The Power of the Artist: Modern Reimaginings of Ancient Mythologies

Culturally and historically, mythology holds a special bearing in our collective consciousness. The power and allure of myth exceeds that of almost any other facet of the literary canon. In every generation writers, artists,... [ view full abstract ]

Culturally and historically, mythology holds a special bearing in our collective consciousness. The power and allure of myth exceeds that of almost any other facet of the literary canon. In every generation writers, artists, and playwrights return to mythology as a source of inspiration for their work. There are reinterpretations of myths in every era, and with that comes the power to apply the values of that generation to the myths. These myths come alive in each generation because artists continue to use their power of imagination to give new form to old stories. This can be seen in works across the literary canon, from the feminist poetry of modernist poets in the twentieth century to the popular Percy Jackson series and comic interpretations such as The Wicked and The Divine and Marvel Comics' popular Thor series. For thousands of years, humans have returned to these ancient gods and heroes because their truths remain relevant to us today as we reimagine their stories and add new lenses to culturally significant tales.