The Meaning of Myth in Uncertain Times

This book examines how ancient mythology forms part of the stories we tell ourselves about today's uncertain times, not only in popular culture but also in sociocultural and political debates. It particularly explores the ways in which classical myths shape how our modern secular societies think about the interconnected geopolitical, technological, and ecological issues we are facing, and our potential futures. Classical myths like those of Achilles, Medea, and Odysseus are everywhere, from films and novels to social media and games. But how and why are we still fascinated with them, particularly now? Can these strange and often painful stories from societies so radically different from our own offer us genuine insights today? This expanded English edition of Evelien Bracke's award-winning Dutch book Leidraad door het labyrint explores how and why Greek and Roman myths, despite their ancient origins, are surprisingly meaningful in these times of uncertainty. Bracke offers a contextualization and literary analysis of classical mythology, looking at both texts and visual media. This allows readers to gain a better understanding of how people draw inspiration from the past in their attempt to create a better future, and how these stories provide both collective and individual guidance in navigating the turbulent 21st century. The Meaning of Myth in Uncertain Times is suitable for students, scholars, teachers, and general readers interested in mythology and ancient Greek and Roman history and culture, providing insights that are relevant to the challenges we all face today.

Evelien Bracke is an award-winning scholar of classical mythology and education. Through her research and public engagement, she is committed to widening access to the study of antiquity and demonstrating the enduring impact of ancient stories on modern life. She is currently affiliated with Ghent University, Belgium, and University College Dublin, Ireland.

Introduction: Heracles in the Congo; Part 1: The meaning of myth in the digital age; 1. Definitions of myth: On the sexuality of Achilles; 2. A megaphone for mythology: Europa on Twitter; 3. Zeus in the multiverse: Are all myths true?; 4. Gaia in dystopia: Doomsday thinking in nuclear times; 5. Is Sisyphus happy? Meme culture and the absurdity of existence; Part 2: Uncertain times; 6. (Self)destructive man: On the eternal Trojan War; 7. Witch hunt from Kamala to Medea; 8. The monstrous climate: The Minotaur in the political imagination; 9. Hephaestus in the uncanny valley: Artificial Intelligence and the limitations of being human; 10. To live is to suffer: On the complex actions of Oedipus; Part 3: Together through the labyrinth; 11. On clay, fire, and tears: Prometheus' visionary progress; 12. Medusa and the masses: The monster as manifest; 13. Activism in the shadow realm: On the barricade with Antigone and Ismene; 14. Weaving and waiting: Crisis management with Penelope; 15. Tentacles of kinship: Ode to an unlikely hero; Conclusion. A future for Pandora.