M A S A R Y K U N I V E R S I T Y

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

Department of English Language and Literature

Classical Myth in the Hunger Games

Bachelor Thesis

Brno 2015

Supervisor: Author:

Mgr. Lucie Podroužková, Ph.D. Miriam Dostálová

Annotation

This bachelor thesis Classical myth in the Hunger Games deals with the analysis of The Hunger
Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The primary focus is on the one of its main inspirations -
the Greek mythology. The aim of this thesis is to expound how much are various mythology
elements mirrored in the novel series. Furthermore, the thesis deals with the core myths of
Greek Mythology, such as The Myth of Theseus and Minotaur, The Myth of Pyramus and
Thisbe or Myth of Zeus’s cornucopia. These myths are the main source for enriching the novel’s
plot. The thesis studies mythology traits, which can be found also in the setting of the novel,
and examines the characters of the series and compares them to the significant figures of the
Greek mythology.

Anotace

Tato bakalářská práce, Klasický mýtus v Hunger Games se zabývá analýzou Hunger Games
trilogie od Suzanne Collinsové. Primární důraz je na kladen jednoho ze svých hlavních inspirací
– řecké mytologie. Cílem této práce je vysvětlit, v jaké šíři jsou mytologické prvky odraženy
v románové sérii. Dále se práce zabývá základními mýty o řeckém bájesloví, jako je například
Mýtus Thésea a Mínótaura, Mýtus Pyramuse a Thisbe nebo Mýtus o Diově rohu hojnosti. Tyto
mýty jsou hlavním zdrojem pro obohacení děje románů. Bakalářská práce studuje i mytologické
rysy, které mohou být nalezeny v prostředí románu, a rovněž zkoumá postavy z knižní série a
porovnává je s významnými postavami řecké mytologie.

Key words

The Hunger Games, Greek mythology, young-adult literature, dystopian novel

Klíčová slova

The Hunger Games, řecká mytologie, literature pro mládež, dystopický román

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 Prohlášení

Prohlašuji, že jsem závěrečnou bakalářskou práci vypracovala samostatně, s využitím

pouze citovaných literárních pramenů, dalších informací a zdrojů v souladu s Disciplinárním
řádem pro studenty Pedagogické fakulty Masarykovy univerzity a se zákonem č. 121/2000 Sb.,
o právu autorském, o právech souvisejících s právem autorským a o změně některých zákonů
(autorský zákon), ve znění pozdějších předpisů.

Declaration

I declare that I have compiled this bachelor thesis by myself and that I have used only the
sources listed in the bibliography.

Dne 30. března 2016 ……………………..

Miriam Dostálová

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 Acknowledgments

I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards my supervisor, Mgr. Lucie

Podroužková, Ph. D., who was a kind, helpful and optimistic throughout the writing process of
this thesis. In addition, I am thankful to my sister Kamila for her assistance. But most of all, I
would like to thank my study partner Alexandra. With her moral support and companionship,
these bachelor studies were enriching and enjoyable, at the same time.

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 CONTENT

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 6

2 Phenomenon called Hunger Games ...................................................................... 7

3 Behind the inspiration of Suzanne Collin’s trilogy ............................................. 10

4 Elements of the Story Imitated by Mythology .................................................... 11

4.1 Myth of Theseus and Minotaur ........................................................................... 11

4.1.1 Reflection of the myth in The Hunger games .................................................... 12

4.2 Myth of Pyramus and Thisbe and Collins’s Star-Crossed Lovers ...................... 15

4.3 Myth of Cornucopia ............................................................................................ 19

5 Setting of The Hunger Games and Mythology ................................................... 22

5.1 District’s representations..................................................................................... 22

6 Characters............................................................................................................ 29

6.1 Katniss Everdeen................................................................................................. 29

6.2 Cato 34

6.3 Finnick Odair ...................................................................................................... 35

7 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 37

8 Bibliography........................................................................................................ 39

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1 Introduction

The aim of the thesis is to study the traits and myths of Greek mythology which can
be found in the dystopian young adult novel series, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

As the introduction, the thesis depicts the phenomenon of the series. It is surprising,
that children in the schools are encouraged by their teachers to read this dystopian contemporary
series as their compulsory optional reading. The chapter Phenomenon deals with this matter
and further examines what is attractive about this series, which scored such a huge success
around the world. It asks question of genre and inspiration that helped to build The Hunger
Games world. Regarding the inspiration, the author worked with the combination of various
contemporary issues and classical roots. The issues strongly resonates with today’s society
(such as political oppression, reality television, child soldiers). Then it is the Collin’s inspiration
which came from classic works, such as Shakespeare, John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, Lord
of the Flies, Greek ancient society and eventually, classical mythology, which is also subject of
this thesis.

The analyses has a primary focuses on the elements which helped Collins to create the
plot the particularly it Myth of Theseus and Minotaur, Myth of Pyramus and Thisbee a.k.a.
Star-crossed lovers and Zeus’s cornucopia – the horn of plenty.

Further, the setting of the Hunger Games’ districts is expound and compared to various
elements and attributes of Greek mythology figures. These figures, the most significant Gods
and Goddesses of Greek mythology and their deities helped to build the façade of the Collins’s
world of The Hunger Games, which keep fascinating broader scale of readers.

The thesis also consists the depiction of significant characters of the trilogy and further
compares them to various mythology figures. The primary focus is on the main protagonist,
Katniss Everdeen, who is epitome of Greek warrior goddess, Athena or Goddess of hunt,
Artemis. Additionally are mentioned minor characters which bear the traits of Athenian hero
Heracles and greedy God Poseidon.

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2 Phenomenon called Hunger Games

The Hunger games trilogy is for sure a literary success. The first book called Hunger
Games - Arena of the Death debuted in 2008. The debut was sold to million readers and it was
translated into 26 languages (“The Hunger Games: Book review (level 2)”, 2012). It
immediately rocketed into the New York Time Best-Selling list, where it was leading a supreme
position for nearly 100 weeks (Armitstead, 2012). The following sequels Catching Fire and
Mockingjay held the same position. “The series was voted second after J. K. Rowling’s Harry
Potter in NPR’s (National Public Radio) top 100 YA (young adult) novels.” (Balkind, 2014, p.
5) To top it all, series was made into motion pictures by Lionsgate Company. The first
instalment earned in the box-offices $690 million globally, “with the third-best domestic
opening weekend of all time for a non-sequel.” (Balkind, 2014, p. 5). Of course, the success
was followed by the movies Catching Fire and Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2. Series is not
finished, and after tradition of another successful franchise of this decade, Harry Potter
franchise, we can soon expect opening of series of theme parks and licensed attractions around
the world. The first one is supposed to open in Dubai in 2016 (Suderman, 2015). It could be
pointed out that the idea of theme parks feels immoral and bizarre. The Hunger Games plays
with themes such as inequality of social classes, tyranny, political oppression, hypocrisy. Does
the entertaining theme park feel right for such a series? The answer is probably no.

Nevertheless, Suderman (2015) calls the success of the trilogy “a runaway smash” and
adds that “The Hunger Games grew into a major cultural touchstone, a new pop classic
rivalling, if perhaps not quite equalling, the power and influence of franchises like Star Wars
and Harry Potter, both of which it will now join in an eternally licensed afterlife”. Why is series
about brutality of government against its people and killing of children so popular? We can find
the answer in combination of various elements.

Suderman (2015) further points out that trilogy started at the “right” time. In 2008
America was in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The millennial
generation, which is targeted market group of the novel, was entering college, struggling in its
first jobs and transitioning into adulthood. The book spoke to the generation powerfully.

Another win for the series is the targeted audience. Hunger Games is depicted as a
Young Adult Book, which is “literature written for readers between the ages of 12 and 20”
(Alsup, 2010, p. 1). As the Alsup (2010) highlights “the very best YA books can be as appealing

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to adult readers as they are to teens” (p. 195). Walter (2014) in his article says that adults should
not be ashamed to read children novels, as the “young adult fiction is the most serious literature
in contemporary culture”. In conclusion he also claims that these books are demanded because
“they are the best guide we have to the dysfunctional reality of adult life”.

To return to young adult genre, the Hunger Games novel does all what is right in the
number of following contemporary trends of YAL, which are set by Alsup (2010, p. 194):

1) The main characters are teenagers (e.g. Katniss, Peeta, Gale, tributes of the games).
2) The point of view is first person and most often it is of a teenager.
3) The narrator is also the main character (Katniss Everdeen).
4) The setting is contemporary or can be futuristic as it is in a case of Hunger Games.
Also YAL should take place in the United States (Panem is built from ruins of
U.S.).
5) All the traditional literary elements typical of classical literature are present, such
as well-rounded characters, flashback (e.g. when Katniss thinks of her far father),
foreshadowing, allusions (historical, literary), irony, metaphorical language (less
advanced considering young readers).

Many YAL stories have sort of the same constructions. As the Alsup (2010)
furthermore expounds, plots begin with the traumatic experience of the heroine (for Katniss it
is perhaps her starvation which made her stronger), death of a friend/parent (Katniss’s father
dies during mining explosion). The character must face to a new and unfamiliar environment
(meaning Hunger Games and the Capitol), an external conflicts with other characters (fights in
the arena) and then choose to assimilate to new conventions or psychically/socially/spiritually
die (p. 163). As we know Katniss faces her task, i.e. the fights in the Arena and eventually wins.

Alsup (2010) also finds an answer to a question, why young people prefer to read YAL
literature over the classical. It is because “YA texts offer stories and plotlines that resonate with
their own experience.” (p. 163). Additionally, they “often have difficulty achieving a sense of
belonging and often resort to methods which exclude others in order to fell they have a place
for themselves” (Parker, 2005, p. 117). Alsup (2010) also comments that reading YA novels,
“might make a teen reader feel vindicated or not quite so isolated in her struggles. In this way,
there could be a psychological benefit to the reading process – a sort of bibliotherapy. In the
other hand, the books could be creating a confrontational reality for girls that they otherwise
would not choose.” (p. 11) Thus, readers like to connect and experience journey with the main
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character. This suggest also Suderman (2015) in his article and generalize Hunger Games as
just another reworked “hero’s journey” with stages of leaving home, setting out on an adventure
with many obstacles, inner development, discovering the power and destroying an enemy with
it. He generalizes the Hunger Games with another famous, successful and worldwide series
such as Star Wars, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings.

Which other element makes Hunger Games stand out? As it was mentioned, use of
allusions and references is typical for young adult literature. And Collins uses many of them.
The authors “unique blending of Greek myth and modern war stories are a refreshing take on
the moder-day issues. Child soldiers and the impact of reality television and propagandistic
media on young people are explored in an arena created for young people, placing them at the
centre of the action and the issue.” (Balkind, 2014, pp. 9-10).

Another contributing aspect which plays in favour is the dystopian genre. As Dobston-
Miller (2014) points out, in the recent years “dystopian novels set in some dark, post-nuclear
fallout future have dominated the young adult bestseller lists.“ The recently published novel
series as Divergent, The Maze Runner or Legend are following the successful footsteps of The
Hunger Games. Furthermore, Dobston-Miller assumes that the popularity of this genre is
because young-adult people feel pressured in nowadays society, which is slowly heading to
ruins, and their raising anxiety within it (2014). This confirms also the definition of the
dystopian novel. “Dystopia uses satiric literary techniques, projects the major dissatisfactions
of the author with current society onto the dystopian setting, and represents the society as
isolated.” (Baccolini & Moylan, c2003, p. 29)

After making the points why this franchise stays in power, and if we consider the
commercial success of the series, the conclusion can be made by James & Mendlesohn’s
argument that “fantasy has become big business, for better or worse.” (2012) The Hunger
Games is already successful trademark in the industry and as long as people desire the novel,
the people in the right places we continue to profit from it.

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3 Behind the inspiration of Suzanne Collin’s trilogy

Prior to The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins was a writer of TV screenplays for
children TV shows. Later she moved to writing novels and wrote five-book series, The
Underland Chronicles, which hit the New York Times best-seller list. Afterwards, in 2008 she
had started The Hunger Games series, which are to date her most successful novels. (Suzanne
Collins, 2016).

In the several interviews she confirmed her inspirational sources. Mainly it was Greek
mythology, particularly myth of Theseus and Minotaur, since she was a child fascinated by it.
The true essence of Katniss’s story came when she was late at night watching reality TV show.
Further, it was also her own experience of her father being in Vietnam, which made an impact
on her (Margolis, 2008). Other work which was an influence is Grapes of Wrath by John
Steinbeck. Set in Dust of Bawl years in the United States, it is hunger and poverty of people
which leads them to find unusual ways to survive. The author’s favourite novel Lord of Flies
by William Goulding, is also model for the series, as the young children’s nature shifts when
they are forced to survive in the wilderness (Scholastics, 2016).

These various elements created the world of Hunger Games and Collins is satisfied
with the moral message of the book. “I hope it does make people think about what they watch
in a more reflective way. For some it's the violence and the reality TV; others seem to be
affected by the themes of hunger – food is a power tool that runs throughout it. Other people
seem to home right in on the romance. I don't think I've ever had a book or a television project
where so much of the experience was dependent on the reader's own experience, and that's been
really fun.” (Armistead, 2012).

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4 Elements of the Story Imitated by Mythology

4.1 Myth of Theseus and Minotaur

As the author herself proclaimed the Myth of Theseus and Minotaur was one of the
main and initial inspirations for writing the novel (Margolis, 2008). The multiple similar
features between these two storylines can be seen. In the following chapter, we will reprise the
myth and search for a traits reflected in the novel.

Hamilton (2015) closely illustrates the Myth of Theseus, the greatest Athenian hero,
who was the son of the King Aegeus. The King left the son before he was born and told his
mother, that when Theseus will grow a strong man, he can return to Athens and claim himself
as his son. Theseus grew strong far beyond others and was determinant to be as magnificent as
the most magnificent hero of all Greece, his cousin, Hercules. Despite urges of his mother and
grandfather to sail to Athens, he decided to go by land, for the reason that to sail to Athens
seemed for Theseus not challenging enough. His travel was long and dangerous, however,
Theseus managed all the obstacles with ease and was much celebrated and praised in Greece.
By the time he reached Athens, he was acknowledged hero. The King Aegeus was afraid of
Theseus’s popularity and also, he was unaware that Theseus is his son. Influenced by Medea,
the King invited Theseus with idea of poisoning him. The hero wished to finally reveal himself
to his father and at the same time as he is handed the poisoned cup, he drew his sword. The
King instantly recognized the sword and proclaimed Theseus his son and apparent heir.

Nevertheless, terrible misfortune happened many years before Theseus’s arrival to

Athens. The ruler of Crete, King Minos, lost his only son, Androgeus, who was visiting at the
time the Athens. The young Androugeus was sent by his host, King Aeggeus to kill a macabre
bull, though, quite the opposite has happened and furious King Minos invaded the Athens. In
the fury, he declared that every nine years Athenians would sent him seven maidens and seven
young boys. These young tributes were afterwards given to Minotaur, the monstrous creature
who was half bull, half human, to be devoured. Minotaur, was placed by Minos, the Crete’s
King, in the Labyrinth, which was famous throughout the world. It had twisting paths without
exits and escape from it was impossible. The young Athenians had no hope, due to the fact that
they were always running in the direction of the monster, even if they stood still.

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 By the time Theseus reached Athens, doomed fate awaited another fourteen young
Athenians and it was time for the next instalment of the tribute. The hero came forward and
voluntary offered himself to be the one of the tributes. He was instantly admired for his bravery,
goodness and nobility. After arrival of tributes, they were paraded before Cretan’s on their way
to the Labyrinth. In that time, Ariadne, the daughter of Mino’s fell in love at the first sight with
the Theseus. Ariadne told the Daedalus, the architect who build the Labyrinth to show Theseus
the way out of the knotty labyrinth, for the reason that he will take her back to Athens and
indeed will marry her. Theseus was given by Daedalus the ball of thread, which he fastened at
the entry to the Labyrinth and as he walked, he was unwinding it. That way he could trace his
steps back out of the Labyrinth and walk boldly without a fear towards the Minotaur. He found
Minotaur asleep, therefore he pinned him to the ground and without any other weapon - only
with his bare hands, and he killed the monster. Afterwards, Theseus found the way out easily
and other tributes followed him. He took Ariadne and together, they sailed towards the Athens.
(p. 124 – 126)

On the way there, they had a short break at the island of Naxos. Now, according to
Hamilton (2015), there are two versions of this part of the story. Theseus supposedly left
Ariadne at the island and she was comforted by Dionysus. On the other hand, Theseus was very
fond of Ariadne, therefore the version were she fell seasick and he left her at the island to
recover, however the cruel wind caught him too long on the sea and meanwhile Ariadne died,
is more likely (p. 126).

When Theseus was nearing the Athens, he forgot to lift while sail, in order to give a sign
to King Aegeus that his son is back, safe and sound and that his journey was successful. When
Aegeus saw black sail, he threw himself into the sea and was killed. From that time, is this sea
called Aegean Sea. Theseus became a king, ruled wisely and called for equality, ordered
commonwealth and gave vote to the citizens. Athens became the happiest place in all of the
Greece and the place of true liberty. (Hamilton, 2015, pp. 124 – 126)

4.1.1 Reflection of the myth in The Hunger games

There are several imitations of myth which helped to build the story of The Hunger
Games. Firstly, it is the idea of punishment, where King Minos is furious over the loss of his
son Androugeus. We could compare it to the punishment of District’s in the light of the
rebellion, which they committed against authority, city of Panem, in the past. Another

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comparable feature is sending out the tributes, for doomed faith. Although Athenians must
sacrifice in absolute fourteen of maidens and young boys, in The Hunger Games, each district
respectively must send out one boy and girl, overall, twenty four children. Different feature can
be seen as Athenians were suffering every nine years, while tributes in The Hunger Games
world were chosen annually. In one of the interviews, Collins mirrored clear message of the
myth to message of The Hunger Games, “mess with us and we’ll do something worse than kill
you—we’ll kill your children. And the parents sat by apparently powerless to stop it.”
(Margolis, 2008). The Games are explained by Katniss in the novel as following. “The rules of
the Hunger Games are simple. In punishment for the uprising, each of the twelve districts must
provide one girl and one boy, called tributes, to participate. The twenty four tributes will be
imprisoned in a vast outdoor arena that could hold anything from a burning desert to a frozen
wasteland. Over a period of several weeks, the competitors must fight to the death. The last
tribute standing wins.” (Collins, 19)

Additional comparable trait is when Katniss, becomes a volunteer for her sister as
Theseus did for young Athenians. In the already mentioned interview, Collins perceives Katniss
as futuristic Theseus. (Margolis, 2008). Whereas, Katniss volunteered because she was always
responsible for her sister and was trying to protect her, as stated in the novel when Prim was
picked as a tribute, “Hadn’t I done everything?” (Collins, 2008, p. 22). On the other hand,
Theseus was determined to become, as his cousin Hercules, magnificent hero, therefore he was
searching for more complex tasks and his intention could have been to be immortalized and to
claim a fame. Furthermore, according to Plutarch, Theseus could not disregard the suffering of
his fellow citizens (Stevenson, 2009). This gesture is in both, novel and myth found with much
admiration, as Athenians instantly admire Theseus for his goodness and nobility, Katniss is
praised by her fellow District 12 citizens. “At first one, then another, then almost every member
of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to
me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen at funerals. It means
thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love.” (Collins, 2009, p. 25)

Another aspect which is detected and which could have inspired the Collins from the
myth is when the tributes in The Hunger Games are paraded and exhibited before entering the
arena. They undergo beautification and are introduced to the Panem people, parading in the
chariots as a part of opening ceremonies. The similar process is with the young Athenians and
it is then, when beautiful Ariadne fell in love with Theseus. Similarly, people of Panem fell in

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love with Katniss as well and continuously favoured her and supported her during the games
““Katniss! Katniss!” I can hear my name being called from all sides. Everyone wants my
kisses.” (Collins, 2008, p. 71)

In the interview by School Library Journal, Collins stated that she did not desired to use
the labyrinth part of the myth (Margolis, 2008), though, she remained with the use of mutated
creatures, which tributes have to conquer in order to succeed in the Games. Throughout the
novel, there are many different mutated animals which can be found not only in the arena but
also in the wilderness of Districts. We find out that “Capitol during the rebellion, bred a series
of genetically altered animals as weapons. The common term for them was mutations, or
sometimes mutts for short.” (Collins, 2008, p. 43) The most famous mutt is mockingjay bird,
which is a crossover of mockingbird and jabberjay. A jabberjay can record and reproduce a
recorded material, in other words, it was very useful tool for Capitol’s spying. After mating
with mockingbird, the new breed the mockingjay, is able to copy human voice and their
melodies. It becomes the symbol of rebellion and of Katniss, as she is wearing the golden pin
of mockingjay during the Games and it reminds it to her father, who was very fond of
mockingjays. “It’s like having a piece of my father with me.” (Collins, 2008, pg. 44) Collins
also said in the interview for School Library Journal that “Symbolically, Katniss is something
like a mockingjay in and of herself. She is a girl who should never have existed.” Similarly like
mockingjays also Katniss, at first is small and poor in comparison to the Capitol. Raised in
starving District 12. She represents no threat. But once Katniss is in the arena, with her bow
and arrow, she is unstoppable. (Margolis, 2014).

The most significant and in the major ways, similar to Minotaur, are the wolf mutants.
They appear during the confrontation, which occurs between Katniss, her alley Peeta and Cato,
as they are one of the last tributes of the Games. Katniss and Peeta first notice them, when they
are hiding from a Cato, but while Cato is running towards them, they both realize that he is
galloping away from a pack. Katniss portraits the pack as following “[…] they’re no natural-
born animals. They resemble huge wolves, but what wolf lands and then balances easily on its
hind legs? What wolf waves the rest of the pack forward with its front paw as though it had a
wrist?” (Collins, 2008, pg. 326) As they are attacked by the pack, Katniss still analyses them
and notices that they have “eerily human quality” (pg. 326) and realises, that they bear other
similar traits of the former tributes (e.g. hair, eyes), which leads her to a conclusion that the
pack is made of human and wolf mutants. Katniss is severely distressed by this discovery. As

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we know from the myth, Minotaur was according to Hamilton (2015) “a monster, half bull, half
human, the offspring of Minos’ wife Pasiphaë and a wonderfully beautiful bull”. However,
there is no further description of Minotaur, although considering his general portrait, Minotaur
bears almost identical attributes to Collins’s wolf pack, except for the fact, these particular
mutants were mated with a wolf. For the purposes of the writer and her story it must have been
more suitable.

Collins uses a multiple other imaginative mutants, such as tracker jackers, which are large
killer wasps and which could kill or drive people to madness from hallucination after they sting.
They appear in the novel, when Katniss is trying to save herself and Ruth from the Carreers by
cutting of the nest of tracker jackers from the tree. In the second novel, Catching Fire, during
the third Quarter Quell and 75th Hunger Games, Katniss and her alleys have to face monkey
mutts. Katniss notices that they do not act like regular animals and move in unnatural high
speed. One of her alleys is killed during the confrontation with them. In the last novel,
Mockingjay, lizard mutants appear, which kill off many characters and Katniss’s friends. They
are mutations of humans and possibly reptiles and are able to track Katniss’s scent. However,
all of these mentioned mutants have do not have roots in mythology, though, they do bear the
same purpose as the mythological Minotaur and that is to kill tributes and other people who are
against the Capitol.

In a conclusion, this chapter provided insight into Myth of Theseus and Minotaur, which
is primary source and inspiration for the main plot of Collin’s first novel, The Hunger Games.
After retelling the myth, we discovered identical traits which are reflected in the novel, such as
punishment of the dominant city over the doomed defendants, leading hero and saviour and the
killer beasts which have to be defeated.

4.2 Myth of Pyramus and Thisbe and Collins’s Star-Crossed Lovers

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” (Ford, 2006,
p.8). This quote by Martin Luther King jr. precisely summarizes the relationship of main
protagonist Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta. Even though, love relationships are not the
focal point of the series, they play important element of the plot. In the following chapter we
will introduce the myth of Pyramus and Thisbee, the first of star-crossed lovers who were
destined to be together but their love was followed by tragedy. Several new connections were

15
found between them and relationship of Katniss and Peeta in this thesis. Further arguments will
analyse it.

The most beautiful couple, of Pyramus and Thisbe, were living in Babylon. They were
neighbours, growing up together, loved each other and wished to marry. Yet, their parents,
forbade their relationship, since families hated each other. Be that as it may, the couple grew
stronger and were still madly in love. In the wall, which was connecting the both houses was a
little chink. The lovers found it and used it to whisper loving words to each other.

Then the time came, when they could no longer suffer. They agreed to slip away every
night through the city to the countryside, where they could be together. The meeting place was
the Tomb of Ninus, under a mulberry tree, which was tall and full of snow-white berries, once
the spring came. Night came, Thisbe slipped away and waited patiently under the tree, even so
her lover Pyramus was nowhere. While she waited, the lioness creped out, with bladed jaws
from her previous kill. As the Thisbe was running away, she lost her cape, which lioness tore
into pieces and disappeared into the woods. Pyramus eventually arrived under the tree, but all
he saw was blooded, shredded cape. Immediately, he assumed that love of his life was dead.
He felt guilty, for the reason that he was not there to protect his love. Therefore, he drew his
sword and stabbed himself. His blood smashed over the snow-white berries and dyed them dark
velvet red. Thisbe did not want disappoint her love and boldly walked back to their meeting
place, only to find Pyramus under the tree, dying and bathed in his blood. Once their eyes said
last good-byes to each other, Thisbe took the sword of Pyramus and stabbed herself into her
heart. The Gods and parents pitied the young lovers. As the eternal memorial of their love, they
left the mulberry berries dyed of deep red colour and hold one urn of the ashes of lovers, so that
not even death could make them part (Hamilton, 2015, p. 83).

When Katniss volunteers as a tribute, another tribute from her district, the boy, who is
picked, is Peeta Mellark. Even though they are not friends, Katniss initially thought, when she
heard his name was picked is “Oh, no, I think. Not him.” (Collins, 2008, p. 26) They once
interacted briefly, when Katniss and her family was starving after the death of her father. She
was looming around the city, when Peeta as a baker, threw Katniss a burned loaves of bread.
The two of them are interacting on the minimal level after the Reaping. Katniss does not wish
to befriend him, due the fact that she will have to kill him eventually, in the arena. Nevertheless,
the plan of their mentor Haymitch, is quite different. He teams up with Peeta and tries to sell to

16
the audience, for the sake of big show, the story of Peeta, being in love with Katniss, which is
true, but Katniss does not know that in fact. “Now they all do. You’re all they’re talking about.
The star-crossed lovers from District Twelve!” says Haymitch.” (Collins, 2008, p. 134) Katniss
is furious but agrees to partially work along, for the reason, that it will raise her chances to
survive and gain the support of the audience. “And if the audience really thinks we’re in love .
. . I remember how strongly they responded to his confession. Star-crossed lovers. Haymitch is
right, they eat that stuff up in the Capitol.” (Collins, 2008, p. 135)

From that moment the Capitol perceives the couple as star-crossed lovers. It is one of
the literary devices and its definition is “a couple of star-crossed lovers present a perfect
example of archetypes of how two characters love each other, but are unable to continue due to
societal and family conflicts, leading to a tragic end“ (Literary Devices, 2015). This motive
strongly resonates with Myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, who are source to many other tragic love
stories, e.g. Rome and Juliet (Halio, 1998, p. 93).

However, this archetype fails, after the Katniss and Peeta do not die in The Hunger
Games, in conclusion they intend to by self-poisoning from wild berries, which bear the name
nightlock in the series. Katniss recognize them with memory of her father who learned her about
these type of berries “They’re nightlock. You’ll be dead before they reach your stomach.”
(Collins, 2008, p. 310).

To move forward, this leads us to similar component of the myth and that is berries of
mulberry tree. Even though, they are of a different kind in the novel, still, they possess the
colour “blood red”, same as described the mulberry berries in Myth of Pyramus and Thebis.
Katniss firstly finds them, but regards ultimately as poisonous. “What I thought were
blueberries have a slightly different shape, and when I break one open the insides are blood
red.” (Collins, 2008, p. 165) She later saves a few into plastic bag. During the last chapter of
the novel, when Katniss and Peeta are forced by Gamemakers to kill each other, she realizes
that without a winner the Capitol would fail and that they should both die. Therefore, Katniss
retrieves a handful of berries from her bag and on count to three they are prepared to eat them.
That indicates the motif, of sacrifice for love, which was done by Thisbe, who found her
Pyramus dying and wanted to preserve their love for eternity. In that order, she killed herself.
Once again, this motif used by Collins in the Arena of Death fails, as she leaves the
Gamemakers to stop the game and claim Peeta and Katniss as victors of 72nd Hunger Games.

17
 Last but not least and perhaps the most important comparable attribute to the myth is
love. For Pyramus and Thisbe it is obvious they are madly in love and could not live without
each other. Whereas for Collins’s lovers it was never obvious part. As the Wolf (2013) suggests
in her thesis of Dystopian Love: A Look at Romance in Young Adult Dystopian Novels, “Collins
wrote the novel this way to show a more complex and realistic view of relationships“ and
concludes that the author omitted passionate form of love as “Collins keeps the emphasis on
the dystopian themes and reinforces the idea that something like what is portrayed in The
Hunger Games [meaning relationships] could happen in real life. (p. 30)

For following comments it is important to acknowledge that Katniss’s finds herself

in the love triangle throughout the series, between her friend, Gale Hawthorne, who used to
hunt with her in the woods and Peeta. After pursuing her fake relationship with Peeta in the
arena, she feels like she is betraying Gale. “I wonder what he [Gale] makes of all this kissing.”
(Collins, 2008, p. 276) In the contrast we can mention that she never felt any romantic link to
Gale, before entering the arena. Nevertheless, she still works the star-crossed tactic with Peeta
and in the process she realises, how much she is fond of him. “[...] while I was talking, the idea
of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don’t want him to die. And it’s
not about the sponsors. And it’s not about what will happen back home. And it’s not just that I
don’t want to be alone. It’s him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread.” (Collins, 2008,
pg. 293). After this quote, there is no hesitation to confirm that Katniss has feelings for Peeta,
even at the moment she does not realise it on her own. On the other hand, after winning the
Hunger Games, she is not in the relationship with any of the boys and is confused about how
she feels. In the Catching Fire, she is convinced that she will die in the arena and feels free of
guilt against feelings for Gale and separates herself from them, hence she pursues her feelings
for Peeta and makes her priority to keep Peeta safe and sound. “I realize only one person will
be damaged beyond repair if Peeta dies. Me.” (Collins, 2008, pg. 185). They are separated by
Capitol in the last passage of the Catching Fire. One of the main plotlines of the last book,
Mockingjay, is to save Peeta from his abduction, but he is brainwashed and is programmed to
hate Katniss. Despite accepting she cannot be with him, she still protects him at all cost. In the
Mockingjay, after the war and rebels win, last chapter reveals that Peeta and Katniss relinked
their relationship and by following quote by Katniss it is affirmed that all along they always
belonged to each other. “That what I need to survive is not Gale’s fire, kindled with rage and
hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow
that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad

18
our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that.” (Collins, 2010, pg.
388) In the epilogue we learn that they become parents and the Hunger Games are never played
again. Wolf does not believe it is a happy ending to the series. Once again, quoting from her
thesis, “this ending seems more about comfort and security than an all-consuming love or
passion, perhaps this is a more realistic and thus less romantic portrayal of love.“ (2013, p. 30)
One might argue about this, since the Katniss in the Mockingjay is bold about her feelings for
Peeta, for instance, once when he asks ““You love me. Real or not real?” I [Katniss] tell him,
“Real.”” (Collins, 2010, pg. 388) and is not followed more by her doubt if here feelings are real
indeed. To return to mythology, we cannot compare the development of relationship of Pyramus
and Thisbee to one of Katniss’s, though we can argue that the pair is prepared to die for each
other, as was the mythological pair and in time of danger sacrifice their lives as is confirmed
by quote during mutts and rebels fight “[Katniss] Stay with me.” “Always,” he murmurs.”
(Collins, 2010, pg. 314)

This chapter provided us with new source of inspiration for the author, which is Myth
of Theseus and Thisbee, the star-crossed lovers. We successfully compared it to relationship of
Katniss and Peeta, analysed with the archetype, which fits to our pair and found the links, such
as berries act, which is also reflected in the myth.

4.3 Myth of Cornucopia

Another contributing mythology trait which can be detected in the series is the
cornucopia, the horn of plenty. It is a central piece of The Hunger Games and it is necessary
object, which provides various goods for the tributes. This chapter deals with the origin of this
tool and provides a few myths where it occurs, describes nowadays meaning of the horn and
analyses how it is reflected in the novel.

Hamilton states two versions of the beginning of myth about Zeus’s cornucopia. The
first version tells a story with Amalthea, who was either a goat or a nymph who owned a goat.
Infant Zeus was fed with goat’s milk while he was hiding from his father, Cronos, up in the
mountains of island Crete. Amalthea was ensuring his safety in order to allow Zeus to become
a powerful god. One day while playing around, infant Zeus accidentally broke-off the horn. He
regretted his actions and tried to repair Amalthea. He used his godly powers and filled the horn
with whatever Amalthea ever wished, in other words it was eternal abundance. From that time
it was called The Horn of Plenty. (Hamilton, 2015, p. 245)

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 According to Morford and Lenardon, the Ovid attributed the horn to Achelous, who
picked it up from Naiads and filled it with fruit and flowers. (1985, p. 397)

Another author implies that Heracles, Roman Hercules, son of Zeus, wrenched off the
cornucopia from river God Achelous, who could have been horned, while he wrestled with him,
to win the heart of beautiful maiden Deianira, daughter of King Aeneus. They kept the horn as
a celebration of their marriage and again, as previous myths, filled it with various fruist and
flowers. (Fears, 1981, p. 821)

The word cornūcōpia first appeared in 16th century and was derived by connecting two
Latin words, cornū for a horn and cōpiae meaning of plenty (Random House Kernerman
Webster’s College Dictionary, 2010). In Modern English word cornucopia is used as
representation of being extremely abundant. In other words, it could be also used as a profusion
of growth or overflowing supply. It is used as idiomatic richness of English e.g. a cornucopia
of employment opportunities (WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection, 2003-2008).

In other words, cornucopia symbolizes the good fortune, prosperity, and abundance of
resources, fertility and nature’s gifts. Over the decades, it was used through arts, history, culture
and religion. In today’s United Sates of America, the cornucopia serves as the centrepiece
Thanksgiving decoration at the table. Though, they are usually represented as baskets in a shape
of horn (Malburg, 2013).

The Hunger Game’s Cornucopia is very vital element of the games for the tributes. It
is place in the middle of the arena and many important scenes are held with Cornucopia as a
centre piece. For instance, the initial battle (blood bath) at the beginning of the games, where
most of the tributes died and are fighting for much desirable supplies from the Cornucopia.
Also the scene, where Katniss and Peeta decides to poison themselves or the final fight of
Katniss with the mutts. Simply, it is a meeting place of many tributes. The Careers pack was
camping there in order to preserve as many supplies as possible for themselves.

Collins presented Cornucopia with the same fundamental details as the Cornucopia in
Greek Mythology. In the novel, it is spilling over with the “goods” for the tributes, i.e. food,
containers of water, weapons, medicine, garments, and fire-starters. All these supplies are life-
saving for the contestants in the arena. “Their value is decreasing the further they are placed
from horn.” (Collins, 2008, p. 147). This details are identical to modern day representation,

20
when people are filling the horns with gifts of Earth, except the Gamemakers supply them with
previously named “goods”.

As for the visual representation, Collins remained with the general assumption of how
should Horn of Plenty look like, except for the fact, that Cornucopia of The Hunger Games is
of enormous proportions. Katniss describes it as a “giant golden horn shaped like a cone with a
curved tail, the mouth of which is at least twenty feet high” (Collins, 2008, p. 148). When she
is fighting the mutts along with the Peeta, she must climb to the top of the horn and by following
quote, we can enlarge our assumption of how the horn looks like. “The pure gold surface has
been designed to resemble the woven horn that we fill at harvest, so there are little ridges and
seams to get a decent hold on. But after a day in the arena sun, the metal feels hot enough to
blister my hands.” (Collins, 2008, pg. 326 – 327).

After providing the evidence above, we can summarize that the cornucopia has the
identical meaning in the novel as it has in the mythology or today’s representation during
festivities.

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5 Setting of The Hunger Games and Mythology

5.1 District’s representations

Setting as a literary device “is used to identify and establish the time, place and mood
of the events of the story. It basically helps to establish where, when and under what
circumstances the story is taking place.” (Literary Devices, 2010). It holds the great importance
as it is believed, that the environment determines all of the characters. The author can create a
completely new environment, which is limited only by his own imagination. This kind of setting
is called alternative world. To set an example we can name the J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth
in his Lord of the Rings trilogy (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2016).

The setting of the The Hunger Games trilogy is in the new country called Panem,
which rose up from ashes of previous country, named United States of America. After the brutal
civil war, the country was reshaped into new structure and it was divided into thirteen various
Districts. These districts are under the rule of the Capitol, capitol of the Panem’s country. Under
its government, the country is supposed to “bring peace and prosperity to its citizens”. Despite
this pacifistic politics, there was uprising in the past against the Panem- The uprising is referred
to as the Dark Days. Twelve of the districts were defeated, and one of them, the thirteenth
district was permanently exterminated. For the remaining districts the Capitol created co called
The Hunger Games, which are compulsory for each district. This is set as a punishment and as
a prevention from another uprising.

Each district is subsequently specializing in various industries or is producing

products, which are primarily supplied to the Capitol. Their characterization and field of
industry is defined by the isolation of districts, due to the fact, that the Capitol forbids any
communication among districts. In addition, the specialization is given by the geographical
position.

In Greek and Roman Mythology, each major God or Goddesses is attributed to

individual purpose which is part of their personality and deity. We cannot help but wonder, if
Collins was inspired by this fact and tried to apply it in her novel, by characterising each district,
or if it was completely set by a different motive and purpose. In the following analyses, we
will focus on search for similar traits between these two, comparing deities and districts. The

22
reader can notice that some districts are missing in the following analysis. It is because their
specialization is focused on modern trades, thus we cannot find their inspiration in mythology.

District 1 is wealthier district and produces luxury items for Panem, such as jewellery,
diamonds and other gems. The people of this district and their tributes are closely linked to The
Capitol and during the Games, they are among frontrunners for the win. The children train their
warrior skills their whole life and are honoured to participate in the Hunger Games. During the
chariot exhibition, when they are supposed to wear clothing which suggest district’s principal
industry, Katniss depicts them as “beautiful, spray-painted silver, in tasteful tunics glittering
with jewels” (Collins, 2008, pg. 69). Furthermore, both tributes from District 1 have outstanding
names, Marvel and Glimmer, which we could affiliate with beauty.

The only God or Goddess who is closely associated with deity of beauty, and which is
supposedly linked to District 1, is Aphrodite. Her Roman equivalent is Venus. Besides beauty,
she is the Goddess of love, lust, fertility and occasionally of marriage. Hamilton (2015) claims
the meaning of her name as “the foam-risen” (p. 23). Nevertheless, according to Taft (2014),
Aphrodite’s name was derived from word aphros which means foam. Furthermore, myth by
Hesiod states that Aphrodite was born from white foam (p. 16). This could have attributed to
white clothing which was chosen for District 1 during chariots parade. Besides that, we cannot
associate any other trait with Aphrodite and this particular District, since she was often
portrayed according to Hamilton, “as a soft and weak creature, whom a mortal need not fear to
attack” (2015, p. 23). In reality that is nothing close to the tributes of District 1, who are the
strongest players of the The Hunger Games and part of Careers group, whose members are
almost annually winners of the Hunger Games.

Another wealthier district and one of the largest is District 2, which specializes in
masonry, manufactures weaponry for peacemakers of Panem and trains them, for securing the
safety of all the country’s citizens. They take pride in being patriotic district (Panem
Propaganda, 2015). The duo of tributes from this district is one of the strongest during the
Games. They were specially trained to voluntary participate in the Hunger Games and are
members of Careers group, along with District 1. The 74th Hunger Games tributes from this
district are Clove and Cato. Cato in the aftermath of the Hunger Games nearly kills the Katniss.
She describes him as a “brutish boy” and “killing machine” (Collins, 2008, p. 125).

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 Hephaestus is Greek God of masonry, blacksmiths, craftsmen, sculptors, fire, metal
and volcanoes. His Roman equivalent is Vulcan (Burkert, 1985). Hamilton states that even
though he was crippled and refused by his mother Hera. Hephaestus was worshipped on the
Earth as a patron of handicrafts (2008, p. 25), and also in the heaven, as he made magnificent
weapons for the Olympians. He also crafted the aegis, shield which is significant sign of the
Goddess Athena. Hephaestus was in arranged marriage with Aphrodite, though she was
unfaithful to him with Ares, God of Wars (Greek Gods & Goddesses, 2010). What we can
attribute as the aspect of District 2 is creating weapons and close relationship with District 1,
which is represented by Aphrodite, the former wife of Hephaestus. On the contrary, the
Hamilton illustrates Hephaestus as a loving a peaceful God, which is far from the district, that
trains their children to be warriors and emotionless sadistic killing machines.

District 4 is likewise one of the wealthiest districts. Their main industry is fishing and
other sea related products. Even their bread, which is served for Katniss and Peeta in the Capitol
is “fish-shaped loaf tinted green with seaweed” (Collins, 2008, p. 97). Their tributes are skilled
in creating fishhooks and swimming is their true nature. In the first novel, this District has no
significant tributes, but in the second novel Catching Fire, we are introduced to Finnick Odair,
the winner of 65th Hunger Games, mentor of District 4 and Capitol’s ever favourite winner.
This thesis later analyses him in the chapter Characters. Although for better understanding it
could be mentioned, that he was skilled as any other tribute from District 4, in fighting with
trident (Merriam-Webbester Dictionary, 2016) and in the manipulating ropes into knots and
creating nets, which he could create not only from ropes but possibly out of anything.

Hamilton writes that the Lord and the Ruler of the Sea was Poseidon, his Roman
equivalent is Neptune (2015, p. 20). Poseidon’s powers are generally associated with the ocean
and he is equal to his brothers Zeus (who is ruler of the skies) and Hades (ruler of the
underworld). He had many love affairs with various goddesses, nymphs and ordinary mortals.
In nature, Poseidon is very greedy and the most bad-tempered of Gods (Graves, 1990, p. 48).
He is often portrayed with trident or three-pronged spear, which he wielded and through art he
is portrayed with it as extension of his arm. Not much of any other traits could be linked with
Poseidon and District 4, except for the repeating theme of sea-related items. Nevertheless,
Poseidon has similar traits with Finnick Odair, however as it was previously said, these will be
further analysed in the chapter Characters.

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 District 6 has as a principal industry transformation. Not much is written by Collins
about this particular district. However, in the Catching Fire, when Quarter Quell is happening,
the duo of tributes from this districts are nicknamed by Katniss as morphlings. It is due to their
addiction to morphling, the medicine which is used by Mrs. Everdeen, Katniss’s mother to treat
Gale from an injury. The medicine makes him to relax immediately, therefore we can assume
it is some sort of a painkiller. Katniss in the novel depicts the appearance of morphlings as
“bone thin, with sagging yellowish skin” (Collins, 2009, p. 115). Besides affecting the
appearance, addiction to morphling could lead to creating hallucinations, which is demonstrated
by Katniss during the training scene. “The morphlings from District 6 are in the camouflage
station, painting each other's faces with bright pink swirls.” (Collins, 2009, p. 122)

Many of the Gods or Goddesses are attributed to the mythological means of travel,
though we cannot relate it to District 6 modern day meaning of transport. Be that as it may, we
can find in the Mythology God Morpheus, who has the deity of dreams and according to
Hamilton, he was “skilled in assuming the form of any and every human being” (2015, p. 86).
From his name is derived word for morphine which is “habit-forming drug made from opium
and used to relieve pain” (Merriam-Webbester Dictionary, 2016). This description is almost
identical to a description of Panem’s morphling.

District 8 is distributing in textile industry and has one factory which is purely
reserved for creating uniforms of Peacemakers. Apart from that, Collins does not provide
further characterization. Although, District 8 was the first one to rebel against Capitol,
following uprising which Katniss sparked as a leader. The District supports her continuously
throughout the series (e.g. when she hides from Capitol after bombing of her home District 12).

Athena, Roman Minerva, is as the Hamilton states, daughter of Zeus, born from his
head fully armed and already fully grown adult. She was naturally “fierce and ruthless battles
goddess”. Furthermore Hamilton describes her as Goddess of the City, the protector of civilized
life (2015, p. 21). Another source claims that Athena is Goddess of many important aspects,
such as wisdom, courage, civilization, inspiration, law and justice, strategic warfare, strength
and most-importantly handicrafts, especially spinning and weaving, which we associate with
textile industry of District 8. In addition, Athena is supporter and companion of heroes and
heroic endeavour (Greek Gods & Goddesses, 2010), which we can reference to Katniss, the
leader and face of the uprising.

25
 These characteristics can be easily attributed to pugnacity of District 8, which starts
the new uprising as the first district of Panem disrupts the Capitols television screening to alarm
other districts about the rising second rebellion (Collins, 2010, p. 50).

District 9 is the least mentioned throughout the series. They are bread givers to the all
districts and primarily to the Capitol. Their main industry is the production and harvest of grain.

The mankind’s best friends was the Goddess Demeter, in Latin Ceres, which deities
were taking care of corn, grain and harvest. Demeter is often portrayed wearing a wreath made
of ears of corn (Greek Gods & Goddesses, 2010). According to Hamilton, she was kind and
people worshipped her by festivals of thanksgiving. (2015, p. 35)

With the Goddess Demeter, is generally associated the Pomona, Roman Goddess of
fruit, orchards and gardens (Hamilton, 2015, p. 243). The 11’s District main industry is
agriculture as well, but in the area of harvesting fruit, caring for orchards and cotton, which we
can link to Demeter. It seems as Collins associated these two Goddesses and Districts
associated, however it is safe to say that she was rather inspired by the geographical location of
the Districts (Panem Propaganda, 2010).

According to current agriculture map of North America, the District 9 is located across
USA’s states, which specialize in cash grain, general crop and additionally cattle farming and
dairy (Wikispaces, 2005). On the other hand, District 11 is spreading across contemporary USA
states such as Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas, and Missouri. Florida is
famous for procution of oranges and for instance, Georgia for production of peanuts, blueberries
and peaches (Monsanto, 2015). Additionally, some of these states were prior to the American
Civil War enslaving African-American population. The slavery fully expanded across the states
of Alabama and Georgia (Mullen, 2014). The people of District 11 possess, as Katniss described
Rue “satiny brown skin” (Collins, 2008, p. 98). We can assume they are of African-American
descent, also, that is what movie picture is interpreting us as well. In conclusion, we can
conclude that the location was a focal point of inspiration for Collins, rather than mythology.

The industry of District 10 is livestock. None of the tributes is extensionally mentioned

in the novels. Only one thing appears in the Catching of Fire, during chariot parade, when
tributes are supposed to wear costumes representing their districts. Katniss is stunned and
perhaps amused by their appearance. “But what are the livestock keepers from District 10, who

26
are dressed as cows, doing with flaming belts?” (Collins, 2009, p. 213) Many figures from
mythology are associated with livestock, though one of the Gods or Goddesses holds the deity
of livestock primarily. It is Hermes, son of Zeus, who Hamilton depicts as “like a young man
at the age when youth is loveliest” (2015, p. 9). Furthermore we learn from Taft (2014) that
“Hermes was constantly associated with the protection of cattle and sheep” (p. 51). Whereas,
according to Homeric Hymn to Hermes he is described solemnly as messenger of Gods
(Morford and Lenardon, 1985, p. 179). Taft also states that as a messenger Hermes protected
travellers. (2014, p. 51) Hermes is associated with a myth which could support his description
as a protector of cattle. The story goes that Hermes hid herd of cattle from his half-brother
Apollo, while he run-away from his cradle as an infant. Apollo as a God of prophecy found out
soon and took little Hermes to be judged by their farther, Zeus. Zeus was amused by the story.
Therefore, Hermes was not punished but forced to return the herd. He regretted his actions and
eventually bonded strongly with Apollo (Greek-Gods.Info, 2005).

As the reader could have noticed, this chapter skipped the analysis of District 3
(technology), 5 (power and electricity), 7 (lumber), 12 (mining) and District 13 (graphite). It is
due the fact, that for instance District 12 has a field of industry in mining, which we cannot find
in the mythology. Before the first rebellion, District 12 was concentrated on production of
medicine supplies. Katniss lives in the part of District called Seam, which is slum community
and where the most of the minors live. This district has also an issue with starvation as the
people of the District have zero or very low income. It is also the reason why Katniss hunts the
animals. District 13 was before the destroying mining the graphite according to Katniss
(Collins, 2008, pg. 74). However, it is later revealed in the Mockingjay that the District was
never destroyed and was actually moved to undergrounds to isolate from Panem and
participation in the Hunger Games. Why Panem agreed to this pact? It is because the district
was in fact developing nuclear weaponry, as it is revealed in Mockingjay, and was threating the
Capitol (Hunger Games Wikia, 2016). Again, in mythology we cannot detect any traits which
could have inspired Collins for these particular districts, therefore her imagination for their
creation must have come from different sources.

To finalise analyses of the Hunger Games setting in this chapter, it could be said that
Collins was only partially inspired by deities of Gods and Goddesses in the mythology. For
some districts it appears as if the deities were her solemn inspiration, because many traits are

27
identical. On the other hand, the inspiration for the latter districts seems as random and their
creation bears other purposes (such as future armament of rebels or geographical location).

28
6 Characters

In the following chapter we will try to observe the mythology aspects which are the
inspiration for the creation of several Collins’s characters. Most of these characters appear
regularly throughout the series.

6.1 Katniss Everdeen

The main protagonist, the narrator and heroine of The Hunger Games. “The Girl on
Fire”. The pseudonym, which was created by her stylist and supporter, Cinna. (Collins 145).
Katniss Everdeen is a girl from District 12. She pursues her hunting skills as she is bread-feeder
of the family, since the tragic death of her father. At the beginning of the novel, we can presume
that Katniss is already a very strong girl, as she is taking care of her mother and sister Primrose,
and had to overcome many obstacles (e.g. starvation, depression of her mother). She takes
responsibility for her sister and volunteers to participate in The Hunger Games, which are held
by “authoritarian-totalitarian dictatorship country”, Panem (Hunger Games Wikia, 2016). Due
to this circumstances, her personality of hunter intensifies and she is very determined to win
the games and secure her family. She even goes so far and stages a romance with fellow tribute,
Peeta Melark, to win the heart of the audience and raise her chances. Despite that she dislikes
it and is strongly against this tactic: “Turning me into some kind of fool in front of the entire
country? [...] He made me look weak!” (Collins, 2008, p. 133-134)

As Crum (2014) points out, Katniss often appears to be emotionless, she disconnects
herself from emotional triggers and detaches herself from painful thoughts and situations. This
classification is supported by Katniss herself, as when she volunteers the one of initial thoughts
are “…this is upsetting me and I don’t want to cry.” (Collins, 2008, p. 24). In addition, this
argument supports the statement of the character Haymitch, her mentor, who highlights
Katniss’s emotion-less side and who initiates tactic of “star-crossed” lovers, to raise Katniss’s
chances in the Arena. “And let’s face it, you can use all the help you can get in that department.
You were about as romantic as dirt until he said he wanted you. Now they all do. You’re all
they’re talking about.” (Collins, 2008, p. 134)

The emotions are reflected through Peeta, who is supposed to be in love with her. Peeta
has more feminine sensitivity than Katniss. Besides him she appears as a strong female
character with masculine traits. This shift of traditional gender roles is uncommon and is

29
tumbling down our preconceptions. Crum (2014) also labels Katniss as a tomboy. The term
tomboy is defined by the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language (2011) as
“a girl who behaves in a way that is perceived to be stereotypically boyish or masculine”. In
addition, when Katniss is undergoing her beautification process for the audiences she firmly
expresses her dislike with the procedures and finds them unnecessary. This is very un-girly like
behaviour.

Nevertheless, according to Henthorne (2012), The Hunger Games trilogy could be read
as a bildungsroman (p. 35), which is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as “a novel dealing with
one person’s formative years or spiritual education” (Oxford, Universoty Press, 2016). In other
words, The Hunger Games is coming-of-age story. Katniss’s character significantly develops
throughout the series. From heading towards the deathly fight in the arena to becoming symbol
of rebellion and becoming leader of resistance. Other argument by Henthorne (2012) largely
support this classification and confirms that Katniss “has a tremendous impact on the society”
(p. 35), even though, she is not aware of it and refuses it. By the third novel she supports the
rebels and acts in order to clarify the permanent change and to secure future of Panem’s society.

Many strong characters appear within Greek and Roman mythology. It is more than
certain that Collins modelled character of Katniss by incorporating several attributes from
diverse figures. In the following analyses, mythology Goddesses Artemis and Athena will be
mentioned and it will be observed the references and traits linked to character of Katniss.

Hamilton (2015) offers a view of Artemis (Roman Diana), as Goddess of Wild

Things and Hunting (p. 22), which evokes similar characteristics to Katniss, who held the
hunting as her second nature. The hunting was also a mean of keeping her family alive. Her
main prey for hunting were wild creatures from the forest. The forest is located behind the
electric fence of District 12, behind the meadow. The Goddess Artemis was immediately after
her birth helping with delivery of her twin brother Apollo. Since then she is attributed to the
deity of childbirth along with her brother. Except, the Artemis is caring for young girls and
Apollo for young boys (Morford, Lenardon, 1990, p. 144). This aspect can be followed in the
novel, as it is apparent that Katniss has a strong maternal instinct towards her younger sister
Primrose. “I protect Prim in every way I can.” (Collins, 2008, p. 16). Additionally, since the
first meeting, she was guarding the life of her fellow young tribute, Rue. In many aspects Rue
reminded her of her young sister Primrose. Eventually, during the Games, they make allies and

30
fight against the Careers team. However, Rue is later on killed by them and Katniss feels
responsible for that. Rue’s death has a powerful impact on Katniss, as she feels for the first time
that she must take some action against Capitol and shame their actions and politics. “[…] there
is a part of every tribute they can’t own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And
so am I.” (Collins, 2008, p. 233)

Artemis is according to Monaghan (2014) a virginal Goddess and embodies purity.

She avoids any connection with men and has no trouble to kill them for offense (p. 228). This
characterization could be comparable to the Katniss’s hesitation to reciprocate feelings of her
admirers Peeta and Gale. She is strongly against tactics of star-crossed lovers, as she does not
want to appear weak and in need of men. She is independent and initially, in the first books she
confesses to Gale that “[she] never want to have kids” (Collins, 2008, p. 10), which is strong
statement for a young woman.

In The Homeric Hymn to Artemis (number 27) Artemis is depicted as “a virgin of the
noisy hunt, who delights in her shaft and strikes down the stag” and “[…] takes delight in her
arrows, has had her fill of pleasure and cheered her heart.” (Morford and Lenardon, 1990, p.
143). Very close to that is the fact that Katniss hunts as well. But to provide food for her family
or to have it as easy but valuable variable at the market. Nevertheless, she identifies with
pleasure of hunt as Artemis does. In the Catching Fire, she describes her passion for archery.
“It's more than experience. It's a natural gift. Like the way I can shoot at an animal in almost
complete darkness and still take it down with one arrow.” (Collins, 2009, p. 6) When the Games
begin, she immediately desires to retrieve the bow from cornucopia and arrow as she knows
she is lost without them in the Arena. According to Homeric Hymn, Artemis is through art
usually portrayed in shooting position with bow and arrow, accompanied by stag or hunting
dog (Greek Gods and Goddesses, 2015). We could connect it with trademark of Katniss, who
is often portrayed almost identically. The bow and arrows are her extended arm during the
Games.

Another great and significant Goddess, Athena, could be related in some details to
Katniss. Her deities are courage, wisdom, law and justice, strength, strategy, skills, civilization,
strategic warfare. She is often “the companion of heroes and is the patron goddess of heroic
endeavour” (Greek Gods and Goddesses, 2015). Her Roman counterpart is Minerva (Hamilton,
2015, p. 21). In addition, Hamilton depicts her as “ruthless battle-goddess, but elsewhere she

31
is warlike only to defend the State and the home from outside enemies” which makes protector
of civilized life (2015, p. 21). These attributes can be related to Katniss, as she is in Mockingjay
leading the uprising to protect her family and people from Districts against enemies, i.e. the
Capitol. According to the Homeric Hymn (number 28), “Zeus himself gave birth to her from
his holy head and she was arrayed in her armour of war, all-gleaming in gold, and everyone
was gripped with awe as they watched.” (Morford, Lenardon, 1990, p. 107). The Goddess
Athena was the favourite child of Zeus, thus she had a great power. Also, as Taft points out,
because she was born from her father she was produced without a mother. (2014, p. 27). Katniss
herself had a strong relationship with her father. His death was the most difficult event for
Katniss in her life, before the Hunger Games. “The numbness of his loss had passed, and the
pain would hit me out of nowhere, doubling me over, racking my body with sobs. Where are
you? I would cry out in my mind. Where have you gone? Of course, there was never any
answer.” (Collis, 2008, p. 27) Even after his death she relies on him in her memories.
“Sometimes when things are particularly bad, my brain will give me a happy dream. A visit
with my father in the woods.” (Collins, 2008, p. 257). On the contrary, she has a difficult
relationship with her mother. After father’s death, Mrs. Everdeen is in the depression and
shortly afterwards she is unable to feed her children or even fully function. “She didn’t do
anything but sit propped up in a chair or, more often, huddled under the blankets on her bed,
eyes fixed on some point in the distance.” (Collins, 2008, p. 28). Katniss took care of feeding
her incomplete family. “I had lost not only a father, but a mother as well. At eleven years old,
with Prim just seven, I took over as head of the family. There was no choice.” (Collins, 2008,
p. 28). Eventually, because of this, she remained strained to her mother, for the rest of the
series. “I try to forgive her for my father’s sake. But to be honest, I’m not the forgiving type.”
(Collins, 2008, p. 9).

We could find identical psychical appearance between Athena and Katniss. As for the
physical representation, Katniss possesses the look of “straight black hair, olive skin, we even
have the same gray eyes [with Gale]” (Collins, 2008, p. 9). Hamilton writes that Goddess
Athena is gray-eyed or flashing eyed and she created the olive tree (2015, p. 21). In addition,
Katniss is famous in the Capitol for braiding her hair, it is her trademark. It is also known, that
leisure women in Ancient Greece were braiding their hair as well. They would “twist and
arrange into ornate styles to wear at important public functions, reflecting their status and rank
in society” (Refinery 29, 2016). To extend this argument, Caryatids are in “classical
architecture, draped female figure used instead of a column as a support”. These columns show

32
the braided hairstyle which maidens have. Acropolis in Athens, of which is Athena the patron,
holds such a columns (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2016). Furthermore, Athena is sometimes
portrayed with braids which fall under her helmet.

Athena is along with Artemis, one of the three virgin Goddesses. Her character is
according to Morford and Lenardon as they write in their Classical Mythology, “impeccable;
unlike another virgin goddess Artemis, to whom men made advances, although at their dire
peril, Athena remained virtually unapproachable sexually.” (1990, p. 113). As it was previously
mentioned, Katniss is uninterested in the opposite gender outside or inside of the Games, she is
purely concentrated on her survival. Later, when Katniss discovers her feelings for Peeta or
Gale, she refuses to deal with them. Morford and Lenardon add to Athena’s character
description, that “this Valkyrie-like maiden does have her touching moments, not only in her
close and warm relationship with her father, Zeus, but also in her devout loyalty and steadfast
protection of more than one hero (e.g. Heracles, Perseu)” (1990, p. 113). This statement
supports the previous arguments about Katniss and her father and her compassion with people
of Panem.

In the series, Katniss is often nicknamed and introduced as a “Girl of Fire”. Firstly,
this metaphor is translated as her propaganda during the 74th Hunger Games to gain sponsors
in the Arena, since during the promotion she was wearing the clothing which was set of fire.
Later, this metaphor becomes Katniss’s symbol of rebellion. The awaited spark which rebels
needed to stand against the Capitol. Olthaus (2012) in The Hunger games and philosophy: a
critique of pure treason writes that “fire is dangerous, just as revolutionary ideas that Katniss
inspires result in many of Panem’s citizens, even many innocent. […] But Katniss’s fire sustains
the hopes of Panem and kindles the people’s desire for a just society”.

One mythology figure bears the similar characteristics as Katniss. It is Prometheus,

the Greek Titan. His name is in the translation “forethought” which according to Taft (2014)
“emphasized his intellectual side” (p. 71). As we know, Katniss is very swift in logical thinking.
One of the myths says, that Prometheus is a creator of mankind. He took the task of creating
the men, after his brother Epimetheus who was unsuccessful. His creation resembled the shape
which God’s possessed. Afterwards, he flew to the Sun with a torch and brought the fire to the
men as his protection. Olthaus (2012) continues in his analysis and further points out that
“Prometheus is an ambiguous figure because his gift of fire sustains life and fuels the advance

33
of civilization, but it can also be used as a weapon.” Just as Katniss’s gift of rebellion to the
people of Panem.

Because Prometheus was very fond of men, Zeus created women. (Hamilton, 2015,
p. 52). We can link his love for human to the one of Katniss, as her compassion with people of
Districts is always admirable. For instance, during the Victory tour after 74th Hunger Games
when she spoke to the Rue’s family, “I must say something. I owe too much.” (Collins, 2009,
p. 34). Furthermore, Hamilton in her book depicts Prometheus as “the saviour of the mankind”
(2015, p. 17). Another association with Katniss as she successfully leads the uprising and
defeats the Capitol and saves the districts of Panem.

6.2 Cato

One of the worst enemies for Katniss in the Arena is the male tribute from District 2,
Cato. Cato similarly like her, volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games. He was raised
in the District 2, which considers as an honour to participate in the Hunger Games. It is also
one of the wealthiest Districts which produces luxury items for Capitol. The children are trained
since their early childhood to be skilled in fighting and to survive in the arena. Cato is against
Katniss since she outshined him along with Peeta, during chariot parade and in the training
centre. She scored more points than he did. “He probably has had a special hatred for me ever
since I outscored him in training.” (Collins, 2008, p. 319).

Cato could be compared to one of the greatest Greek heroes, Hercules, which is his
Latin name. In Greek he is usually named as Heracles (Morford and Lenardon, 1990, p. 380).
Hamilton writes that Heracles was deeply admired by Athenians (2015, p. 13). Which is similar
trait of Cato, who was loved by the people of the Capitol and in the favour of sponsors.
Hamilton continues and points out that Hercules is the strongest man on the Earth and that “he
had the supreme self-confidence magnificent physical strength gives.” (2015, p. 133). Katniss
depicts Cato (Collins, 2008) at first as a “monstrous boy” (p. 46) and “ruthless killing machine”
(p. 125). Similarly as the Hercules, he has a power like no other tribute. “Brutal, bloody Cato
who can snap a neck with a twist of his arm.” (Collins, 2008, p. 319).

With such a power always come great confidence. Hamilton writes that “Hercules had
this perfect confidence that no matter who was against him he could never be defeated” (2015,
p. 133). Cato is throughout the Games acting confidently, he knows that he cannot be defeated

34
by other tributes. Even Katniss knows that in a fight, she does not stand a chance against him.
“Not only will I face death, it’s sure to be a long and painful one at Cato’s hand.” (Collins,
2008, p. 220). He is a leader of the Career pack, which is formed by the strongest tributes.
Katniss addresses his appearance as “physical wonder” (Collins, 2008, p. 302), meaning he was
muscular. This resonates with portrayal of Heracles, who is by Taft (2014) “in art and literature
Heracles represented as an “enormously strong man” (2014, p. 50), which is logical since he
was the strongest man on earth.

Taft (2014) furthermore points out that Heracles was “generally kindly but with
occasional outbursts of brutal rage” (p. 50). This characteristic, except for kindness, is similar
to character of Cato. Katniss once mentions in her thoughts “I believe Cato could easily lose
his judgment in a fit of temper. Not that I can feel superior on that point. I think of the moment
I sent the arrow flying into the apple in the pig’s mouth when I was so enraged. Maybe I do
understand Cato better than I think.” (Collins, 2008, p. 311) Nevertheless, he is not merciful
and does not profess his sorrow over his actions. For instance when he loses temper and kills
his ally. “I can see the muscles ripple in Cato’s arms as he sharply jerks the boy’s head to the
side. It’s that quick. The death of the boy from District 3.” (Collins, 2008, p. 221). Regret was
typical aspect of Heracles, who “[Heracles] was the most critical judge of his own actions.”
(GreekMythology.com, 2016).

6.3 Finnick Odair

Another significant character, which plays important part in the series is Finnick Odair.
Finnick comes from the District 4. His first appearance is in the second novel, Catching Fire.
He won the 66th Hunger Games, when he was just 14 years old. Later, he is one of the tributes
of 75th Hunger Games, which are called Quarter Quell. That means that the tributes must come
from former winners. His home district specializes in fishing and sea-related products. This
significantly shaped his character and as Katniss points out, “He'd been on boats his whole life.”
(Collins, 2009, p. 113).

Katniss additionally depicts Finnick as “living legend in Panem […] tall, athletic, with
golden skin and bronze-coloured hair” and who possesses “extraordinary beauty” and has
“famous sea green eyes” (Collins, 2009, pp. 112-113). However, due to this fact, he was forced
by President Snow to prostitution. In return, he turns this in his favour and exploits many
Capitol’s secrets from his lovers to support Rebels of Districts. Later in the novel, we uncover

35
that he is hidden ally of Katniss and Peeta and helps them survive Quarter Quell, i.e. 75th Hunger
Games.

As it was previously mentioned in the chapter Settings, Poseidon is the God which is
associated with deity of Sea. As Graves writes, he is equal to his brothers Zeus (who is ruler of
the skies) and Hades (ruler of the underworld) (2008, p. 48). Similarly to the Finnick, he had
many love affairs but what makes them apart is that Poseidon was very greedy and the most
bad-tempered of Gods (Graves, 1990, p. 48). On the other hand in Catching Fire is revealed
that Finnick’s true love is Annie Cresta, the girl who competed in 70th Hunger Games but her
mental health was unstable. “So that's who Finnick loves, I think. Not his string of fancy lovers
in the Capitol. But a poor, mad girl back home.” (Collins, 2009, p. 183).

He is skilled fighter with knives but as Katniss says, “The trident was a natural, deadly
extension of his arm.” (Collins, 2009, p. 113). Poseidon’s most common portrayal through art
is with trident which was “his weapon and main symbol, perhaps once a fish spear” (Taft, 2014,
p. 69).

To conclude this chapter, it could be said that Collins was successful in bringing
Katniss to life, based on the portrayal of such a classical figures and still attract the
contemporary reader. It is more of valuable as the children are nowadays absorbing wrong
influences and later on building unnecessary anxieties. The willingness and strong-head of
Katniss should be inspirational. The less could be said about the following character Cato, who
is set as a good example of antagonist.

36
7 Conclusion

The aim of the thesis was to study the traits and myths of Greek mythology and
compare them to the dystopian young adult novel series, The Hunger Games by Suzanne
Collins. Collins, as any other writer, was influenced by the life changing moments, valuable
lessons or simply, her favourite books. As it was revealed, these facts play major role in creating
her masterpiece novel, which is not only commercial but also critically acclaimed success. This
series speaks to not only young-adults who find difficulty in contemporary society to
comprehend but also readers of other ages.

By analysing the novel series, the thesis created several conclusions. On the level of
plot making it is more than obvious that Collins was significantly inspired by Greek mythology,
even more than she admits in the various interviews which she has given over the years. The
traits are the most obvious in the first and second novel, since the third novel focuses more on
the support of the rebellion.

The myth of brave Theseus who conquered the mythical Minotaur, is except for the
minor details, mirrored in the contemporary plot of The Hunger Games. Furthermore, there are
hidden meanings in the plot which this thesis discovered. For instance it is the reference of star-
crossed lovers which are the first of the tragic pair. This pair not only inspired Collin’s Katniss
and Peeta, but sets an example for other literary pair, Romeo and Juliet. Myth of cornucopia,
the horn which Zeus wrenched from a goat. Nowadays, it more of a symbol of the autumn
season, but for the tributes of Hunger Games is the key element and helpful tool in the fight.

Also the analysis in this thesis confirms the assumption, that Collins was partially
inspired by mythology for creating various elements of the settings. Such as Districts
specializations and their trades. But mythology did not play a strong role in the stage of making
the setting, as the references could be found only in a few examples. For instance, the thesis
discovered that geographical position plays more major role in the characterization of the
districts or the skin tone of its inhabitants.

The reflection of mythology is also found in the characters, as Katniss is the true image
and epitome of the Greek warrior, Athena and the other virginal sister Artemis. Not only
psychical representation Katniss shares with these Goddesses, but also their character traits or
relationships with the other characters. Nevertheless, the less obvious references can be found

37
through other characters, such as portrayal of Cato, the antagonist of The Hunger Games. He is
connected with the Athenian hero Heracles, who is as badly tempered as Cato is. Another
character Finnick, has a minor association with God Posseidon who is well-known for his
affairs. Finnick is the flirtatious, charming character who lives for the secrets which he can hear
from his lovers.

In the conclusion it can be said that Greek mythology is significant influence for the
novel and in the combination with contemporary issues, it is what truly makes the book stand
out and attractive for the readers of all ages.

38
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