How Are Mythological Themes Still Making an Impact in Music?

Inspiration for new songs can come from many unexpected places, as we can see in the fact that a surprising number of popular songs are at least partly based on mythology. By looking at the way that mythological themes continue to be used in songs, we can see how this subject isn’t likely to disappear any time soon.

We should start by taking a look back at some of the most famous songs to include a mythological edge. For rock fans, Achilles' Last Stand by Led Zeppelin may be the best-known example. While the name suggests that this long, powerful song is based on The Iliad by Homer, it was actually inspired by the band’s own travels, with the name based on the injury Robert Plant suffered in an automobile accident. It shows how a touch of mythology can be used to make a connection with more personal themes. Tales of Brave Ulysses by Cream takes a similar approach, with a personal journey intertwined with images from Homer’s epic poem.  

Venus by Lady Gage was inspired by the Botticelli painting titled The Birth of Venus and mixes the Roman Goddess of Love with lyrics about planets and dancing. It’s easy to see why most modern songs like this only take a light touch when it comes to mythological themes, with the likes of Dark Horse by Katy Perry showing how adding the name of Gods or other characters can add some weight to the lyrics without making it too complex or wordy.

Few genres have wholeheartedly approached mythology in the way that Viking metal has. This has helped it to capture mainstream attention, since Norse Gods have become incredibly popular thanks to various movies and TV shows. We can also see North mythology themes in Slingo casino titles including Slingo Journey to Asgard, which give fans the chance to play his hybrid of slots and bingo in a Viking-themed setting. Slingo Thunder of Gods uses Greek mythology for a different twist.

This musical genre covers a range of styles, with the majority of songs having heavy riffs and a slow beat. Sweden’s Bathory is credited with igniting interest in Viking metal, thanks to 1988’s Hammerheart. Unleashed, Tyr, and Thyrfing are among the most famous bands to release songs in this style.

We can also find mythological themes in experimental and electronic music. Styles like neoclassical darkwave and experimental hip-hop have managed to incorporate classic characters and elements to good effect. Orpheus vs. the Sirens by Hermit and the Recluse is a 2018 rap album that takes us back to Homer’s epic, which has proven to be a popular source of musical inspiration over the years. 

The truth is that we can find mythological inspiration in just about every musical genre if we look hard enough. Classic stories from the past are frequently used as the starting point for songs that then delve into other, more personal areas.

Expect to see mythological themes appear in songs from time to time in the future. However, it seems unlikely that we will see new genres like Viking metal that are so heavily focused on mythology. 

This article is a guest contribution. Views expressed are the author’s own.