Certificate Course on Greek Mythology and Contemporary Literature

From 29 May to 11 June 2025, I had the enriching opportunity to participate in a deeply insightful online certificate course titled “Mythological Paradigms: Greek Mythology and its Relevance in Contemporary Literature.” Organized by Gokul Global University, Gujarat, in collaboration with the Nucleus of Learning and Development, and coordinated by Mr. Manoj Patel, the course brought together classical mythology and modern literary thought in innovative ways. Expertly conducted by Dr. Vanya Srivastava, Assistant Professor at Integral University, Lucknow, each session explored a new dimension of Greek mythology and how its narratives still reverberate through contemporary storytelling.

Here is a breakdown of the central themes explored each day:

Day 1: Foundations of Greek Mythology

Theme: Introduction to the Greek Pantheon and Mythological Cycles

The course began by establishing the essential framework of Greek mythology—its pantheon of gods, the cosmogony (origin of the universe), and key mythological cycles. This day was dedicated to identifying the structural backbone of myth-making in ancient Greece. The activity involved mapping gods and goddesses, their roles, and recognizing their enduring presence in contemporary culture (e.g., in branding, film, or symbolic representation).

Day 2: Heroes and Heroic Journeys

Theme: Archetypal Heroes and Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth

The second session examined the archetypes of classical heroes like Hercules, Perseus, and Theseus, comparing them with Campbell’s concept of the “Hero’s Journey.” The key insight was the cyclical pattern of departure, initiation, and return that links mythological heroes to modern figures like Superman or Harry Potter. The comparative analysis bridged ancient myth and modern superhero narratives.

Day 3: The Trojan War in Ancient and Modern Literature

Theme: Epic Conflict and Its Literary Legacy

This session explored the enduring legacy of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, particularly how the Trojan War serves as a template for both historical and psychological storytelling. Passages from the Iliad were juxtaposed with excerpts from modern war literature, highlighting themes of honor, sacrifice, and futility. It demonstrated how mythological conflict mirrors real human struggles.

Day 4: Tragic Dimensions – Greek Drama and Modern Theatre

Theme: Tragedy as a Universal Mode of Expression

Focusing on Greek tragedians such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides, this day highlighted the principles of catharsis, hamartia, and fate. By analyzing scenes from modern plays inspired by myth (e.g., Jean Anouilh’s Antigone), we traced how classical tragedy continues to influence contemporary dramaturgy and political commentary.

Day 5: Divine Feminine – Goddesses and Women in Myth

Theme: Feminine Power, Archetypes, and Reinterpretation

This session was a deep dive into the representations of goddesses such as Athena, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Persephone. It unpacked how female figures embody both creative and destructive powers. A feminist lens was applied to reinterpret myths, revealing how contemporary writers reclaim these stories to critique patriarchy and explore gender identity.

Day 6: Mythological Underworlds and Psychological Depths

Theme: Afterlife and Inner Consciousness

The Greek underworld, particularly as envisioned by Hades, Persephone, and Orpheus, was explored in connection with modern psychological theory (Freud, Jung). The session focused on death, dreams, and transformation, showing how mythological descent into the underworld parallels journeys into the unconscious mind, grief, and personal change.

Day 7: Transformation Tales – Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Beyond

Theme: Change as the Essence of Myth

Inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, this session highlighted transformation not just as physical change but as metaphor for emotional, social, and identity shifts. Participants were encouraged to write their own short metamorphosis narratives, blending mythic themes with personal or political commentary.

Day 8: Mythological Retelling as Cultural Critique

Theme: Rewriting Myth to Challenge Power Structures

This powerful session focused on contemporary novels that retell Greek myths to critique social, political, or gender norms. Texts such as Madeline Miller’s Circe and Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls were discussed to explore how retellings give voice to marginalized characters. Myth here becomes a site of resistance and revision.

Day 9: Myths in Popular Culture and Media

Theme: From Olympus to Hollywood

The ninth session traced how Greek myths infiltrate popular media—films, TV shows, graphic novels, and digital content. From Wonder Woman to Percy Jackson, mythological structures and figures continue to shape narratives in subtle and explicit ways. The activity involved identifying mythic elements in visual media and analyzing their significance.

Day 10: The Enduring Power of Myth

Theme: Why Myths Still Matter

The concluding session tied everything together, reflecting on the universal and timeless appeal of myth. Participants presented their understanding of contemporary texts through a mythological lens. This day celebrated the resilience and adaptability of myth, reminding us that these ancient stories continue to help us make sense of modern existence.

Key Takeaways from the Course:

Classical myths are not relics—they are living, evolving templates for storytelling.

Mythological frameworks enhance literary analysis and creative writing alike.

Archetypes and themes like the hero's journey, metamorphosis, and the divine feminine remain central in literature and media.

Modern literature often reclaims and critiques mythology to address contemporary issues such as war, gender, trauma, and identity.

Participating in this course not only deepened my understanding of Greek mythology but also empowered me to look at literature—and the world—through a richer, more symbolic lens.

Thank you.