If you enjoyed this video, please consider checking out my debut xenofiction novel, Winter Without End, available now in both ebook and paperback form: www.fenrispublishing.com/winter A post-apocalyptic story told through the eyes of a dog, Winter Without End follows a Labrador retriever who, after being abandoned by his human family in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, makes an uneasy alliance with a wounded wolf in order to survive.
@EmperorZelos
2 жыл бұрын
atheism is just the non-belief in theistic claims, not the denial of deities.
@bluebilbo3559
2 жыл бұрын
Could you also do a video on white fang please it’s one of my favourite books of all time
@ΚωνσταντίνοςΚατσίμπελης
2 жыл бұрын
If watership down has non anthropomorphic animals then why do rabbit play bob stones a reference to a human game and I don't know if it's true that they have a a kind of group of guardians to the chief with a captain as it's leader and another thing in Cowslip's warren just cause their living in a semi natural habitat,from experience I have seen one which they had a conspicuous entrance under a tree and definitely the being roof holded by the roots and maybe they have no leader cause they have no dangers,but that doesn't mean that they dance to welcome guests,singing to their kits,laughing and making art wall
@JKplaysMC1
2 жыл бұрын
Read your book and enjoyed it! Liked the character development and worldbuilding. The progression of the story seemed a bit slow and I think it might be because the main characters moved to often but I'm not certain. Still It was a good book and I'll read it again in the future I think.
@uryuu300
2 жыл бұрын
I’m definitely looking to check your novel out! I need some more xenofiction to add to my list. Curiously, I was wondering if the idea of being a beta reader for some of our animal fiction WIPs sounds appealing to you at all? Just a random thought, as I imagine it might be quite taxing lol You’d also be probably overwhelmed, I imagine
@somethingelse8326
2 жыл бұрын
I'm starting to think this channel is just Cardinal Wests way of trying to jump start the popularity of the Xenofiction genre so that there's more of it for him to read, and I for one approve.
@serafine666
9 ай бұрын
Yes it is. :) I'm really enjoying contemplating his idea of a story following a raven flock who accompany a wolf pack, and it has nothing to do with me being a shamelessly enthusiastic corvidphile.
@VeradanaGriffin
Жыл бұрын
You mentioned a Xenofiction book idea about the relationship between ravens and wolves. I actually remember reading a book where that was an important part. It's called Ravenquest, and it's about a raven who gets cast out of his flock after being framed for murder. While in exile, he remembers stories about animals called Grey Ones, who in the past were close friends to the ravens, and he decides to see if he can find any, hoping that if he does so, he'll be allowed back in to his old flock.
@lampette1041
Жыл бұрын
I’ve been having this idea in my head for a xenofiction tale involving orcas and their plight. It takes place off the Alaskan coast and concerns the two communities of orca that live there. Their lives and societies are structured around the prey they eat. They also live in a world very different from ours, centered around sound rather than sight. Pods have different dialects that are more similar the more closely they’re related. It’s very alien to us humans, but it’s fun to imagine. One is called the Nahiiti and they’re nomadic marine mammal hunters. (Transients) They’re quiet and superstitious by nature since any mistake could cost them prey. The other culture is called the Ikrahvarr and they eat salmon. Since they’re resident orcas, they live in a highly complex, family centered society. These two cultures are deeply distrustful of one another and rarely interact. The Nahiiti worship a trinity of Gods: Nahi, Sitka, and Ilka. Nahi is the creator and is personified by the land, so basically all orcas are swimming alongside her. Sitka is the moon and goddess of the hunt and the tides, while Ilka is the sun and he protects the family, especially calves. Meanwhile, the Ikrahvarr practice a form of ancestor worship with a dash of animism. Ikrah is the founder of their people, basically think of a female orca version of Abraham, maybe. They see her as the greatest matriarch and believe she had supernatural powers. I don’t think they worship a deity but rather believe in a life force that connects everything. When whales die they return to it and become one of the many venerated ancestors. Maybe the Northern Lights could have something to do with that. It takes place after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in ‘89, and both communities have suffered from it, especially the Ikrahvarr. The most powerful matriarchs in their society have imposed harsh rules on the population in order to survive. Meanwhile a pair of Nahiiti twins are orphaned when their mother dies and are taken in by an Ikrahvarr family. The matriarchs fearmonger about a group of radicals spreading dissent among the Ikrahvarr. In truth they’re an alliance of whales from both cultures that believe that uniting together is the only way to survive. The twins, along with some Ikrahvarr allies, join this org, and find out the truth about their mother. It’s been baking in my head ever since middle school (in my 20s) and I’ve wanted to make something out of it. I figured maybe a novel but I don’t really enjoy writing prose anymore. Then maybe a comic, since I love doing those, but I figure it’d be real hard trying to differentiate all the orca characters, lol…
@purplehaze2358
Жыл бұрын
There is nothing more I desire than to read a xenofiction story about capybaras.
@RubyCarrots3232
2 жыл бұрын
I am definitely going to be using this for reference for my future projects.
@yas-per
Жыл бұрын
I’m writing a story about anthropomorphic animals, though their individual species still have various cultures! A subset of grey wolves from Germany wear dirndl-like dresses with herbs attached to the belts, as hundreds of years ago, before a mass treaty, wars were common between groups of wolves. The herbs were to mask their scents to avoid tracking and are now just a good luck charm They also sing a lot, often being able to hold notes longer then any person could. They have a natural ability to harmonise, often sounding something like ‘the woods’ by Cosmo Sheldrake or soloists sounding like ‘Dan y Dwr’ by Enya. This group of wolves specifically have long manes that they traditionally grow, females never cutting them (unless by someone high in the caste system and with a ceremonial blade) and males keeping them cropped short until they marry or have pups (surviving cold temps with short manes is a sign of strength. Then grow them out when they get married/have pups to show they’re unavailable for courting. If they lose a family member, they shave part of their mane off) Their societies are called packs despite being huge groups of hundreds of thousands and each pack often has unique features, like common colours, patterns and different traditions. Another society I’ve developed is a group of deer living in the middle of nowhere (this is based less on biology things and more on in-universe social structures) The original founder of this society was an albino deer who was tired of being treated badly for looking different, so he started this cult. It’s called ‘The Disciples of the Light Born’ and their belief system is that the fur colour and pattern of deer determines what they were created with. White deer were created with the light and are therefore rarer and godlike, ordinary brown furred deer are forged from the earth and are below the light-born and black furred deer are created by the night and therefore also revered. The dapples baby deer have are explained as being remnants of light, as they were created by the light-born. In this cult, every morning and evening, they stand in the town square and listen to a speech by the light-born leader. Before the speech starts, they drink a glass of wine (spiked with mild hallucinogens) so that when the speech is over, they see bright colours and patterns, believing it to be proof of the light-born’s holiness. This cult is unlike the wolf pack, as it’s inherently harmful to all of its members and founded off of spite, that spite leading to future generations genuinely believing in what they’re teaching. Me when I blabbla blab bla blabla
@pining_tree6788
Жыл бұрын
Ever since finding this channel my mind has been racing with xenofiction ideas, the main one being somewhere in between the mythical of natural and fantasy. Which makes me wonder, what are your feelings around the more fantastical xenofiction? I understand that with perspective in certain fantastical creatures it could step away from the fascinating angles of natural xenofiction, but I do wonder how the ‘avaerge’ animal’s life could be shaped with such creature’s existience
@PoppyHapalopus
Жыл бұрын
"...a small group of ravens that tags along with a wolf pack..." May I interest you in Raven Quest and Wolf Rider by Sharon Stewart?
@blazethesteamdragon6202
Жыл бұрын
This made me realized that meerkats have an absurd amount of potential for xenofiction stories and now I really want to write about meerkats.
@KlutzyNinjaKitty
Жыл бұрын
I’m honestly surprised I never thought to do that considering how I grew up watching Meerkat Manor (which was an Animal Planet show back in the 2000s.) It was like a soap opera following different meerkat families and their relationships with each other. Complete with wars between families, scandalous affairs with roving males, and major deaths.
@blazethesteamdragon6202
Жыл бұрын
@@KlutzyNinjaKitty Ikr I LOVED Meerkat Manor growing up!
@KlutzyNinjaKitty
Жыл бұрын
@@blazethesteamdragon6202 - oh snap, idk if I ever met someone else who watched that show! It was so good but I can’t find it anywhere to rewatch 😭
@KlutzyNinjaKitty
Жыл бұрын
@@blazethesteamdragon6202 - So, I just checked out of curiosity, but the show came back for a season last year?! It’s called Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty.
@Lepurcinus
Жыл бұрын
African animals in general have a lot of potential, but people usually care for lions, Hyenas and these
@saltenzy449
2 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised this ended up only with mammals and birds being discussed. I could see a lot of potential with a lot of different organisms: Crocodilians, snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs. You could work out entire territorial warfare easily with bull frogs. Garter snakes having hyper social overwintering gatherings culminating in a reproductive festival before heading off for a year of solitude. Alligators negotiating territory in the everglades and working to deal with the invasive python problem. Ocean wanderings of sea turtles. Anoles navigating the maze of built human structures while avoiding predators like birds. I think branching out beyond mammal and bird centric xenofiction could be an interesting route. Reptiles and amphibians have a fair bit of potential to work with, and I could even argue the same for some fish and invertebrates. I may end up incorporating elements of xenofiction into a work of mine. It's far more fantasy and focuses on tiny humanoids living in a suburban back yard, but I always wanted a connection to the fauna around them. Giving some of the more social species they come across the vague impression of their own societies and consciousness is a good angle I should lean into.
@kenyaholloway-reliford8213
2 жыл бұрын
More non-mammalian/avian representation, please
@ShesquatchPiney
Жыл бұрын
Aquatic creatures too!
@Barakon
Жыл бұрын
Octopai who deem reproduction a sacrifice of 1 life for another & there’s an elongated funeral for the post nut clarity males.
@Barakon
Жыл бұрын
@@ShesquatchPiney Shark nomads!
@KarlAndArma4ever
Жыл бұрын
@@Barakon Ooh, I'd love to see a shark story that delves into very recent studies on them being surprisingly communal! They could have designated hunting partners, nurseries guarded by certain individuals, etc.
@Richardiii2
2 жыл бұрын
There is nothing more frustrating than doing a ton of research and discovering that something is untenable. Glad you were able to use a backup.
@error404idnotfound3
10 ай бұрын
There is also the opposite problem. Doing research into a species you think is going to be untenable only to find out that it is both intelligent and social.
@Izelikestea
2 жыл бұрын
I've always wanted to read a xenofiction story about squirrels. As like rats their intelligence is well documented. There is also the ongoing conflict here in the UK, between native red and invasive grey squirrels. Which would be fertile ground for a story I think.
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
Interestingly enough, Michael Tod's "The Dorset Squirrels" trilogy is centered around the conflict between red and grey squirrels in England - I read the first book in the series (The Silver Tide) a while back and don't really remember much of it, but if you're already interested in the species I'd recommend checking them out.
@karenroque3583
Жыл бұрын
There’s also “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” which is the book that inspired the cult classic Don Bluth animated movie “The Secret of NIMH”. Edit: Whoops sorry. Apparently I didn’t read this carefully enough because I thought you were asking for examples of xenofiction about squirrels AND rats. But yes, a squirrel society would be fascinating to read about.
@smergthedargon8974
Жыл бұрын
I feel a need to point out that "xenofiction" means anything from a non-human perspective, not just standard animals. Anthropomorphic animals, aliens, and (distinctly non-human) fantasy races fall under the term, too!
@aylmerij9760
2 жыл бұрын
I'm actually currently planning a xenofiction story where firehawks have a very important role! They're very fascinating to me and fit too well with the current worldbuilding for me to not include them somewhere. The story is mostly based off of animals interactions with humans and how they view them. Most animals treat humans as somewhat godly, and aim to be like them for various reasons. It's sort of an in-universe explanation for animals that have traits that were for a long time considered to be only present in humans. They all have different ideas as to what makes humans human, so some use tools, others speak, some domesticated themselves(though this one's more a cultural explanation for why domesticated animals exist than actual fact), etc. Firehawks believe that fire is the key to humanity, and made it a core part of their culture. They teach their offspring how to safely transport burning vegetation without burning their feathers soon after they learn to fly and have perfected the use of fire over many generations. They aren't the main focus of the story, but if I ever write it I'll definitely write a book solely about the firehawks.
@stephenlamb4212
2 жыл бұрын
Another group of creatures that I think deserve more of a spotlight in mythic xeno fiction are orcas as different orca pods around the world have been found to have different languages and hunting techniques which are pasted from mother to calf. All of which are lead by an elder matriarch. With a basis like that the stories practically write themselves
@krankarvolund7771
Жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing during the entire video XD
@dirandrous7682
Жыл бұрын
I highly recommend Songs of the Inland Sea if that's up to your taste! kzitem.info/news/bejne/2YOLuqqmsYBikqw
@rockclanhawkstar1454
Жыл бұрын
Not to mention they sometimes pass trends on between each other. Like the time an Orca Cow was wearing a salmon on her head and two separate pods joined her in wearing salmon.
@angelictofu
Жыл бұрын
Maybe one day I'll get around to writing mythic xenofiction about chickens, my favourite animal. Chickens already have an extremely complex hierarchy that could quite easily become anthropomorphised as a society that not only experiences, but outright values conflict as a natural part of life, and who don't recognise grief as meaningful. Chicken society would be a paranoid one, as prey animals they obviously fear many things, but just as a rooster may give his life for the flock, or a hen for her chicks, they would just as easily devour their own eggs or dead brethren. Lower ranking hens might speak scornfully of the bald necks of the rooster's favourites, and of course pushing out massive eggs each day, only for them to inevitably be taken, might be seen more as a deliberate sacrifice to the humans, so that their lives are spared. To be unable to lay is a moral failure, as is failing to remain atop a nest of eggs (as in real life, broody hens will often be driven back to the next by other chickens), or to be a cowardly cockerel (as hens are generally self sufficient, but roos serve to both fertilize eggs and protect the flock, so if you can't perform your duties, you endanger the whole flock and fail to be useful to society). It would be a highly patriarchal society based upon shame and self-flaggelation, valuing the survival of the flock above individuals and both worshipping and fearing their human gods. There's so much to expand on, I haven't even touched on scratching or hunting (or the chasing-stealing bloodbath game that follows a successful hunt), or other various taboos (such as eating out of turn). I love watching my chickens interact, and I can't express enough how much there is to go off of with them.
@geministrial950
Жыл бұрын
As soon as you have that ready im gonna need a copy. I love chickens
@Nerium_Aquifolium
Жыл бұрын
OHHH PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU DO I have a flock, I would ADORE those books
@KlaxontheImpailr
7 ай бұрын
I'd love to see a story about the Australian Emu war from the bird's perspective.
@harpereloise7973
7 ай бұрын
AHHHH please let us know if you ever do. I love chickens!
@GelatinSkeleton
Жыл бұрын
“(i’m not joking we need good bird-related xenofiction)” a friend of mine is working on a middle grade novel about rock doves/pigeons!! he’s done a ton of research and they’re his favorite animal, and the writing is super charming. it’s not done yet but it’s coming!! there will be good bird xenofiction!!
@kathrineici9811
Жыл бұрын
Might I suggest Ga’Hoole
@onlineskitty
11 ай бұрын
@@kathrineici9811gahoole is a fun read. it's more on the mythic side so there isn't a lot of realism but i love it
@ethankennan212
Жыл бұрын
13:31 I for one actually think an animal xenofiction story about exploring these moral dilemmas would actually be really cool. Having different individual predators have different ideas and feelings about their niche, and ditto for prey could be really interesting to explore, especially if they decide to face the reality of each other’s personhood while also understanding what they must do to survive. Every creature could have different ideas about what it means to respect their prey or predators, or even if they really should try at all. I think it would be fascinating to explore that.
@itsameamia8779
Жыл бұрын
Its been a few months but if you haven't heard of it - Song of the Summer king, a book about gryphons, does this pretty well!
@dmgroberts5471
Жыл бұрын
It would add a nice note of moral complexity, certainly. Rabbit: "Please don't kill me, I have a family!" Wolf: "But so do I, and my pups go hungry. Should my children die so that you may live, little rabbit? Should I let everything I love perish so that you can return to your loved ones? Would you choose another to take your place, and if so, would they not say the same?" Frankly, a moral debate between a rabbit and a wolf could be a story on it's own.
@KlutzyNinjaKitty
Жыл бұрын
There is an animated movie, Leafie: A Hen Into the Wild, that covers this idea beautifully (as well as themes of motherhood in general.) Just be sure to watch the subbed version since the english dub censors the most important part.
@frostbitetheannunakiiceind6574
6 ай бұрын
this
@thewitchbasket
2 жыл бұрын
This inspired me to work on a selection of short stories about insects! Here's what I've got for a creation myth if anybody's interested: At the beginning of time, the world was barren and lifeless on the surface. Underneath the ground, however, all manner of bug, beast, and plant lived and thrived together. Before long, however, a rivalry began between the bugs and the plants. The plants felt that the bugs were eating them too quickly, for plants took a long time to grow. The bugs simply said that if the plants could not defend themselves, then they would be eaten. So, the plants tried various methods to deter the bugs. They tried to become poisonous, they tried to grow thick defenses, they tried to wield weapons, but no matter what they tried, the bugs were able to adapt to the changes in turn. They gained strong stomachs to deal with the poison, became small to penetrate the thick defenses, and became so swift that the plants seemed like they weren't moving at all in order to avoid their weapons. The plants soon realized that escape was their only option. They fled upward, growing out of the earth and toward the sky, reaching up to the clouds. For a time, their escape seemed successful and they covered the world's surface, but it didn't take long for the bugs to find them, and the beasts soon followed. The plants, dismayed at having been found, resigned themselves to their fate. In despair, they simply watched themselves be devoured by their tiny adversaries. One day, Tree, the largest, oldest, and wisest of the plants had an idea. As she watched the beasts run about her forest, she saw the reason they had never been a threat: the beasts ate the plants, yes, but they also ate other beasts. So, what if the bugs were to do the same? Tree and the other plants, invigorated by the light of the sun, decided that they would create for the bugs Hunters as the beasts had. From Tree's roots came the Stalkers (ambush spiders), who were strong and cunning, as she was. From the tangled ivy came the Trappers (web-weaving spiders), whose silken nets could catch the swiftest of bugs. From the sweet flowers came the Stingers (wasps), whose venom was stronger than any poison. From the water reeds came the Flitters (dragonflies and damselflies), who moved through the air with speed and grace. Finally, from the spiked thornbush came the Strikers (mantises), whose claws struck fast and true. These were the first Hunters, tasked with killing the bugs who would threaten their mother plants. There's a lot of variation in this story between the different types of bugs (this version is the one told by the predators) and they all have different traditions unique to them, but I thought this was a good place to start from :)
@Barakon
Жыл бұрын
Interesting…
@smergthedargon8974
Жыл бұрын
Ah, this sounds fascinating! I love spiders, but I'll gladly take insect xenofiction!
@eldritch_moth3191
Жыл бұрын
This is epic. I’m glad I’m not the only one who wants to write insect xenofiction.
@Daniel-se3zm
Жыл бұрын
very interesting...
@Triple_Colors
Жыл бұрын
Ooo.. I love this creation myth about insects! I have a bug creation myth as well, but this creation myth comes from the sea. Sense all insect's ancient ancestors are prehistoric crustaceans that used to live in the sea before living on land.
@robinronin
Жыл бұрын
Okay so, I’ve been outlining a werewolf-series for a while now, and I was planning to focus very much on the human side... but you’ve convinced me in a few days that the animal-side is so incredibly interesting. Like, I’m back to the drawing board to incorporate more real wolf stuff and I’m really excited about it. Thank you! :)
@riotbreaker3506
Жыл бұрын
I've always wanted to try my hand at dinosaur xenofiction, as there are so many incredible environments and animals that have rarely been written, I can only think of Raptor Red and one of Oppel's Sunwing books.
@colleenprinssen
Жыл бұрын
and now that there is a scientist speculating Tyranosaurs were as smart as baboons
@dragonvliss2426
4 ай бұрын
And an author could build on the new scientific consensus that birds are actually surviving dinosaurs. Think what a fascinating mythology that could involve for modern bird species!
@angelsartandgaming
Жыл бұрын
I'm surprised no one has (or at least to my knowledge) made a xenofiction book about dolphins. Intelligent, loved by humans (mostly), ARE ACTUALLY FRICKEN MEAN TO EACH OTHER, get high off of pufferfish, and do live in a family group. That's prime for story telling. A dolphin society that both fears and respects humans (maybe some reviering them as gods because one dolphin ended up getting a fish sandwich from a kid or something), have to fight each other, a group that are just puffer stoners. Another that I would love to see as xenofiction story is the monarch butterfly. Imagine a story of their migration from Mexico to the Rocky Mountains or vice versa, knowing that their journey is long but they do it for one thing; repopulation. I could imagine tensions of stress, starvation, storms, freezing, or even things such as a car driving by and one hitting the windshield. Yet they find "paradises" sometimes which are community grown Monarch rest stops (which, I actually know butterfly groups who work together to build Butterfly Oasises as they call it and maintain them). I could see their society as one who follows the wind and their inner guide (aka magnetism). They have to for this journey. Maybe they view Winter as this hand of death that wipes out many and humans as cthulhu like beings that... sometimes taste really good (aka licking our sweat. Ever have a butterfly land in your hand? Yeah they like your sweat!).
@swagfather_6nine532
Жыл бұрын
Fun idea for Pigeons: They see the opening of a new building by humans as a religious event, and 'dirty' the roofs with their celebrations, the humans cleaning up the decorations just being seen as the end of the celebrations. After that, they begin their nesting, going 99% of the time undisturbed by the humans
@Anne_Drawings
25 күн бұрын
Pigeons also used to be pets and messangers, but were thrown on the streets when easier mail methods and cats and dogs became popular, you could make a story about pigeons being thrown out of the humans "heaven" as punishment for something, and the religious events they attend are to beg for forgivness, kinda like the adams and eve sin to humans, but for pigeons
@swagfather_6nine532
24 күн бұрын
@@Anne_Drawings If you think about it that's kinda how we treated our Veterans after WW1 so it'd be an interesting parallel
@lostinthestorywithjeremymi9385
2 жыл бұрын
Damn, now I kinda want to write a wolf xenofiction story. I love wolves, I love all animals, it's just there's something truly magical and humbling about them. Symbols of honor, courage, loyalty, and ferocity, they inspire a sense of respect and love for nature and the spiritual. But humanity, or some of it, has viewed them as evil and vile for their wildness and freedom of spirit/will. I already have a dog, cat xenofiction story in mind that I mentioned...damn...though I fear wolves are still mainly portrayed as cruel and evil, not the balancers of nature and symbols of honor that they truly are. (Lotta love for House Stark, even with their flaws.)
@odinsrensen7460
2 жыл бұрын
"Symbols of honor, courage, loyalty and ferocity" Very much symbols. Dogs are way more of all those things. Still, wolves are cool, don't get me wrong, and you could absolutely write good stories like what you're thinking. I just have this compulsion to ACHKTUALLY.
@lostinthestorywithjeremymi9385
2 жыл бұрын
@@odinsrensen7460 I already have a dog story in mind. Just trying to write has been difficult.
@svucozixean1989
2 жыл бұрын
I'm not someone who delves into animal society much in my writing, but I think this look at mythology as it relates to animals helps a whole lot in thinking about designing fantasy worlds, dystopian societies and all manner of other non-human based universes. Thank you very much for this video
@demonstarcatzzz723
3 ай бұрын
I’ve been writing a xenofiction story about my own original species, called cerriens, which are basically just demonic-looking cat-like creatures. They live on their own continent called Fintaria where there are four subspecies each adapted to living in certain habitats: The Mountain Kingdom, Desert Kingdom, the Fintarian Tribe (the first civilization to exist that live in forest/moorland habitats), and the Treetop Tribe (which live mostly in trees). When a cerrien dies they go to the Spirit World as a ghost that can visit the Living World occasionally through a portal. No mortals can see the ghosts except for one special cerrien born every century called the Spirit-Watcher. For the actual plot of the story, the Spirit World has been corrupted and is in the process of being destroyed forever by a mysterious evil ghost, and the Spirit-Watcher at the time (named Echo) and some other cerriens have to journey across Fintarian to find a portal to make it to the Spirit World and stop its corruption. (This is way too long lol)
@nerdcuddles7731
Жыл бұрын
what about xenofiction using alien species, extinct species, or even eldritch horrors?
@katietaylor8314
Жыл бұрын
I was hoping you'd talk about the Duncton Wood Chronicles, but I am very happy you mentioned rats, because not only do I love rats but I've been planning to write a book about wild city rats! I already had the plot and characters sorted out, but I spent this video mentally preparing the other important aspect - their culture and religion. Feel free to ask me if you're curious about the details and keep up the good work! 😄
@D1stop1an
2 жыл бұрын
Any lizard or reptiles xenofiction stories? Why is it always mammals or birds?
@prixe12
2 жыл бұрын
Where my frog xenofiction at
@astick5249
Жыл бұрын
Ive always thought that communal wasps would make for great Xenofiction. Not only do they have a unique perspective of the world compared to not only us but most other species mentioned in this video, but some like paper wasps have a complex social structure that requires them to recognize the faces of their peers to help them know who is who. Also they can fly yet have 6 limbs to work with, have a massive variety of other similarly sized species to interact with, are omnivores so will maximize the amount of interactions between interesting species ranging from those found in flowers to garbage. And best of all, they have to contend with giants, often feeding on deceased members of such animals as well, just to spice things up a little more (yet more interestingly, this meat is not for them, rather its for the larvae who also feed their caretakers by serving them a nutrient rich liquid that they can actually eat).
@theGypsyViking
Жыл бұрын
When you where talking about the speculative religious beliefs of animals, I thought of Warriors by Erin Hunter and Bambi by Felix Salten. Both novels handle the idea very differently, but at the same time, I feel they both handle the very well. In the Warriors Series, the cats in the Clans follow a form of ancestor worship, but only the leader and medicine cat can communicate with the ancestors (which they called StarClan). As the series progressed, we met cats outside the Clans with different beliefs, and there were even a few cats within the Clans who didn't believe in StarClan. In the novel, Bambi, on the other hand, the animals believed that humans where a malevolent god. The reason for His malice was unstated, but (if I remember correctly) the only one who knew man was mortal (and therefore not a god) was Bambi's father.
@sockatoo_
Жыл бұрын
i would love to attempt to create a xenofiction series that takes place in a vast forest, where each novel tells the stories of a different species, every book tying into one another through familiar characters, lore, plot, and generally the balance of nature and how fragile the ecosystem is. for example, the corvids are the smartest creatures in the forest, so they would be the source of wisdom and inspiration for many different species. different types of corvids would have connections with different species. ravens would be closer to the wolves as they are in real life. also because it's a great opportunity to give many different species the spotlight. i wanna write about the society and mythos of tortoises, dangit!!
@catherinecao4810
3 ай бұрын
Someone PLEASE do a Mythic Xenofiction story about invasive species and use it as commentary about colonialism and imperialism.
@sargecad3t
Жыл бұрын
I haven't read much xenofiction, but as someone who has pet rabbits (and had to struggle with getting them to bond with each other) I wonder how the writers of rabbit stories deal with combat. Unbonded rabbits (at least domesticated, I'm not sure about wild rabbits) will sometimes try to fight to the death. They circle around each other, getting into what's referred to as a "bunny tornado", and try to get their teeth into each other's soft underbellies to rip their opponent's guts out. My two rabbits are bonded now (and totally inseparable), but one still has scars all over his ears from fights we didn't stop in time. Ritualized duels to the death in rabbit society seems like it could be a cool worldbuilding idea.
@dylanchouinard6141
Жыл бұрын
Another aspect of the wolf-coyote-crow world that I think could be built on is the society of dogs. Specifically stray dogs (for context I am taking a lot of inspiration from Celtic views of fae/elves because humans and animals basically have a similar vibe to humans and fae: beings with near-supernatural abilities and bountiful resources, but with rules and personalities that can be arbitrary and cruel). Maybe in dog folklore the wolves who "betrayed" their kind for humans were actually forced to do so via a trick or game of chance. After generations twisted by the forbidden knowledge and magic of humans, some managed to escape, but their cruel cousins who remained wild rejected them. So the dogs retain their freedom but live near or within human territory. Dog culture is similar to wolf culture, but packs are defined much more broadly and structure more horizontally; essentially a dog pack is more of a confederation of several families centered around a food source or culturally significant location. The Alfa isn't selected by strength or seniority, but rather if they contain the virtues of courage, loyalty, humility, etc., and the Alfa also doesn't really have many powers, just organizing already agreed upon plans and moderating pack meetings. Dog religion is also very similar to the other wild canines but with more rituals for "placating" any nearby humans. Perhaps their folklore/mythology would include epic wars of when dogs first allied themselves with humans, explanations as to why humans and dogs first came together, and stories of dogs either being rewarded by humans for their loyalty or being punished for fucking with us. Also referring to humans with euphemism like "those with no forelegs" or "the dwellers in warm dens" This was a lot of fun and if anyone wants to add anything please do!
@cam4636
Жыл бұрын
I'd like to see some exploration of how dogs see other domesticated species, or how the knowledge of other domestic species gets 'translated' in their mythology. Like for example, shepherding dogs viewing the sheep as something they owe a sacred duty to protect as bodyguards, or as similar to how humans view livestock as valuable but not intelligent...or maybe in the same vein as hunter-gatherer tribes who worship the animals they hunt, especially in dogs who've never actually been a working dog but still have the inherent instincts. I'd also like to see how different breeds of dog create different variations on culture, such as huskies putting emphasis on singing/speaking out loud, while maybe small guard dogs like chihuahuas or pekingese have a 'brave warrior who must be constantly vigilant' take on their own cultures. Maybe even contrast this with the wolves/coyotes/half dogs who see this as over complicated and false, in the same way modern humans look at historical conventions for things like court etiquette where it all seems rather silly... Maybe dogs who've grown up in human households prefer different social structures than dogs born feral.
@uryuu300
2 жыл бұрын
Interestingly the sequels to Duncton Wood do explore the religious conflict idea in Duncton Quest and Duncton Found (I know, I can't stop talking about these books as I love them)! It is basically the Word (Christianity) vs the Stone (Paganism), inspired by Holy Wars. I find it pretty interesting. On another note, my dromeosaur mythic xenofiction also explores religious conflcits throughout the whole trilogy. Across each book, it targets various types of conflict revolving around each raptor society's beliefs. I haven't revisited that WIP in a long while so my memory is vague, but it also does include fire in the final book, an element that was only touched upon rarely in previous installments. Your ideas for those various animal cultures are so intriging! I might gather some as inspiration for future books.
@ashestosparks
Жыл бұрын
Would you be willing to compare Tailchaser's Song with the first series in Warriors? Or even Dodoma video on the former? I didn’t see you mention Tailchaser's Song in other videos (though I could’ve missed it!) and I found it a fascinating Xenofiction novel ^^ I ask because the similarities are… many.
@hyteel9262
2 жыл бұрын
Although I am not so interested in xenofiction this is nonetheless a great resource for someone interested in mental anthropomorphication. Although you might consider what I am working on xenofiction either way. Really good work with the humour aswell, the way you sneak it in makes it so much more fun. Audibly laughed at a lecture on weird animal books more than three times, quite an achivement. Great content as always.
@aimfulRenegade
9 ай бұрын
the bit at 13:30 kinda relates to a book I'm writing. the animals can't naturally understand other species at all, but the main character ones know english and talk on computers for reasons. of the two predators in the group, one swears to be a vegetarian but breaks her oath in a moment of weakness, and the other verbally bullies and terrorizes the squirrel and the rabbit of the group, but doesn't actually want to kill them when they meet in real life. the story is more complicated than that, but you've heard everything that matters for this moment of the video.
@bluecrystalwolfqueen9268
Жыл бұрын
I'm surprised that reptiles and/or amphibians aren't often considered as subjects for xenofiction... though I could see snakes, which have limited ability to hear, and thus their language being alien to human language, being an extremely difficult hurdle for most writers. But hey, I love snakes so maybe I'll give it a try. In a related vein, mongooses are very interesting animals as well...Rudyard Kipling's "Rikki Tikki Tavvi" was super influential to me at a young age and sparked my love of the animals (I even wanted one as a pet lol). And of course there's horses, though (aside from the obvious "Black Beauty") most of the horse books I've read are from a human's perspective, and few people seem to write good xenofiction about horses that isn't directed at very young children or middle schoolers, which is a shame since wild horses are social animals, usually nomadic or semi-nomadic, and their society and religion could be very unique since while they are a prey animal in the wild, they are much larger and reproduce more slowly than many other prey species. I will add the caveat to my comment that I haven't been into the xenofiction scene in a while, mostly due to a busy life and being unable to seriously read fiction for the last couple years, so if anyone has recommendations about any of these animals that I've missed or other newer books from the last couple years, feel free to let me know cause I'd definitely be interested!
@Lepurcinus
Жыл бұрын
There is a book called Sandeagozu that is about a group of animals that escape from one place and look for a new one. What stands out the most is that the most important and most narrated characters are snakes, and to avoid the problem of giving them "languages" the author gave them telepathic abilities based on their capabilities. I haven't been able to read it yet, so I don't know how good it is, but it sounds interesting.
@NelsonStJames
Жыл бұрын
I’m of the opinion this would be the perfect channel to review a book I read as a kid called “Beautiful Joe”, a book about the life of a dog which seemed like perfect material for an animated adaptation, that people seem to have just forgotten completely.
@TopP-Alt236
Жыл бұрын
Back in 1996 I got Anthropomorphic magazine (I think that is what the title was) there was a Short Comic style Story on how Anthropomorphic Animals came to being. Apperently it was Genetic modification and a Nuclear War. Then they developed society and somehow modern technology (thousands of years after humans). It was told from the prospective of a Rat who was leading a underground resistance because Rats were chosen "at random " by electric officials to serve as a replacement for chickens. Odd. I still had that magazine up until 2017. I think I still has it in Storage along with my Albedo magazines.
@TopP-Alt236
Жыл бұрын
The American Journal of Anthropomorphics Issue #3 I saved you the trouble of looking it up.
@kellytamia9152
Жыл бұрын
Watching this video and as someone who is studying to be a veterinarian assistant. Hearing you bring up the wolf and corvid relationships made me smile like an idiot cause i have two ocs who fit this dynamic, a lone wolf who grew up alongside a raven friend who sticks with him through thick and thin. Also that is so cool to see someone else appreciating cheetahs, which funny you brought up cause i have a king cheetah who has a emotional support otter who helps with his anxiety. Odd duo but since otters are rarely ever used along with cheetahs i thought it would be interesting lol.
@thevoicej2511
2 жыл бұрын
Not a furry
@SEGAmastergirl
Жыл бұрын
I have a African wild dog story I’ve been mulling over that’s actually about a young wild dog having to grapple with being the only one in her family who can hear and understand other animals. This makes hunting not very fun for her and her siblings make fun of her for it. Cause as you said, being able to understand and empathize with your food is pretty messed up.
@frosttheicefloeturtle8143
Жыл бұрын
anyone have any advice for concepts like this but with turtles as my main species? (Specifically freshwater terrapins like red eared sliders and diamonbacks, maybe snapping turtles too) or simply reptiles in general? cause Cardnial only seemed to focus on mammals, specifically canids in this video, while alot in this video did help, I''m still a little lost in the world im trying to create. I'm thiinking because they are reptiles they might have a religion or stories high regarding the sun, as they need to bask under it each day to get energy and so the sun could play a major role in how they view the world, as a sort of provider or savor, but this could apply to like any reptile or coldblooded animal in general, but i was thinking about the folklore heroes thing, like the first animal to do or have whatever that species is known for, so im thinkin they might have stories of folkore about the first turtle to gain a shell, and maybe even they think the sun gifted them their protective shields somehow. as an aspiring herpetologist I just want to include reptiles and amphibians in these kinds of stories because of how different from us mammals they are and how they might view the world in fictions like watership down or the wolf/coyote/crow & raven world Cardnial came up with so I'm just spitballing ideas for having freshwater turtles as the eyes the reader will look through. anyone have any ideas? I am also doing tons of reasearch on testudines in general (Specifically pond sliders and similiar species like stated) for ideas as well
@Avarn388
2 жыл бұрын
Nice. I watched your other xeno fiction video and your bit on show don’t tell was great. Helped me out a lot when writing my own story. As for xeno fiction I will be honest I never looked into it until a friend loaned me watership down. A really good book. Definitely will go in my top ten favorite books. So I’m curious to see more of the genre and see your own work.
@aWolffromElsewhere
2 жыл бұрын
I've wondered about the black kite too! So many possibilities for lore with that species. Fire being gifted could be seen as a good omen or blessing from their deities for sure.
@marwansobhy7050
2 жыл бұрын
A xenofiction story involving orcas is basically almost a freebie, because the entire world building is almost there for you already. Different languages and hunting practices between different pods is fascinating to read about, I'm not sure why no one has picked it up yet
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
I believe the author of A Wolf Called Wander, Roseanne Parry, also wrote a xenofiction book about orcas (A Whale of the Wild) - I haven't read it but you might want to check it out if you're interested in the species.
@dirandrous7682
Жыл бұрын
There's also this one, it's part of a larger anthology of novellas kzitem.info/news/bejne/2YOLuqqmsYBikqw
@friend_trilobot
Жыл бұрын
A few other religious models you can use are... a combined polytheism and monotheism that believes in flawed and limited (but still worshiped) minor gods but there is also a higher God who created them and is the embodiment of virtue and flawless. This is an idea presented in Greek philosophy, I believe and is similar to the Silmarillion. And though I don't recall the term there is a religious model that acknowledges other religions' gods but only worships one of those gods (usually framed as God). Some scholars believe the ancient Hebrews exhibit this idea at certain points in their early history. And the romans, and many ancient peoples, saw the gods of others either As options that could be added to their pantheon at a whim or manifestations of their own gods or as local gods, limited to one region that had no power or of that region
@theGypsyViking
Жыл бұрын
When I think of good bird-focused xenofiction, I think of The Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky. I heard somewhere that the author originally intended to write a non-fiction book on owls, but somewhere along in her research, she decided to go full-fantasy. I'm not sure if it's true that she originally intended it to be non-fiction, but if it is, that is kinda funny. I mean, what non-fiction book doesn't tell you about the blacksmith owls that make weapons to cover talons with? Ok, on a serious note, you can tell Kathryn Lasky had done research on owls before writing The Guardians of Ga'Hoole, even though most of what she wrote is clearly fictionalized. Another good bird-related xenofiction novel is Wabi: A Hero's Tale by Joseph Bruchac (also about an owl). Granted, Wabi goes through a magic transformation at about the halfway point, but he was an owl for the better half of the novel. (Even after the magic transform, his human body is something he needs to get used to.) Granted, I agree there should be more bird-focused xenofiction, and maybe I'll write a novel about those Australian fire kites. 'Cause you've convinced me that needs to be done.
@syddlinden8966
Жыл бұрын
Alpha/omega also ruined irrevocably by werewolf smut fiction.
@farkasmactavish
Жыл бұрын
I mean, if a badger could speak, it WOULD be an aggressive language like German.
@termitesc.aardwolf3644
Жыл бұрын
Still think there's a depressing shortage of hyena clan based xenofiction.
@dianeinsertlastnamehere7296
Жыл бұрын
I think it'd be really cool to play into the ability of crows and ravens to mimic in their relationship with the wolves. Maybe they learned how to speak rudimentary wolf language to serve as messengers, and their regular crow-speak is seen as a divine language by the wolves, used to speak to the gods.
@odinsrensen7460
2 жыл бұрын
You know, I really like your Grey Wolf brainstorm. I think I *will* crip your ideas for my own use. And I'd really like to pick your brains on that matter: How do you think the wolves in Dracula would rationalise serving the sort-of-human undead count, as they are depicted doing in that book? I imagine some sort of exception being made of a more classically predatory sort of human, although he'd surely be seen as a cannibal? Maybe his power over wolves and other animals is less mindcontrol and more due to his powers of animal communication being interpreted as a sign of divinity? Or maybe that wolfpack hanging around Dracula's castle are just an unusual, less traditionalistic and particularly "amoral" bunch of wolves? Like the wolf equivalent of the Lovecraftian cults hanging around in sinister locations and communing with unfathomable, monstrous creatures in a sort of symbiotic relationship?
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
Those are both good angles to take (either the wolves themselves are corrupted as well, like cultists, or see him as divine since he's effectively an "apex predator"). The latter would make sense for wolves who have been especially harmed by human persecution, since serving him might be a way of getting revenge. I'm not too familiar with the Dracula lore, but I believe he typically just mind controls animals, but it would be interesting to see a story from their perspective where they serve him willingly.
@alphaattaroa4654
Жыл бұрын
Well shoot, I've been working on writing my own story about rats. I clicked this video to get some inspiration while trying to flesh out their society and belief systems. The plan was to have it set in nature, like a wooded area or some wild plains, since I feel like most rat/mice stories are set either in urban areas or are too anthropomorphic for what I am going for. But... post-apocalyptic rat society has me very intrigued.
@dragonvliss2426
4 ай бұрын
Rats are amazing animals, much more intelligent than many give them credit for. They also make wonderful companion animals -- I have had several generations of rats as pets, and love them.
@kenyaholloway-reliford8213
2 жыл бұрын
About the wolf and corvids thing. There's a book called Firstborn by Tor Seidler, which is told from the POV of a magpie who joins a wolf's pack. I will say that its very flawed though. The jacket description is very misleading about the focus of the story (the titular Firstborn isn't even born until almost halfway through the story, as its mainly about his father), the magpie's troubled past leads her to having a rather internalized negative view of her own species, and the story is poorly paced and rather typical. But it does have some touching moments, and it does showcase the intelligence of magpies, and was how I became aware of that aspect of corvids in the first place.
@shaunavolkening3772
Жыл бұрын
Finally! Someone else knows what a Dhole is!
@dragonvliss2426
4 ай бұрын
I read a lot of Kipling as a young person, and Kipling has dholes in his fiction.
@BigBossMan538
Жыл бұрын
Wildebeest follow the rains as that means fertile lands. Maybe they worship a deity that leads them with storms. Crossing the river and avoiding crocodiles is a right of passage, and the first one to go in may be treated with some significance whether they live or die. Migration as a whole could be important to them as a religious act
@JennasHoover
Жыл бұрын
Did you ever read the Named series by Clare Bell? It's a really good series about a prehistoric big cat society and how one learns to use fire. They even made a (not very good) animated Saturday morning special of the first book.
@eldritch_moth3191
Жыл бұрын
…is the bee movie mythic xenofiction?
@IcefloeProductions-qv2qg
15 күн бұрын
*technically* but it's very anthropomorphic xenofiction
@A3319
Жыл бұрын
No love for reptiles and fish? There are a few examples of social or semi-social reptiles, notably a few skink species
@johnvinals7423
2 жыл бұрын
In “A Song of Ice and Fire”, the R’hllor religion is heavily dualistic, while the Faith of the Seven is a lot like Hinduism and Buddhism in its conception of the Divine. There’s also a pantheistic element to the Old Gods.
@hagfish4998
Жыл бұрын
How come most pieces of naturalistic animal xenofiction involve European and North American animals, with even them mostly being about birds and mammals? Wouldn't it be cool for there to be some Australian or Indonesian xenofiction or xenofiction based on some more obscure and less known animals like monodremes? 🤔
@DemonSilverHuskey
2 жыл бұрын
Great video! I'm definitely going to have to use this for a resource. I'd like to get back to writing some xenofiction of my own and this is a pretty good guide. On another note, I was browsing the dealer's den at a local furry convention (Furrydelphia) and I saw Winter Without End. The cover reminded me of previous xenofiction novels I've read and the description on the back cover was pretty enticing. It wasn't until I started watching this video that I realized it was YOUR novel. Wow. I did a double take. I'm just two chapters in, but I'm having a blast with the book so far. If it weren't available at a convention, I might have missed it.
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
Small world haha, I'm glad you're enjoying it! And good luck with your own xenofiction writing.
@DemonSilverHuskey
2 жыл бұрын
@@CardinalWest Thank you so much! ❤️
@RogueT-Rex8468
Жыл бұрын
You know. This guy is just trying to goad me into writing. AND IT WORKED 🤬
@BigBossMan538
Жыл бұрын
I'd like to write a book with dinosaurs. I'm writing one already but they're not anthropomorphic like Land Before Time. But I could always change that
@556deltawolf
2 жыл бұрын
hey just a random question cardinal, I was thinking of writing my own xenofiction. It's about a vixen who's habitat and kits were destroyed as collateral damage in a human war and she ends up following a human soldier who survived the battle and has decided to march his way home. At first she follows him only to feed off of scraps and the solider initially thinks nothing of her but over time they develop sort of a companionship. Yes it's anti war but it's not too in your face about it. I'm just asking if such a fiction could work and what would you recommend I avoid doing writing wise?
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
I don't see any problem with that as a concept, as foxes have already proven quite adaptable in human cities and suburbs. You might want to read the novels Pax and Pax: Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, since they deal with a vaguely similar concept (different from yours, but there is some thematic overlap). Other than that, my biggest recommendation is researching foxes to have your story remain believable. I don't know whether you plan to have the story be only from the fox's perspective, or have it be split between the fox and the soldier, but either one could be really interesting.
@556deltawolf
2 жыл бұрын
@@CardinalWest I was thinking of splitting the perspective and one thing I was thinking of is when it's told from the point of view from the fox, the prose is more simple and observant while from the soldier it's more descriptive and more "telling" in a way. The whole point is that foxes, being animals really only observe and react while humans love to rationalize and analyze their surroundings.
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
@@556deltawolf That's a good idea to put a unique spin on the different perspectives.
@556deltawolf
2 жыл бұрын
@@CardinalWest What sources would you recommend I read to better learn about foxes?
@CardinalWest
2 жыл бұрын
@@556deltawolf I haven't read much on foxes (I've mainly been focused on larger canines, particularly coyotes), but I do remember J. David Henry's "Red fox: The Catlike Canine" being a good starting point for research. Beyond that, I'd recommend looking on Amazon for popular books on fox ecology and ethology.
@lapislazarus8899
Жыл бұрын
I'm so grateful how this channel appeared in my algorithm. The episodes I've watched are not only insightful, educational, and entertaining; something deeper has been stirred to awareness. Thank you
@moffie-moff5044
Жыл бұрын
I’m surprised that more people haven’t written proper xenofiction on domesticated animals other than dogs and cats. Imagine how interesting a sheep’s relationship with a sheepdog would be, especially when they speak the same language as wolves
@PlaugeofRomano
Жыл бұрын
There's a really interesting short comic called Corpse that explores this! The guardian dog is an Angel and their spikef collar a Halo. It's on comicfury!
@moffie-moff5044
Жыл бұрын
@@PlaugeofRomano oh wow, I’ll need to check that out!
@SableAradia1
Жыл бұрын
This is an excellent video about worldbuilding in general, and could equally apply to science fiction and fantasy of any subgenre when dealing with non-human species. If I might add some points you didn't touch on, considering size, means of travel, and lifespan are also important. Again, to go back to Watership Down (this is how I found you, a mutual deep appreciation of this novel,) the trek from the Sandleford Warren to Watership Down, to a creature the size of a rabbit, is an epic quest through thousands of miles of uncharted wilderness. Birds would experience less of the "size effect," however, because flying is a much more direct method of travel and gives you a clearer view of the landscape (as Richard Adams contrasted to great effect with the character of Kehaar.) And to a creature who lives about nine years, generations are short and things therefore pass into myth more quickly. Human vehicles and cigarettes were part of the myths of El-Ahrairah, because to a rabbit, our lifetimes are unfathomable centuries; for them, encountering and having a connection with us is not unlike humans associating with Tolkienian elves, or a creature like Dracula. To them, vehicles and smoking were created eons ago. Also, I may just run away with your rabbit matriarchy. I can see parallels to a period of human history I find fascinating and have written in before, and I'm sure, based on your level of education, particularly in the area of religious study and history, you are well aware of it.
@ACrowNamedTime
Жыл бұрын
im actually trying to make a story with whistling kites, as i am a bird nerd and find them really cool :D
@KateeAngel
Жыл бұрын
Wouldn't animals in North America, Australia etc. distinguish between periods of history when only indigenous humans lived there and the one after European colonisation, and different relationships of their species with those groups of humans? Also some of those fire using kites you mentioned can believe they taught humans how to use fire, while others believe it is humans who taught them instead
@CardinalWest
Жыл бұрын
It's possible that you could work that element of history into various species' cultural mythology - and yep, black kites having a "fire-giving" myth, with either themselves giving or receiving fire from humans, would be a great idea (it could even be a point of contention between two rival bird religions).
@akshaypatel518
2 жыл бұрын
Not a furry
@spunkymushrooms
8 ай бұрын
When it comes to communication, I like the idea of carnivores and herbivores speaking different languages, with omnivores speaking a mix
@frostbitetheannunakiiceind6574
6 ай бұрын
Me waiting for the freshwater turtle xenofiction
@IcefloeProductions-qv2qg
15 күн бұрын
2:00-2:24 Is that a challenge? Edit: I have started production on a graphic novel. It is called "Cold Pine" and it takes place in northern north america during the late Pleistocene. it follows the story of an American cheetah coalition consisting of 3 brothers: The main brother, "Pine" the youngest, Nettle, and the oldest and leader, Hunter. They begin their story in northern north america in what is now Montana. As we all know the american cheetah is now extinct, and one of those reasons is thought to be human competition and conflict. This near the end of the Pleistocene, humans are expanding every day, the mega-fauna is disappearing, and the cheetah brothers will be one of them if they dont adapt. because of humans encroaching on their territory and hunting their prey, the brothers are pushed upwards near Alaska, and eventually near the arctic. They are in an unfamiliar environment and face many dangers along the way. The pack gets by, hunting unfamiliar yet recognizable prey items but with the disappearance of the mega-fauna, the periods between successful hunts get longer. For a period of time, out of pure desperation, the pack feeds exclusively on pine cones. Although it has little nutritional value, at least it's something so that they dont have to feel the emptiness of their bellies. They know this cant be a long term solution and know eventually they WILL die if this continues, maybe.. just maybe... the pine cones will hold them over just long enough for them to make another kill as the proud pack hunters they truly are and survive the harsh incoming arctic winter. It's a story about courage, perseverance, and most importantly, family and what it means to be a good sibling. .......Oh you think I'm joking?
@dragonuprising8378
2 жыл бұрын
Great video as always! Though this doesn't count as mythic xenofiction, I'm currently writing an urban fantasy story that contains eight living tribe of werewolves. However, each tribe is loosely based on a type of wolf based on the region where they live. I also had to do intensive research on wolves since my favourite tribe, the Death Fangs, are supposed to so much like wolves even when they're human and reject their "humanness" completely. So in all,this video helped me a lot. Though I do remember writing a xenofiction story of 4 packs of wolves and how the son of one of the Alphas had fallen for a dog. Might honestly continue that one someday
@odinsrensen7460
2 жыл бұрын
Any "were-human" wolves in your story?
@dragonuprising8378
2 жыл бұрын
@@odinsrensen7460 If you mean wolves that can either speak human or have the understanding of humans/their society, then no. Though my old story they can speak like humans, my newest one they cannot.
@odinsrensen7460
2 жыл бұрын
@@dragonuprising8378 I meant wolves that turn into humans due to a transformative curse. It's just a thought that always comes up whenever I hear of settings with particularly developed werewolf societies.
@dragonuprising8378
2 жыл бұрын
@@odinsrensen7460 Oh ok. In that case, no. Werewolves do have 4 forms one of which is a wolf. But wolves in my story, both actual wolves and stillborn ones, cannot turn into humans.
@Draqer
Жыл бұрын
Hey quick question: Would Terry Pratchetts The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents count as xenofiction?
@CardinalWest
Жыл бұрын
I haven't read it, but from what I can tell when looking it up, it definitely looks like xenofiction.
@krankarvolund7771
Жыл бұрын
@@CardinalWest I don't know, the main plot of the book is that rats can talk, and how humans react to them. There's a little bit of rat's societies and how talking and thinking change that, but it's not the main theme ^^
@LavalSpecies
9 күн бұрын
Why is everything about wolves!? I just want help writing cats 😭
@KyleRDent
Жыл бұрын
Fine fine, I'll write you a fire bird story. It will be called Phoenixenofiction.
@princeOpalite3650
Жыл бұрын
Hoestly i love the idea of a story using outdated sceintific info on animal behavior like alpha and omaga and recontexulizes it as outdate culture stuff for the animals themselves...can total see that use in xenofiction about tradition vs progression in a way that isnt...to heavy handed and can subtly show how far our understanding of animala has also come..just a thought
@BluezPlant
3 ай бұрын
I carnally NEED someone to write a story about eusocial wasps😭😭 LIKE they have EVERYTHING for a great and interesting story: you wanna hard caste system with complicated hierarchy? Take yellow jackets or hornets! You like the idea, but want a more laid-back, chiller society? Take paper wasps, who don't have such convoluted social structures and are quite FREE to do whatever they wanna! They're excellent hunters, but only hunt for their young, while their primary diet is nectar and pollen (cute)! And the majority of wasps in hives are siblings, so familial dynamics are here too! Mythology aspect can be molded into SOO many ideas too. Let them tell stories about the colony's first Queen, heck, dynasties of Queens, about the first ever group of solitary wasps sticking together and forming their current societies. Maybe they'll have the Goddes of the Sun, deities of fertility, hive-building, flower gods, wind and rain gods etc. How do they view other insects, who are their beloathed neighbors? Sighhh i can go on and on about wasps...
@elitecanidae
6 ай бұрын
If I'm writing a 3rd person narrative xenofiction, do readers here prefer 'Limited' (insights of 1 character who is unaware of others' thoughts) 'Omniscient' (insights from all charcaters) or 'Objective' (No exposure to character internal thoughts). Or is that just a narrators' preference? I favor the idea of jumping to different characters in synchronized timelines and different places, but am unsure what to do if I divert a scene away from the protagonist who's thoughts are likely seen by the reader. Any advice would be grand.
@sailly
4 ай бұрын
Speaking of rat xenofiction. There is a Polish writher Andrzej Zeniewski. The original titel is Szczur. It's from 1994
@thenerdbeast7375
Жыл бұрын
There is even one known coyote population in Nova Scotia that forms proper packs like wolves, with large ungulates like deer and moose forming the bulk of their diet.
@dragoness777
Жыл бұрын
Regarding belief system, I rather like the the Cottons comics take on polytheism (in rabbit society). Basically they have three gods a sun goddess of order and day, a moon god of chaos and night, and a genderless god of indecision and evening. I like it because it shows the relationship the society has with the land and their associations. They also have many wind-related metaphors or blessings, and one of the fox antagonists also says outright he has no choice but to believe in the religion or else he wouldn't believe that his plan would work to eradicate the rabbits (which leads to a lot of interesting implications given this world also has a magic system that is part of the plan) I also recommend looking into folk religions for inspiration and to look at ethnographic statistics for how religious practices differ (such as differences between varieties of Sunni, Shi'ia and/or Sufi Islam, as an example, and how similar differences in believes could affect the society.) It makes the religion feel more natural and not so cultish, unless cultish is what you're going for. The easiest way to do this is henotheism (the belief in many gods but worshipping only one) but I also think that other animals believing in the religion of the main animal and one group having a ritual that is taboo to another is very effective. I just found your channel, I have always had mixed luck writing xenofiction (not always animal xenofiction but I've had my hand at it) and it's really interesting to see some of your points and I enjoy reading xenofiction. I might try my hand at a hyena story again. Found you through the Fox and the Hound vid. You earned a subscriber :)
@optillian4182
Жыл бұрын
Could The Lion King be considered mythic xenofiction?
@readingdino711
2 ай бұрын
I plan on making a fantasy world with many humanoid species, most inspired by animals, like my mages who are cat people, and this video helped so much! Thank you.
@Arsynis
Жыл бұрын
I've had the idea for a story based on Spotted Hyenas for a while now. They're one of my favourite animals and I feel like they aren't explored as much as they could be (aside from as the evil villains a lot of the time). One of my ideas that I like a lot is that they worship vultures, who take care of the body of the hyenas' loved ones and allow their souls to part from their body and reach the afterlife. Vultures are also seen as good omens, as their presence leads hyenas to food :) I find that a lot of animals can be so interesting if only you do a little bit of research! There's so many weird things animals do, it's fun to think about and to use as a basis for their culture! (and, of course, to tweak reality a bit. One of my hyenas semi-adopts a lion cub for a while :) )
@dragonvliss2426
4 ай бұрын
I live in New Mexico, and there are a lot of coyotes around here. I hear them daily and see them fairly often. A lovely, sweet little book on facing death without fear with a coyote as the protagonist is _ Old Coyote_ by Nancy Wood. I'm not sure what age it is written for, but I read it over and over again, and always find myself tearing up a bit at the simple but profound truth of this book.
@ebybeehoney
Жыл бұрын
Point on the rabbit societies: European rabbits live in groups and have underground warrens. The north American cotton tail doesn't. Which could make an interesting plot difference.
@eg-draw
Жыл бұрын
In "frost dancers" it has a huge impact on the plot not with rabbits but hares
@fairycat23
10 ай бұрын
"...as well as to avoid the connotations of alphas and betas, which have kind of been ruined by meme culture." I giggled because I thought you meant omegaverse, but then I remembered that whole incel/PUA stuff exists. 🙃
@WolfMoonWings
Жыл бұрын
Got really excited because I loved reading xenofic as a kid. Putting your book on my to read list!
@evilgenius97
Жыл бұрын
Ok ill try to add the fire eagles to my story, im glad i havent solidified what unique thing the avian people do
@TheSteelBoy1974
Жыл бұрын
I would just like to say that I've always had a love of animal fiction. Especially Watership Down and Plauge Dogs. And always had ideas of making an animal type novel. For my first im going to make mine about ducks, and how they are arrogant creatures who just see humans as friends. But would soon come to realize that not all humans are friends of ducks. But mainly I would just like to say this video is a massive help and thank you
@SSJ4chaoscritter
9 ай бұрын
although the language barrier between predator and prey makes more sense. the world-building and interactions between them when they can understand each other can be extremely interesting and chilling when it's thought about in detail. e.g. I read one comic where the wolves convinced themselves that deer were unable to experience love, so although many of them felt bad for the deer they ate, they could tell themselves they weren't ripping any families apart. one pack even thanked the herd they attacked (doe of deadwood by songdog)
@KlaxontheImpailr
7 ай бұрын
I'd love to see you cover the Earth's Children series. It's a xenofic about an orphaned cromagnon girl being adopted by a family of neanderthals.
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