Greek Mythology in Star Trek

This past Sunday, Star Trek was one of the big winners at the Saturn Awards, which are like the Oscars for fantasy & science-fiction movies/series. Star Trek: Picard picked up 4 Saturn Awards, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was also awarded 1 Saturn Award. They even awarded a special Lifetime Achievement Saturn Award to the team of Star Trek: The Next Generation from the 1980’s. With so much attention on Star Trek, now is a good time to take a look at the influence of Greek mythology in Star Trek.

Greek myths in Star Trek

Star Trek, the iconic science fiction franchise, has been captivating audiences for decades with its exploration of the final frontier. Beyond its futuristic technology and interstellar adventures, the show often draws inspiration from ancient myths and legends, including the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. Throughout the series there are plenty of references to Greek myths, particularly in naming of ships, planets and more. There is a full chapter dedicated to Star Trek in Classic Traditions in Science Fiction. Let’s delve into this cosmic connection and explore how some Star Trek episodes pay homage to the gods and heroes of ancient Greece.

1. “Who Mourns for Adonais?” (1967 Season 2, Episode 2)

In this classic episode, the crew of the USS Enterprise encounters a powerful being who claims to be none other than the Greek god Apollo. Here’s the cosmic drama that unfolds:

• Plot Summary: The Enterprise is ensnared by an energy force shaped like a human hand. Apollo appears and demands that the crew disembark onto his planet to worship him. Captain Kirk and his team find themselves caught in a clash between ancient myth and futuristic reality. Apollo’s demand for servitude forces them to seek out and destroy his power source.
• Greek Influence: The title itself, “Who Mourns for Adonais?,” is a nod to Percy Bysshe Shelley’s elegy on the death of poet John Keats. Adonais, derived from Adonis (a figure in Greek mythology associated with fertility), reflects the theme of loss and remembrance. Apollo, once worshipped as a god by Earth’s ancient civilizations, now grapples with his diminished status. The episode explores humanity’s evolution beyond the need for divine intervention, reducing gods to mere myths.
• Thoughts: Captain Kirk muses on the profound impact of Greek civilization, culture, and philosophy—gifts bestowed by these ancient beings. The episode raises questions about the transition from myth to history and the enduring legacy of the gods.

2. The Hidden Threads

While “Who Mourns for Adonais?” stands out, other Star Trek episodes also weave Greek mythology into their cosmic fabric:

• “Plato’s Stepchildren” (1968 Season 3, Episode 10): Here, the crew encounters telekinetic beings who mirror the power dynamics of Plato’s philosophical allegory. The idea of powerful beings manipulating human lives echoes the ancient Greek fascination with gods toying with mortals.
• “Elaan of Troius” (1968 Season 3, Episode 13): This episode draws inspiration from the Trojan War. Elaan, a princess from a distant planet, becomes a pawn in interplanetary politics. Her beauty and allure evoke Helen of Troy, whose face launched a thousand ships. The parallels between Elaan and Helen underscore the timeless allure of mythic heroines.

3. The Cosmic Legacy

Star Trek reminds us that our fascination with gods, heroes, and epic quests transcends time and space. Whether exploring distant galaxies or ancient myths, the show celebrates the human spirit’s unyielding curiosity and resilience. As we journey through the stars, we carry with us the echoes of Adonais, the whispers of Apollo, and the timeless tales of Greece.

In the words of Captain Kirk: “They gave us so much—the Greek civilization, much of our culture and philosophy came from the worship of those beings. In a way, they began the Golden Age.”

And so, the cosmic dance continues—a tapestry woven with threads of both science and myth, connecting us across millennia. Watch this video below to learn more about how Star Trek dominated the Saturn Awards this year.

Go here for a full list of all winners at the 51st Saturn Awards. Last year we blogged about how The Boys won at the Saturn Awards, go here for the post about the Saturn Awards and The Boys. You might also enjoy this article here about Gods in Star Trek, which talks about how the show addresses the existence of gods in the series.