Mythical materials, such as adamantine and orichalcum, have a long history in mythologies, as do sacred trees. They often explain the unknown or provide reasoning for natural phenomena. Often, they are woven into stories as plot devices. There can be esoteric reasons given for their placement, the gods gifting something to mankind, or there can be more grounded reasoning, they are the core behind some physical effect, a stronger metal that creates a more durable weapon.

Thoughts on the various succession myths and what they mean and how to capture them in our own worldbuilding.

Thoughts on world building and populating a universe with gods and myths