From Olympus to Comic Books: Rethinking the Stories We Hold Dear

Think back to your high school days, your Doritos fingers flipping through dusty textbooks filled with the fantastical tales of Greek mythology. Thunderbolts launched by Zeus from atop Mount Olympus, little dudes flying too close to the sun, gods and goddesses embroiled in epic battles across the pages – these stories captivated imaginations for centuries. They predate modern nations and have transcended time. Did these tales exist as undeniable truths passed down through generations, or were they something else? Were they ever meant to be taken literally?

Modern Myths in Panels: Superheroes Take the Stage

Fast forward to today. We’re enthralled by a new pantheon: superheroes. Iron Man’s repulsor rays blasting across comic book panels, Captain America’s unwavering shield deflecting attacks, Peter Parker’s agility and spider-sense – these narratives weave a compelling tapestry of good versus evil. Are these stories fundamentally different from the myths of old?

Perhaps not. Both superheroes and Greek gods offer explanations for the unseen forces of the world around us, even if those explanations are fantastical. They provide us with an easily-digested moral compass by which we travel through life. They do this by presenting us with extraordinary beings who embody ideals and influence our understanding of right and wrong. However, the key difference lies not in the content of the stories themselves, but in the way we approach them.

Superheroes and their Mythological Counterparts:

The connections between these two worlds are undeniable. Don’t believe me?

• Superman and Zeus: Both Superman and Zeus are the undisputed leaders of their respective pantheons. Superman, with his immense strength and ability to fly, mirrors Zeus’ dominion over the sky and his role as the king of the gods.
• Wonder Woman and Athena: Wonder Woman, the Amazonian princess known for her wisdom and exceptional fighting skills, draws clear comparisons to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, handicraft, and warfare.
• Thor and Hercules: Both Thor and Hercules are powerful warriors wielding legendary weapons (Thor’s hammer Mjolnir and Hercules’ club) and embodying immense strength.
• The Flash and Hermes: The Flash’s superhuman speed is directly reminiscent of Hermes, the messenger god known for his swiftness and winged sandals.
• Aquaman and Poseidon: Ruling the underwater domain and wielding tridents, Aquaman is the clear aquatic counterpart to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea and earthquakes.

These are just a few examples, and the parallels extend further. The underlying message remains the same: both superheroes and mythological figures serve as narrative tools to grapple with the complexities of the world and inspire us with tales of heroism and wonder.

The Blur Between Fact and Fiction: Reframing the Narrative

Today, we readily accept superheroes as fictional creations, a product of creative minds splashed across comic book pages and brought to life on the silver screen. I don’t think anyone is expecting to see Spider-Man swinging from the Empire State Building in real life. It seems, then, that our ancestral counterparts, hungry for the next installment of the GCU (I just coined that), wouldn’t have really believed a snake-headed woman was Han Soloing fellas in the next town over.

And so by acknowledging the fictional nature of superheroes, a cultural phenomenon undeniably intertwined with our modern world, doesn’t that require us to question the literal truth of older belief systems documented in similar ways, regardless of their age?

And yet, the line between believing historical fact and faith in the fantastical seem to be blurry to some. Greek mythology wasn’t simply a collection of whispered stories passed down through generations; it was meticulously documented in written form, enshrined in poems like the Iliad and the Odyssey. These epic tomes, much like the comic books of today, served as a source for understanding the world around. These stories taught people how to be people. And at the end of the day, that’s what they they were – stories.

Beyond Belief: Embracing the Power of Narrative

The point isn’t to dismantle faith or disregard the cultural significance of these stories. But there is honor in acknowledging that these narratives, whether about heroes and masked billionaire vigilantes or gods, serve a different purpose – to inspire us, to challenge us, to make sense of the world around us. That is the power of storytelling. These stories hold immense value, offering insights into past societies, shaping artistic expression, and serving as a foundation for much of Western literature. However, by recognizing the constructed nature of these narratives, both ancient and modern, we open ourselves to a deeper and more progressive understanding.

Superheroes and the written stories they live in serve as a springboard for critical thinking. We celebrate their fantastical elements while acknowledging their fictional core. Shouldn’t we then extend this same critical lens to all writings of the past? To do less is to place faith over fact.

Ultimately, the power lies not in the literal truth of the stories themselves, but in the way they shape our thoughts and actions. After all, whether it’s the thunderous might of Zeus or the unwavering resolve of Captain America, these narratives remind us of the potential within ourselves, the potential to fight for what’s right, and to do the right thing, even when that’s difficult. They remind us that miracles that live in printed form, while they may be powerful, wondrous, and effective societal tools, may also be nothing more than the greatest stories ever told.

Dive Deeper.

If you are interested in reading more about this subject, here is a book called The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. Although the book definitely stands on its own, it is based on a six part PBS series sharing the same name as the title of this book. It is a great starting point to explore more about this topic.