Why the weird blog name—Logos & Mythos?

Well, I’m weird.

And all those who know me said, “Amen!”

While there are much deeper, more detailed definitions of Logos & Mythos and there’s much history behind both, I chose these words for a simpler purpose. You see, these two words sum up both sides of my brain.

Inspiration from a book…of course!

I discovered these words with the following definitions while reading the prologue of The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings by Philip & Carol Zaleski.

Logos calls to mind “the ordering power of words” (p. 4) and focuses on the logical, philosophical, reasoning side of thought.

Mythos reminds us of “the regenerative power of story” (p. 4). It focuses on the creativity within and all around and makes us long for the fairy tales of our childhood and of tales from the romantic past.

When I read these words, used to describe that most influential of literary groups—which included my favorite author of all time, J.R.R. Tolkien—I had to adopt them for this blog.

Logos & Mythos & Me

I am both logical and creative in everything I do. I can contemplate the philosophy behind a chosen setting and psychoanalyze a character’s actions for hours; but when that creativity appears, it flows from my fingers in a nearly magical way that simultaneously scares me and gives me a high better than any drug in existence.

So, what better title for the place where I plan to pontificate upon the history of books and the state of the publishing industry while sharing details of my writing and editing processes and the inspirations that fuel them?

Logos

Life isn’t really black or white. People aren’t always as they seem. Motivations behind someone’s actions often surprise us. The inner workings of the brain remain a mystery, even to the most brilliant among us.

It is with words that we seek to make sense of the cosmos. Language allows us to communicate our beliefs, questions, thoughts and musings while absorbing those of others. The power of words promotes philosophies, raises reason and enlarges empathy for all around us.

Logic may be logical, but it rarely makes sense. Understanding must be sought with a great deal of introspection and reflection. And, it is with words alone that we may bring some order to the disorder we encounter.

Mythos

Stories raised me. Fairy tales promised me that princesses really can live “happily ever after.” Fables taught me a moral behind every pair of rabbit ears. Biographies gave me examples of those who came before me. Novels gave me a place to escape far away from my circumstances and deep within my mind and heart. Non-fiction gives a better education than all the best universities combined.

The gifts a good story offers the reader include healing, learning and understanding—of the world around us and of ourselves and our situations. Tales transcend time, space, caste, religion. The universe we call home bows down to the Master Storyteller who created all and gifted humans with words to create our own stories.

It is with words that we pass down truth—and myth—from generation to generation. Words—spoken and written—grew civilizations from the early years of toiling with the thorns and unfertile soil to the great ancient peoples who fought one another for power to today when we live as citizens of the earth as much as citizens of our own countries.

Me

I have used words to reason arguments, present findings, relay information and call others to action. Words flowed through me to present stories powerful enough to command joy, sorrow, anger, confidence and passion.

Logos & Mythos have been part of me long before I thought of putting them together. They have been and will continue to be part of my quest with words.

I want to hear from you! Leave me a comment below or send me an email. Do you lean more toward Logos or Mythos?