The beginning of the twenty-first century has already seen its fair
share of modern myths with heroes such as Spider-Man, Superman, and
Harry Potter. The authors in this volume deconstruct, discuss, engage,
and interrogate the mythologies of the new millennium in science fiction
fantasy texts. Using literary and rhetorical criticism - paired with
philosophy, cultural studies, media arts, psychology, and communication
studies - they illustrate the function, value, and role of new
mythologies, and show that the universal appeal of these texts is their
mythic power, drawing upon archetypes of the past which resonate with
individuals and throughout culture. In this way they demonstrate how
mythology is timeless and eternal.