Since the very first tale told by the fireside, the idea of mysterious worlds—rife with talking trees, dragons and beasts, and spells of all kinds—has captivated us humans. And yet, they have served a purpose beyond entertainment, too. Sometimes myths and fairytales are used to explain natural phenomena, as with Indigenous creation stories. And often they are used as a way to make sense of the world. “Myths [and fairytales] tell us what those like us have done, can do, should do,” writes N. K. Jemisin. “Without myths to lead the way, we hesitate to leap forward.” 

This month, dear writers, craft a myth or fairytale that uses the fantastic as a lens to better understand everyday life. Step into the familiar stories of your childhood to explore the truths and challenges of the world around us – and contemplate how you might reshape that reality.

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Competition Opens: Monday, March 4
Submit for Expert Review (**NOTE: cap of 50 submissions**): By Monday, March 11
Final Entries Due: Monday, March 25

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Visit our Competitions Page beginning March 4 for more info on how to enter and writing guidelines.