Images of a Greek Goddess in Anime: Athena and Nausicaӓ in Nausicaӓ of the Valley of the Wind

Abstract

Abstract

Greek mythology is a rich and powerful inspiration shared by numerous people in different times and place, without which, numerous artistic works worldwide would not have been created. In Japan, despite being far from their place of origin, Greek gods and their stories have also been a part of the commonly shared culture - initially through children’s stories, and often related to the constellations. Having a deep-seated animism (‘feel’ rather than theorised religious belief) as a fundamental element of their culture, the Japanese exhibit obvious affinity to Greek mythology and to its humanlike gods in different forms, powers, and emotions, and their relationship to each other and with humans.