Three Tips for Writing Your Own Magical Prophecy: The Science of Poetry

If you’re reading this rhyme, the Third Age has come

The dark stone is rising, the trials have begun.

Three trials that will test you, three trials to decide

Who shall be worthy? And who shall be fried?

The first trial through air, the second ’cross stream

The third underground in a super-chilled beam.

After that? Who can say? Sadly not even I.

I’m all outta space now, so that’s it. Goodbye.

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore science, creativity and adventure, writing a prophecy may just be it!

Is it every fantasy author’s dream to write their own mystical prophecy? It has long been a dream of mine. Perhaps that’s why co-author Denis Knight and I had so much fun injecting a dose of prophetic wisdom, slapstick and poetry into the Wednesday Weeks series.

We think there are three main points to keep in mind when you’re writing your own prophecies:

1)    Science

A prophecy is a puzzle. It’s part code, part riddle, and it’s all about discovery. Working out how to hide the meaning of a secret message in your brain-teasing words is super fun. You can include codes, double meanings and ambiguity to share vital information. [CA1] Try using book ciphers and letter-counting codes, or perhaps make a second meaning by reading words in a different order?

2)    Adventure

A prophecy is a great appetiser: it gives hints about what is to come without giving away any spoilers. Denis and I love the intrigue of a good prophecy; we love connecting secrets from the past with adventures that lie in the protagonist’s future. Think about what you love in a compelling story; can you inject hints of those page-turning escapades into your prophecy?  

3)    Creativity

And, of course, there’s the satisfying rhythm of a good prophecy, for what is a prophecy if not a poem? We love the way prophecies scream out to be read aloud; we love experimenting with meter and rhyme and pattern and pace. To write a good prophecy you need to play with words, experiment with sounds, and have fun with creating your own magical fantasy worlds.

We loved the challenge of writing our own long-lost magical verse—and we hope you do too. If you or your students decide to try writing a fantasy prophecy, we’d love to hear about it!

Saranon’s Stones, forged in times long forgotten

The magical seven, for good or for rotten

The blood Stone of Passage, the ice Stone of Sight

The Stone of Protection, the lost Stone of Life

The Stone of … not sure, um, yeah, thinga-ma-wotsit

The error in counting, if anyone spots it

The dark Stone of Power, with strength to rule all

The worthy shall find it and evil shall fall.