Alien Romulus and the influence of Greek/Roman mythology

Published by Hellenic Moon on August 18, 2024August 18, 2024

Alien Romulus is finally out in the cinemas, more than 7 years since the last Alien movie came out (Alien Covenant in 2017). The title immediately hints that there is some mythological connection to the theme of the movie, continuing the trend started in 2012’s Prometheus. In Prometheus they used the Greek myth of how Prometheus created the first humans from clay as a hint that the movie will explain how the first Aliens were created. So now with Romulus we have another hint of a deeper meaning to the movie. Let’s look into it. But first some general background info on the Aliens franchise.

The Aliens Movie Franchise: A Cultural Phenomenon

The Aliens movie franchise is a cornerstone of science fiction and horror cinema, renowned for its terrifying portrayal of extraterrestrial life and its deep exploration of human fears, corporate greed, and the struggle for survival. The series, which began in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s seminal Alien, has grown into a sprawling saga encompassing multiple sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. Over the decades, the Aliens franchise has evolved, with each installment bringing new ideas, characters, and themes, while maintaining the core elements that make the series so compelling.

The original Alien film introduced audiences to the deadly Xenomorph, a parasitic alien creature that has since become one of the most iconic monsters in cinematic history. The film’s success led to a sequel, Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron, which expanded the universe and introduced the character of Ellen Ripley as a formidable heroine. Subsequent films, such as Alien 3 (1992) and Alien: Resurrection (1997), continued the story of Ripley and the Xenomorphs, albeit with varying degrees of success.

In addition to the main series, the franchise has also spawned several spin-offs and prequels, such as Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), which explore the origins of the Xenomorphs and the mysterious Engineers, a race of ancient beings who may have played a role in humanity’s creation. These films delve into deeper philosophical and existential questions, adding a layer of complexity to the franchise.

Watching the Aliens Franchise in Chronological Order

For those new to the franchise, the order in which to watch the films can be a bit confusing, especially with the inclusion of prequels and spin-offs. Below is a recommended viewing order that follows the chronological timeline of events within the Aliens universe:

1. Prometheus (2012) – Set in the late 21st century, this film explores the origins of humanity and the aliens
2. Alien: Covenant (2017) – A direct sequel to Prometheus
3. Alien (1979) – The original film
4. Alien: Romulus (2024) – The latest film is set in between the 2 original Alien movies chronologically
5. Aliens (1986) – Set decades after the events of Alien
6. Alien 3 (1992) – The Alien saga continues
7. Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Set 200 years after Alien 3

For fans who want a comprehensive understanding of the Aliens universe, it’s also worth exploring the Alien vs. Predator films and the various comic books and novels that expand on the franchise’s lore.

Alien Romulus: A New Chapter

Alien Romulus is the latest installment in the Aliens franchise, and it brings a fresh perspective to the series by intertwining elements of classical mythology with the established science fiction horror themes. Directed by an emerging filmmaker, Alien Romulus is set to take the franchise in a bold new direction, blending the familiar terror of the Xenomorphs with the rich symbolism and storytelling of ancient myths.

The title Romulus immediately evokes the legendary figure from Roman mythology, Romulus, the founder of Rome and one of its first kings. The myth of Romulus and his twin brother Remus is central to the story of Rome’s origins and reflects themes of power, legacy, and divine intervention—elements that resonate with the Aliens franchise’s exploration of creation, destruction, and the struggle for survival.

Classical Mythology in Alien Romulus

The incorporation of classical mythology into Alien Romulus serves as both a thematic and narrative framework, enriching the story with deeper meaning and universal relevance. Below are some possible explanations of what the story of Romulus might have to do with the movie. None of these theories have been officially confirmed by the director though, so they are just ideas. If the director ever gives an official explanation about the link to the mythology, we will post about it in the future. The parallels between the myth of Romulus and the events of the film are evident in several key aspects. There are minor spoilers ahead, but we keep it as simple as possible not to ruin the movie for you:

1. The Twin Founders: Romulus and Remus – In Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus are twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. They are the sons of Mars (the Roman name for Ares, the Greek god of war). They grow up to establish the city of Rome. Alien Romulus is focused on the story of Rain and her android “brother” Andy, and this could have implications in their role in the founding of something that will be further explored in future movies.
2. The She-Wolf and the Xenomorph – The she-wolf that nurtured Romulus and Remus is a symbol of ferocity and maternal protection. In Alien Romulus, the Xenomorphs take on a similar role, embodying both the nurturing and destructive aspects of nature. The Xenomorph Queen, in particular, can be seen as a dark reflection of the she-wolf, fiercely protecting her offspring while posing a deadly threat to humans. This duality of life-giver and destroyer is a central theme in both the myth and the film.
3. Divine Intervention and Fate – In Roman mythology, the founding of Rome is seen as divinely ordained, with Romulus destined to become its first king. Alien Romulus plays with the idea of fate and predestination, suggesting that the human characters are caught in a larger cosmic plan, manipulated by forces beyond their control. The Engineers, introduced in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, continue to play a role in shaping the destiny of humanity, much like the gods of mythology. The film suggests that the creation of the Xenomorphs and their impact on human history may be part of a grand design, one that humans are only beginning to understand.
4. The Hero’s Journey – The myth of Romulus, like many classical myths, follows the structure of the hero’s journey, a narrative pattern identified by Joseph Campbell. Alien Romulus adopts this structure, with its protagonist embarking on a journey that involves a call to adventure, crossing a threshold into the unknown, facing trials and enemies, and ultimately undergoing a transformation. This journey is not just physical but also psychological, as the characters grapple with their own fears, doubts, and the moral implications of their actions.

The Legacy of Aliens and Its Mythological Resonance

The Aliens franchise has always been more than just a series of horror films; it is a reflection of our deepest anxieties and a commentary on the human condition. From its inception, the series has explored themes of birth, death, and rebirth, often through the lens of mythological archetypes. The Xenomorphs, with their life cycle involving parasitism and violent emergence, can be seen as a metaphor for the darker aspects of nature and the unknown forces that shape our existence.

Alien Romulus builds on this legacy by explicitly connecting the franchise to classical mythology, grounding its futuristic horror in the timeless themes of myth. The film’s use of the Romulus myth serves to highlight the cyclical nature of history and the eternal struggle between creation and destruction, civilization and barbarism.

In many ways, the Aliens franchise itself has become a modern myth, with the Xenomorphs and characters like Ellen Ripley entering the cultural consciousness as symbols of resilience and terror. The franchise’s exploration of corporate greed, represented by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, echoes the ancient myths’ warnings about hubris and the dangers of defying natural laws.

Moreover, the Aliens series, like classical mythology, taps into universal fears and desires. The fear of the unknown, the desire for survival, and the struggle to protect one’s kin are themes that resonate across cultures and epochs. By drawing on these archetypal themes, Alien Romulus not only reinvigorates the franchise but also ensures its relevance to contemporary audiences.

Alien Romulus represents a significant evolution in the Aliens franchise, blending science fiction horror with the rich symbolism and storytelling of classical mythology. By drawing parallels with the myth of Romulus, the film explores themes of power, creation, and destiny, while also delivering the intense, terrifying experience that fans of the series have come to expect.

As the latest chapter in a saga that has captivated audiences for over four decades, Alien Romulus honors the legacy of the Aliens franchise while pushing it in new and exciting directions. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the series, this film promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the Aliens universe, one that will leave a lasting impact on both the franchise and its viewers.