Neil Gaiman's Mythology

Mythology has been a way of entertainment since the early ages. In the modern age, there have not been many major contributions to a new mythology. However, Neil Gaiman, a British author, has created numerous fairytales for the modern age. His stories, such as Stardust, intrigues audiences of all ages. The characters created are interesting and complex. Gaiman’s character, Tristran Thorn, replaces his naivety with maturity as he travels throughout the world of Faerie.
From a young age, Neil Gaiman was an avid reader (“Neil”). Growing up in the upper middle class, he had free time to develop his love for reading (“Neil,” Authors). There was always a book within his reach. As a child, he read through the majority of his local library.

The name originates from a huge wall, with one single opening, on the east side of the town. The small village holds a peculiar market festival every nine years. Travelers from all over the world come to the Faerie Market. Two worlds come together on that day; our world and the Faerie world. The festival is the only day that anything passes through the gap. Until one day, a basket with a crying orphan passed through the gap into our world. The only hint to the child’s origin is a small name tag with the name, Tristran Thorn, printed on

Many people his age can be considered self-centered and self-interested. Tristran, at first, does not consider other peoples’ emotions (Marková 37). He will do anything to achieve his own happiness. The first sign of his self-interested personality occurs when Victoria Forrester rejects his offer to marry her. He does not respect her decision and continuously annoys her. Victoria’s last resort is to make a deal with Tristran. If he retrieves the fallen star, then Victoria will give him whatever his heart desires (Gaiman 48). At this moment in time, he desires to have Victoria’s hand in marriage. Recovering the star can be very dangerous, and he is not yet prepared for the tasks ahead. His naivety and love for Victoria Forrester blinds his rational thinking. With no knowledge of what is ahead, Tristran eagerly accepts her