The Inspiration for the Worlds of Magic
Lore forum
Posted on May 27, 2014, 12:28 p.m. by BoromirOfGondor
After reading the book One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, I realized that it shares many mutual characteristics with the lore of Phyrexia. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a satire on the mental health industry, about a belligerent patient named R.P. McMurphy and his subtle struggle against the oppresive Nurse Ratched, who hates everything natural and "of the flesh." The other patients rally behind him, albeit in the end his effort is in vain.
Literal or metaphorical, this story is strikingly similar to Phyrexia, in which a malevolent being attempts (and succeeds) to corrupt an otherwise pure entity. McMurphy, in this case, is Dominaria or Mirrodin. What other cards or worlds in Magic do you think are inspired by works of literature, movies, or other art forms?
Good versus evil has been a thing in fiction since the Bible was written.
May 27, 2014 12:53 p.m.
MindAblaze says... #4
I think I remember from a Psychology of Art or Film Studies class that there are only something like 7 possible story archetypes...everything else is an adaptation. Don't quote me though.
May 27, 2014 1:13 p.m.
There is only one real story arch, however:
Of course, there are minor variations, but all stories worth telling follow this chart.
May 27, 2014 1:19 p.m.
MindAblaze says... #6
This is true. I was referring to the content of the story itself. There are a limited number of ways the characters can interact in meaningful ways. A buddy film being the example that comes to mind.
It comes from the fact that there are a limited number of defining roles a character can have. Too many and the character becomes so multifaceted that they don't have a real purpose.
May 27, 2014 1:23 p.m.
There are 5 archetypes of ancient parable of story. They all follow one of 5 types. However, this is not true in the modern world.
May 27, 2014 1:32 p.m.
MindAblaze says... #11
I was sure I heard that when I was still in school...but tbh I just pulled 7 out of my ass. Apparently my ass knows more than my brain...surprise!
May 27, 2014 1:47 p.m.
Rhinowarrior says... #12
@ MindAblaze! perhaps you should change your username to assablaze?
May 27, 2014 7:56 p.m.
MindAblaze says... #14
That only happens every once in awhile, and there is medication for that.
ChiefBell says... #2
I think you can see a struggle between good and evil; between purity and darkness; between corruption and innocence anywhere.
I mean you could point towards Lord of the flies or Lord of the rings or a streetcar named desire or king Lear or whatever else.
It's a popular theme in literature and gaming.
May 27, 2014 12:39 p.m.