CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE

An Influence of Mythology on Popular Culture

A graduate project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

For the degree of Master of Arts

In History

By

Carlo Nunneri

May 2020

Copyright by Carlo Nunneri 2020

ii The graduate project of Carlo Nunneri is approved:

______Dr. Jeffrey Auerbach Date

______Dr. Richard Horowitz Date

______Dr. Miriam Neirick, Chair Date

California State University, Northridge

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Table of Contents

Signature Page ...... iii

Abstract ...... v

iv Abstract

The Influence of Mythology on Popular Culture

By

Carlo Nunneri

Master of Arts

In History

In accordance with university regulations, the following is an abstract of my culminating experience project, which serves as the final requirement towards the completion of a Masters of Arts Degree in History. While the following abstract summarizes my project’s scholarly contribution, research questions, methods and conclusions, the final project is archived in the Department of History at California State

University, Northridge.

Mythology has been used for millennia as a means of storytelling. Whether it was for entertainment or for educational purposes, mythology has permeated civilization. Joseph

Campbell conducted extensive research into the longevity of mythology and its

v universality, but why is it still so prevalent today in popular culture? is one of the most recognizable mythological figures, at least in western societies, and he still has a strong presence in popular culture today. By peering into some uses of Hercules in popular culture from Victorian England’s Punch Magazine and modern popular culture such as the video game God of War III and the Disney film Hercules, it is possible to identify and analyze the methods used to adapt this character. Since mythology cannot be copyrighted and is part of the public domain it has no restrictions on how it can be used and by whom. Taking a recognizable character with no infringement possibility and morphing him into something more entertaining and identifiable to the people of a certain time and culture makes it an easy starting place for adaptations. It is reasonable to assert that the longevity of mythology, in this case Hercules, comes from his identifiable nature, known traits (such as his twelve labors, the skin, or his club), and his adaptability. These traits are the apex of this research. The aim is to more comprehensively identify the uses and reasons for the use of Hercules as a recurring character in popular culture.

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