfiction comparing it to The Hobbit, the Hogwarts castle and its surrounding areas are key. In The Hobbit, Middle - earth is vast and filled with different races. In fanfiction, some might merge the two by having Hogwarts be a part of Middle - earth, which would completely change the nature of both worlds.
The world of he fiction is often more fantastical. In the real world, we have set physical laws, but in he fiction, these can be bent or broken. For example, characters might be able to fly or communicate telepathically.
In Girls Frontline, the world - building is centered around a post - apocalyptic scenario. There are different factions, and the focus is on the development and combat use of the tactical dolls. In VA 11 Hall - A, the world - building is more about creating a cyberpunk cityscape. So, they are quite different in terms of the overall look and feel of the world.
It provides the backdrop against which the plot unfolds. If the world has a post - apocalyptic setting, the plot will likely involve survival and resource - gathering. For instance, in 'The Road', the desolate world shapes the journey of the father and son.
Metaphors are very useful in science fiction world - building. They can make abstract concepts more tangible. For instance, if we consider a spaceship as a 'floating island', it gives a different perspective. It allows the reader to better understand the isolation and self - containment of the spaceship within the vastness of space. This way, metaphors enrich the overall world - building process.
Jargon enhances world - building in science fiction by making the fictional world seem more real and detailed. For example, if a story has terms like 'quantum jump gate', it gives the impression of a highly advanced technological universe.
Exposition can build on the history of the science fiction world. Take 'Foundation' as an example. The exposition about the fall of the Galactic Empire and Hari Seldon's psychohistory theory forms the backbone of the story's world - building. It makes the reader understand why the events unfold as they do.
By creating distinct languages. When a science fiction story has its own unique languages for different species or cultures, it makes the world seem more real and complex. For example, the Elvish languages in 'The Lord of the Rings' (although it's more of a fantasy but still relevant). These languages give the impression that the races have their own histories, values, and ways of thinking.