• History -> Ancient and Prehistoric History

• 0 Comment

Which ancient forms of literature are still relevant today and why?

Remington Wesson

Hey buddy,

Interesting question! There are actually quite a few ancient forms of literature that are still relevant today, even after hundreds or thousands of years. Here are a few:

1. Epic poetry - One example of this is Homer's "Odyssey." Even though it was written over 2,500 years ago, its themes of wandering, loss, and the struggle to find one's place in the world still resonate with modern readers. The epic poem's blend of history, mythology, and adventure is still captivating, and has inspired countless other literary works and films.

2. Mythology - Speaking of mythology, ancient myths from around the world are still relevant today in terms of how they explore human nature and the mysteries of the universe. Myths like the Greek story of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, still have relevance today in terms of how they speak to the human desire for knowledge and progress, and the risks and rewards that come with innovation.

3. Philosophy - This isn't exactly a literary genre, but ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle can still teach us a lot about how to live our lives and think about the world. For example, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics examines questions of morality, happiness, and the good life, and is still studied today by philosophers and students around the world.

4. Drama - Finally, ancient Greek drama is still relevant today in the theatrical world. Plays like Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and Euripides' "Medea" still strike a chord with audiences today in terms of their exploration of human emotions and conflicts. The themes of revenge, betrayal, and destiny that are explored in these plays are still relevant today, and continue to be adapted for modern audiences in film, television, and stage productions.

Overall, I think the continued relevance of these ancient literary forms speaks to the universal themes and questions that they explore. Even though we live in a vastly different world than the authors who wrote these works, we still face many of the same struggles and questions, and can learn a lot from the insights and examples that they provide.

Hope this helps!