Exploring the Influence of Mythology on Creative Composition
Modern Mythology: A Vibrant Rebirth in Literature, Entertainment, and Urban Fantasy
In today's cultural landscape, the ancient tales of mythology have undergone a remarkable transformation, finding new life in literature, entertainment, and urban fantasy. These modern adaptations, with their fresh tones, contexts, and audiences in mind, reimagine ancient myths in captivating ways.
One such example can be found in the literary world, where works like Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians have brought Greek mythology to the forefront. In this series, gods, heroes such as Hercules, and mythological quests are presented in a contemporary setting, offering a unique blend of the old and the new. Similarly, Kevin Given's Last Rites: The Return of Sebastian Vasilis and Henry Lion Oldie's Achaean Cycle novels offer fresh perspectives on Greek mythology, with the former exploring immortal gods like Thor/Hercules in a modern mythology context, and the latter focusing on Heracles in new narrative angles distinct from traditional labors.
The silver screen has also witnessed a surge in mythological retellings. Disney's Hercules (1997) offers a playful, stylized version of Greek mythology, infused with modern humor, gospel-style narration, and character reinterpretations. Other Hercules-themed films, such as those starring Dwayne Johnson and various action-adventure spin-offs, have retold the hero's story, often blending myth with contemporary tropes. Marvel Studios' Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) further expanded this trend by incorporating Hercules into its superhero universe, blending Norse and Greek myth elements in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Urban fantasy and other media have also embraced the modern reinterpretation of mythology. Mythological figures are frequently reimagined as modern urban or supernatural characters, blending ancient lore with present-day settings or speculative fiction tropes.
Mythology, a rich source of inspiration for authors, particularly those writing fantasy, extends far beyond Greek and Roman mythology. Works such as Ovid's Metamorphoses, Sir James George Frazer's The Golden Bough, Thomas Bullfinch's Bullfinch's Mythology, and Edith Hamilton's Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes serve as reference materials for the study of Greek and Roman mythology. Other mythologies, including Norse, Indian, Chinese, African, North American Indigenous, and Japanese, offer a wealth of stories and characters waiting to be reimagined.
Many of these mythologies contain a trickster god, such as Loki or Raven/Coyote, whose mischievous nature could provide useful guidelines for modern authors, particularly in a context where the internet is under threat. The University of Toronto offers courses on Greek and Roman mythology, Egyptian mythology, and a general introductory course, making it an excellent resource for those interested in delving deeper into the world of mythology.
Japan, with its rich mythological heritage, has also seen writers combine mythology from multiple cultures. One such example is the blending of Greek and Japanese mythology in the anime series Mythic Ninja Yoga Koji.
The trickster concept has evolved over time, from classic myth to folk-tale with the creation of Brer Rabbit and to modern cartoon in the form of Bugs Bunny. Warner Brothers cartoons featuring Bugs Bunny are accessible and available for study on the internet, offering a modern take on the ancient trickster archetype.
In conclusion, the modern adaptations of mythology in literature, entertainment, and urban fantasy provide a captivating blend of the old and the new, offering fresh perspectives on ancient tales while maintaining their core mythic resonance. Whether it's the trickster god Hermes serving as a god of the internet or the reimagining of mythological figures as modern urban or supernatural characters, the world of mythology continues to captivate and inspire.
In the vibrant world of modern literature, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment, books like Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Kevin Given's Last Rites: The Return of Sebastian Vasilis, and Henry Lion Oldie's Achaean Cycle novels bring Greek mythology to life in contemporary settings, exploring fresh perspectives and blending the old and the new.
Furthermore, the realm of urban fantasy welcomes mythological reinterpretations, presenting mythological figures as modern urban or supernatural characters, merging ancient lore with present-day settings or speculative fiction tropes, turning mythology into a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.
