Mythology and Fantasy

Is Odin from Nordic mythology the inspiration for Gandalf?
Is the lion Aslan a Christ figure? Do you belong in Gryffindor or Slytherin? In Mythology and Fantasy, we take a magical journey through fantastic tales and their roots in mythology and religion.

We analyze modern fantasy universes such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones and examine how themes such as fate, prophecy, life and death, evil and heroism draw on ancient mythological and religious sources. From Norse gods to Greek monsters and biblical motifs – we explore what connects the myths of the past with today’s fantasy.

This class provides space for both shared exploration and individual studies. You can choose to focus on your favorite universe – from Tolkie’s epic landscapes and J.K. Rowling’s magical school to Astrid Lindgren’s The Brothers Lionheart or the galactic adventures of Star Wars.

We work with questions like:

How are heroes like Harry Potter, Frodo and Luke Skywalker modern Christ figures?
What role do immortality, life and death play in fantasy and mythology? How do the battles in The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Narnia reflect the eternal struggle between chaos and cosmos?

Is fantasy a substitute for religion, or can they exist side by side?

We watch episodes from popular fantasy series and films and review them together. Which stories are worth delving into, and which mythologies are hidden behind them? We can also set up a film club where you can explore these magical universes together in your free time.

You don’t have to be a fantasy nerd to participate. A curiosity about fantastic tales and ancient myths is all that is required. Together, we create a professional and creative space where we immerse ourselves in everything from magical creatures to ethical dilemmas.

Get ready to explore, understand, and perhaps rediscover the magic of the stories that shape our imagination and our way of seeing the world.