Mythology Based SCI-FI draws inspiration from Ancient Storytelling Traditions around the world. Heroes are often modeled after ones who originally appeared in Greek, Roman and Norse Myths. Diverse Voices have also introduced us to the Mythology of Native Peoples … in North America, Asia, Africa and more.
Stories that mirror real-world Legends, Mythology and History offer a relatable sense of Realism to Fans around the globe. Popular SCI-FI franchises that exemplify this familiar storytelling “secret” include Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Matrix.
STAR TREK (1966 -)
Star Trek often draws from the Mythology of Ancient Rome to create a universe that feels familiar, using “twin” planet names like Romulus and Remus, revolving around the same star. Their inhabitants and terrain are polar opposites. Romulans are related to Vulcans and came from a planet very similar to Earth (Class M); while Remus is a harsh planet whose inhabitants are considered of a lower class. In Roman mythology, Vulcan was another name for the god Hephaestus (the god of crafting, blacksmithing, and even volcanoes).
Klingons seem to mimic the famous Spartans and their militaristic society. One argument attributes the Klingon name to the ancient Greek κλίνω (kiln-o) meaning “to incline, to bend, to lean, to turn” (perhaps in reference to the Klingon forehead), but it can also have the meaning “to turn the tide of war.”
STAR WARS (1977 -)
Star Wars draws archetypes from many timeless stories, found in Greek and Roman mythology and legends like King Arthur’s Knights. It also combines myth with the religious concepts of Christianity, Confucianism, and even the Samurai Code.
Working with mythological expert Joseph Campbell, who felt that myths could be used as metaphors for life’s experiences, Lucas decided to base his space opera on ancient stories that represented the spirit of those cautionary tales. One principle that would encompass all of his films: Evil must be defeated by Good. The pursuit of the victory imparts worthy life lessons.
In the Star Wars Universe, the FORCE is mystical energy that surrounds every living thing and binds the galaxy together. It combines elements of Physics and Spiritualism to give meaning to random events. It allows for great power, but only if the user is mindful and disciplined. Enlightenment is not attained without sacrifice.
THE MATRIX (1999-)
The Matrix bases itself predominately on ancient Greek mythology.
Morpheus, the Greek God of Dreams, seeks out a computer programmer and hacker named Neo. His mission is to determine if Neo would follow the Greek Gods and Goddesses.
His heroic journey starts after being contacted on his computer with a message telling him to: “Wake Up, Neo…” Another message then tells him to follow the white rabbit. When Neo answers a knock on his door, he sees a girl with a white rabbit on her shoulder. Trusting his instincts, he follows the Greek Goddess, which leads him on a modern-day Hero’s Journey. Neo’s quest is to find the Truth.
Neo visits the Oracle to determine his fate. Many ancient heroes visited the Oracle of Delphi in Greece. The Oracle of the Matrix even showed her faith in Greek Mythology. In the kitchen, the Oracle had a sign stating “Know thyself” — one of the Delphic maxims inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY (2016-2018)
Each life-changing story in the TRILOGY explores the human connection to Ancient Aliens through the eyes of Native Mythology.
Book 1 A GLEAM OF LIGHT explores Native American Mythology as UNA, half-Hopi bureaucrat from D.C., is summoned to Hopiland. Her connection to the white man’s world makes her uniquely qualified to help solve a mystery linked to an ancient discovery, as she tries to reconnect with her roots and cultural identity.
Book 2 THE DRAGON’S GLARE explores Asian American Mythology with UNA on special assignment to investigate unexplained violence in Chinatown, New York City. She discovers a deep-seated cultural connection with Tibetan immigrants as Ancient Chinese wisdom battles a threat from Ancient Evil.
Book 3 BEYOND THE WORLD explores African American Mythology as UNA, briefly stranded on her honeymoon adventure in Yosemite, uncovers a UFO mystery that leads to an Alien Conspiracy. Together with teen members of Explorer’s Club from the Kikuyu Tribe, she must track down the source of strange events and fight to save humanity.
Mythology Based SCI-FI offers inspirational stories drawn from Greek, Roman, Norse Legends and more … including the Mythology of Native Peoples … to Fans around the world — and keeps us coming back for more!
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