In 15 all-new essays, this volume explores how science fiction and fantasy draw on materials from ancient Greece and Rome, 'displacing' them from their original settings-in time and space, in points of origins and genre-and encouraging readers to consider similar 'displacements' in the modern world. Modern examples from a wide range of media and genres-including Philip Pullman's
His Dark Materials
and the novels of Helen Oyeyemi, the
Rocky Horror Picture Show
and Hayao Miyazaki's
Spirited Away
, and the role-playing games
Dungeons and Dragons
and
Warhammer 40K-
are brought alongside episodes from ancient myth, important moments from history, and more.
All together, these multifaceted studies add to our understanding of how science fiction and fantasy form important areas of classical reception, not only transmitting but also transmuting images of antiquity. The volume concludes with an inspiring personal reflection from the New York Times-bestselling author of speculative fiction, Catherynne M. Valente, offering her perspective on the limitless potential of the classical world to resonate with experience today.