Star Trek is an effective modern mythology that helps people identify with humanity as a whole rather than just a local group. It presents aspirational visions of human progress and values like tolerance. Some key elements that make it mythological include its philosophical themes, archetypal heroes like Kirk that model human ideals, and use of allegory to discuss social issues. It also incorporates symbolic and villain elements found in classic mythology to teach moral lessons. An episode like "Darmok" shows how mythology can promote cross-cultural understanding through shared stories and metaphors.

1. STAR TREK AS MODERN MYTHOLOGY

2. ”
““We need myths that will identify the
individual not with his local group but with
the planet.”
― Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
Star Trek mythology fulfills this need, and more – by helping us see what is possible for human kind as a race.
Star Trek is the most prominent and viable modern mythology for several reasons. It has become so
engrained in western psychology, and the technology we are seeing today may be a by-product of
inspiration from minds like Gene Roddenberry. Mythology, in order to be an effective means of
delivering higher goals for the conduct of those who believe in its strength, has to teach a “better
way” of being human. Looking at the longevity and popularity of the series, with all of the possibilities
presented to us becoming acceptable and attainable the closer we get to the “future”, it becomes
apparent that western civilization has accepted and incorporated this mythology into our culture.

3. “WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE”
When we watched this episode in week 2, we looked at the context
of this episode in terms of human response to power, and whether
that could be a corruptive force. Philosophical themes of this
nature, which make us consider eternal questions concerning
human potential, were the status quo for Star Trek. This was
especially due to the influence of modern humanist philosophy,
reaching its height in the 1960’s.
All valid mythology systems contain philosophical branches as the
means to teach different groups, but the roots are always in our
need to emulate an archetype – this seems to be how our minds are
created to gain wisdom. The archetypes presented in Star Trek are
timeless, and ancient truths are re-told in modern form, cloaked in a
context that is more palatable because it is on “another level” and
portrays humans in a god-like (but without inherent supernatural
abilities) manner in their advancements.

4. VULCAN MYTHOLOGY
The Vulcan race was portrayed as
having a strong historical connection
with mythology. Much of this was
borrowed from classic Greek
mythology, with the name “Vulcan”
meaning “God of Fire”. This name was
chosen to symbolize that this had
once been a very passionate and war-
like race, that nearly destroyed itself.
The Vulcans overcame this flaw by
becoming highly rational beings, and
developing meditative and other
techniques to subdue their volatile
emotions. They were portrayed as
being superior to humanity to an
extent, and certainly seemed to feel
that way, except for Spock, who was
half human.

5. SOCIAL ANALOGIES DERIVED FROM MYTH
Some of Star Treks’ greatest moments were when the writers
portrayed pressing social issues, such as race and gender inequality,
in a format that was almost allegorical since it was set in a
completely different context.
Much of classic mythology follows this pattern of storytelling using
improbable and unbelievable situations, to speak of taboo subjects,
which are usually based on ignorance. The goal of mythology is to
teach us proper conduct, but in a way that appeals to our “inner
child”, who instinctively knows when it is hearing the truth.

6. MYTHOLOGY AND SYMBOLISM
Although the symbol which we now easily identify with Star Trek has evolved over time, it presents a valuable tie with
the mythology itself. Mythology is heavily based on symbolism, and humans still respond strongly to symbolic images,
regardless of context.

7. ELEMENTS OF MYTHOLOGY: THE HEROES
The heroes of Star Trek are very recognizable to most people,
especially Kirk and Picard, who represent the epitome of heroism
within the context of their culture and environment. They, along
with the members of their crews, demonstrate some of the
highest forms of human evolution, including tolerance, justice,
desire for peace, and supreme mental discipline combined with
moral fortitude.
Some of these heroes have followed the classic “Heroes Journey”
path, especially Kirk. He was an imperfect hero, who’s flaws were
portrayed as something which kept him human, with passions
and desires. In terms of embodying a classic hero figure, none of
these people would necessarily be someone we would emulate,
but we can look up to them and admire their ability to make the
tough decision, and do the “right” thing on a consistent basis.

8. ELEMENTS OF MYTHOLOGY: THE VILLAINS
The villain element is very prominent in Star Trek – from the
original series through the latest blockbuster film installment.
While it is not necessarily the heroes (captains & crew) “prime
directive” or divine purpose to vanquish the evil that exists in the
universe, it is an important aspect in retaining our essential
humanity while facing of the unknown.
The god-like, all powerful type villain is seen in the character Q,
and to a lesser extent in the Borg Queen. Both of these beings do
not seem evil in the traditional mythological sense, but they do
prey upon what they perceive to be human weakness. In both
instances, the heroes prevailed against seemingly insurmountable
odds, by the virtues of courage, brotherhood, and steadfastness.

9. DARMOK: A TRIBUTE TO THE CROSS-CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF MYTHOLOGY
In this episode of Star Trek the Next Generation, Picard encounters a race of beings so firmly entrenched in mythology, their language is
entirely based on metaphors derived from it. Picard relates to an important member of this race while they are both forced to work
together to defeat an evil foe.
By actively incorporating mythology, the creators of Star Trek have, since it’s inception, managed to successfully promote the continuance
of certain important precepts found in ancient myth-based belief systems, while creating a new paradigm for future generations.
“As with most aliens in science-fiction, the Tamarians [Star Trek characters] serve as mirrors for ourselves, reminding us of the importance
of myths, metaphors, and storytelling in our lives while demonstrating how ingenuity, determination, and receptiveness can help defuse
conflict, bridge gaps, further understanding across different worldviews.”
Source: www.ekostories.com

10. Works Cited:
Campbell, Joseph, and Bill D. Moyers. The Power of Myth. New York: Doubleday, 1988. Print.
"Of Myths and Metaphors: Star Trek TNG's Darmok." Ekostories. 14 Nov. 2013. Web. 27 June 2015.
“Where No Man Has Gone Before.” Star Trek: The Original Series. NBC Sep. 22 1966. Television.
“Darmok.” Star Trek: The Next Generation. NBC Sep. 30 1991. Television.