From an Adolescent Freak to a Hope-Spreading Messianic Demigod
From an Adolescent Freak to a Hope-Spreading Messianic Demigod

The Curious Transformations of Modern Teenagers in Contemporary Mythopoetic Fantasy Literature (Percy Jackson, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Syrena Legacy)

Author(s): Michael Stierstorfer
Subject(s): Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Christianity; demigod; fantasy literature; Percy Jackson; Pirates of the Caribbean; Poseidon; redeemer; Syrena Legacy; Siren; superhero
Summary/Abstract: International fantasy literature for teenage readers based on motifs of the ancient Greek and Roman mythology often focuses on an adolescent protagonist, who has a lot of problems with growing up. Therefore a mythic narrative emerges in the plot to help the main character cope with his or her problems. This narrative, filled with supernatural incidents, is a vehicle for the protagonist to become a strong and self-confident adult, who saves the world from evil mythical creatures. This paper investigates the famous "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan, the popular "Blue Secrets" series by Anna Banks and the blockbuster movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge" by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg to demonstrate how normal human protagonists are described as holy Redeemer-figures by being amalgamated with the mythic god Poseidon. In this way mythic motifs are mixed with Christian values to create a modern kind of superhero, giving people a new sense in life. This superhero spreads hope for the threatened mankind, which is very important in (today’s) dark times.

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