The key structure pattern for myth is: the story is an expression of the hero's struggle within the world, within the family, and within himself.

How does myth express these elements to the audience?

1. by using a unique set of story beats, the most important being that the hero gains revelations about who he is many times over the course of the story

2. by juxtaposing key symbols

Key point: All symbols in a myth story represent something within the hero. One of the most important jobs of a writer of myth is to create symbols that will not only move the plot but will also indicate a change in the mind or the emotional growth of the hero.

Of course there are an infinite variety of symbols that you can use in your story. Some of the classic examples are

journey: the life path

labyrinth: confusion about finding the path to enlightenment

garden: being at one with the natural law, harmony within oneself and with others

tree: of life

3. by a hero who expresses an attitude of wonder

Notice this is very different from the ironic, superior, or cynical attitude of the modern sensibility. This attitude of wonder is not believing in magic in a literal sense, but rather letting the imaginative inner self take over.