Evans, Rebecca E. (2018) ‘ The mythological perspective of modern media: Cross-cultural consciousness and modern myths ‘, BA Thesis. James Madison University, Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/620
In The Mythological Perspective of Modern Media: Cross-Cultural Consciousness and Modern Myths, Rebecca E. Evans explores how ancient mythology continues to influence modern media, especially through the structure of the hero’s journey. The essay argues that myths are not only old cultural stories, but also living narrative patterns that still appear in books, films, television, and video games. By discussing examples such as Harry Potter, Star Trek, The Legend of Zelda, and Dungeons and Dragons, Evans shows how modern popular culture continues to reuse and transform mythological structures for contemporary audiences.
One of the most important ideas in the essay is that myths create a sense of familiarity. Even when a modern story takes place in a wizarding school, a spaceship, or a fantasy kingdom, audiences can still recognize older mythic patterns beneath the surface. For example, the hero often leaves home, faces trials, changes through suffering, and returns with a new identity. This structure makes modern stories feel emotionally understandable because they connect to older forms of storytelling. I think this is a strong point because it explains why stories from different genres can still feel similar. They may use different settings and technologies, but they often share the same basic emotional journey.
The essay’s discussion of Harry Potter is especially useful. Harry’s journey follows many traditional mythic patterns: he begins as an ordinary child, receives a call into a hidden magical world, faces repeated dangers, and eventually confronts his main enemy. However, Evans also points out that modern versions of the hero’s journey can change older mythic expectations. Unlike many classical heroes who are punished or suffer tragic endings, Harry is given a more hopeful conclusion. This shows how modern media does not simply copy ancient myth, but reshapes it according to contemporary audience expectations.
I also found the analysis of video games interesting because it expands mythology beyond books and films. In games such as The Legend of Zelda, the audience does not only watch the hero’s journey; they actively perform it through gameplay. This makes the mythic structure more interactive. The player becomes part of the heroic experience by exploring the world, completing quests, and defeating enemies. This idea is useful for understanding how modern media can transform traditional storytelling into something more participatory.
Another valuable part of the essay is its attention to gender and representation. Evans notes that many classical and modern heroes are male, while female characters are often placed in secondary roles as helpers, mothers, love interests, or victims. This criticism is important because it shows that mythic structures can carry old cultural biases as well as universal themes. However, modern media also has the ability to challenge these patterns by creating stronger heroines and more diverse heroic figures. In this way, myth is not fixed; it can evolve with changing social values.
Overall, this essay is useful because it connects mythology, popular culture, and cross-cultural communication. It shows that myths are not dead stories from the past, but flexible structures that continue to shape how modern audiences understand heroism, identity, morality, and cultural belonging. For me, the most important idea is that modern media works like a new form of mythology. It repeats familiar patterns, but also updates them to reflect contemporary values, new technologies, and wider cultural perspectives.