Mythology has always been a powerful source of inspiration for RPG worldbuilding. Early RPGs drew heavily from Western fantasy traditions rooted in rajatoto88 medieval folklore, dragons, knights, undead creatures, and wizards. These influences came largely from European mythologies that shaped early tabletop games.
As RPGs matured, developers began exploring global mythological traditions. JRPGs incorporated Shinto, Buddhist, and Chinese folklore themes, resulting in iconic monsters such as yokai, oni, tengu, and kirin. Games like Final Fantasy blended cultural mythologies—Norse gods, Hindu deities, medieval knights—into imaginative reinterpretations.
Western RPGs also expanded beyond European mythology. The Witcher introduced Slavic folklore, presenting unique creatures like leshens, noonwraiths, and strigas. Dragon Age drew inspiration from Celtic themes, while Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and Valhalla explored Greek and Norse mythological frameworks from an RPG perspective.
Indie RPGs often explore lesser-known mythologies, from Inuit folklore in Never Alone to Afro-Caribbean spiritual themes. These culturally rich settings provide fresh perspectives and diverse worldbuilding styles.
Mythology remains a vital creative foundation, informing character design, magic systems, and narrative structure across the RPG genre.
