Mythology

Prehistory and Ancient Mythology

During prehistory our ancestors lived as hunter gatherers and had a direct relationship with the natural world. Before the Enlightenment and development of the scientific method, people did not understand the processes of nature and often ascribed events such as life, death and the changing seasons to supernatural forces. People acquired knowledge and skills that helped them to survive. Increasingly complex social structures developed, with rules that enforced ethical and moral values, reflecting what was considered good or bad behaviour. Prior to the development of writing, information was passed on verbally from each generation to the next. Weaving such information into mythological stories made it easier to remember and could also provide a sense of shared culture within a community.

Mythological Stories

Individuals depicted within mythological stories could include human beings and animals from the real world, or gods, monsters and other creatures drawn from our imagination, representing natural forces beyond our understanding or control. The myths could be set in environments an audience was familiar with, or some strange world that was alien to their real life experience. Mythology could draw upon deep human emotions such as love, fear or hate, reflecting concerns and aspirations that are common to people across different cultures and periods of history. Myths could be perceived as entertaining tales of heroes trying to protect society, build a better future, failing, succeeding and eventually defeating villains, who are attempting to destroy what is good. Beneath the surface, myths can represent a profound exploration of the human condition, our search for meaning and purpose, the wish to understand and control our world, the meaning of life and what might come next.

Mythology, Books and Movies

Mythological stories have influenced culture and story-telling for centuries and continue to do so. The themes they explore are present in many of the stories told in novels and movies, such as heroism, free will and the search for, knowledge, wisdom or love. For example, the transformative heroes journey in Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey could be compared to Paul Atreides journey in Dune, which also explores power and corruption. The relationships between humans and gods, such as Prometheus bringing the fire of knowledge to humanity, could be likened to themes found in science-fiction, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Alien series of movies or Frankenstein. The deep resonance of archetypal characters and themes found in mythology can bring greater depth and meaning to stories we tell about our own world and issues that concern us, by addressing what it means to be human.

Mythology typically follows a narrative involving a hero undertaking a difficult journey, encountering various trials and returning transformed to bring back something considered to be of value. This structure is reflected in science-fiction stories, such as Dune, Foundation and The Matrix. Stories about the rise and fall of individuals, nations and empires has been told in mythology and also within contemporary utopian and dystopian stories about the future. Predictions of the future made by oracles in mythology, are reflected in characters such as Hari Seldon, who uses psychohistory to predict the probability of future events in the Foundation series. The merging of human and machine in Neuromancer and artificial intelligence that can manipulate human affairs, also reflects mythological stories of gods and humans.

Often pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity, science-fiction explores the potential impact of scientific and technological innovations upon society and individuals. It can reflect issues in contemporary society and pose questions about the future of humanity. Through visionary storytelling, it can provoke around questions and inspire technological innovation. Prior to the development of cinema, these concerns were explored in the works of writers such as Mary Shelley and H.G. Wells. Seminal movies such as Metropolis and Things To Come brought these ideas to a wider audience. During the 1950s and 1960s concerns about global issues were reflected in movies such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Time Machine and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Adventure stories have been told in movies such as Star Wars. The cult classic Blade Runner considered consequences of the development of artificial life and the nature of human identity, as did the Matrix, Ex Machina and Her. Television shows, such as Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, attracted a global audience. Long running series provided more time for writers to develop characters and explore themes more fully, producing stories with more depth than was possible in the limited running time of movies. Advances in special effects made movies increasingly immersive. Science-fiction sagas, including Foundation and Dune, attracted a loyal readership. Influential novels such as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and Neuromancer inspired many artists and writers.

Whether through ancient myths, novels, movies, television shows or games, we can explore issues of concern to people across the world. Drawing upon stories that human beings have told each other for generations, through spoken, written or recorded words, these narratives explore characters, themes and concepts that can help us to better understand ourselves, each other and the world. They can remind us that we share many of the same hopes, dreams and concerns. This could help us to navigate our way through the many challenges of a future that will be complex and uncertain.

Contemporary Culture

Characters and stories found in mythology have been represented in creative art forms, such as literature, theatre, painting and music. The frameworks provided by mythology, around which people in the past built their lives, might have been replaced by more rational approaches developed using the scientific method, but ideas and ideals contained within mythology still resonate with people today. Within contemporary culture, content delivered through television, film and computer games often draws upon themes found in mythology, such as the heroes journey. The global popularity of movies, books and games that feature archetypal heroes on epic adventures indicates that there are fundamental deep seated qualities that human beings share. Some psychologists have studied mythological stories, to gain a greater understanding of how humans perceive themselves, other people and the world around them. Characteristics of the archetypes they find are reflected in The Five Factor Model.

Modern Society

As civilisations became increasingly complex and remote from the lives of people who lived during prehistoric times, mythology lost much of the direct relationship to their lives our ancestors might have felt. Science has explained a great deal about how the world works, removing many of the fears that shaped the lives of people who lived hundreds of years ago. However, people today have very real fears to live with, often resulting from the powerful technologies we have developed, that have provided millions of people with longer, healthier and happier lives, but also damaged the lives of many. There is concern about issues we can influence, such as climate change, but also forces beyond our control, such as volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts. Just as our ancestors sought meaning in mythological stories, many people today look to movies, television, books and games to entertain, inform and help them understand and feel part of the society in which they live.

Creating A Personal Mythology

Many people feel lost, isolated and uncertain about the future. They might long for continuity, community and structure in their life. Thought leaders and influencers who recognise and draw upon such needs in other people, might offer a refuge their followers can escape into or a hopeful future they can aspire to. However, without an overarching narrative to their life people are at greater risk of being misled and their sense of belonging might be short lived. Some follow a particular belief system, or form their own worldview based upon personal experience and observation, along with what they learn from others. However, you could create your own personal mythology. You could begin by creating an imagined world, based upon real life, into which you introduce people and places familiar to you, but in symbolic form. Writing stories set in your imagined world, with yourself as the central character, could help you to resolve issue and chart your own path through life.