The Forgotten City: A Narrative Odyssey Through Greek Mythology

Published by Hellenic Moon on January 5, 2025January 5, 2025

The Forgotten City is a critically acclaimed narrative-driven video game that began as a fan-made mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Developed by Modern Storyteller and released as a standalone title in 2021, the game has captivated players with its rich storytelling, intricate puzzles, and philosophical depth. Set in an ancient Roman city mysteriously trapped in time, The Forgotten City weaves together elements of history, mythology, and speculative fiction. At its core, the game explores human morality, justice, and the consequences of our actions, with Greek mythology serving as a significant narrative and thematic underpinning.

The Premise of The Forgotten City

The story begins when the protagonist is transported back in time to a hidden Roman city governed by a mysterious law: if even one person commits a sin, everyone in the city will perish. This rule, known as the “Golden Rule,” is enforced by the golden statues scattered throughout the city. These statues are both eerie reminders of past transgressions and key elements of the game’s mysteries.

As the protagonist, players must uncover the secrets of the city, prevent its destruction, and find a way back to their own time. The game’s time loop mechanic allows players to restart the day whenever the Golden Rule is broken, encouraging exploration and experimentation to piece together the narrative puzzle.

Greek Mythology in The Forgotten City

Though the city’s architecture and culture are predominantly Roman, Greek mythology plays a pivotal role in shaping the game’s story, characters, and themes. The narrative draws heavily on Greek gods, myths, and philosophical concepts, blending them seamlessly into the fabric of the game.

The Role of the Gods

One of the most striking ways Greek mythology manifests in The Forgotten City is through the involvement of gods. Early in the game, players learn that the Golden Rule was established by a god, whose identity is initially shrouded in mystery. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that this god is none other than Hades, the Greek god of the underworld.

Hades’ presence is a clever narrative choice. Known for his strict sense of justice and dominion over the dead, Hades embodies the moral absolutism of the Golden Rule. His role in the game challenges players to grapple with questions of divine justice and the morality of punishing an entire community for the actions of one individual. This portrayal of Hades aligns with his traditional depiction in Greek mythology as a complex, often misunderstood figure, rather than a one-dimensional villain.

The Myth of Sisyphus

The game’s time loop mechanic evokes the myth of Sisyphus, a king condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only for it to roll back down each time he nears the top. Like Sisyphus, players are trapped in a seemingly endless cycle, repeatedly resetting the day to prevent the city’s destruction. This mechanic mirrors the existential struggle of finding meaning and achieving progress within the confines of an unyielding system.

The connection to Sisyphus is further reinforced by the game’s emphasis on perseverance. While the time loop may feel futile at times, each iteration brings players closer to the truth. In this way, The Forgotten City transforms the Sisyphean struggle into a journey of discovery and redemption.

The River Styx and the Underworld

The game’s setting also draws parallels to the Greek concept of the underworld. The hidden city is a place of liminality, isolated from the outside world and governed by its own rules. Its subterranean location and connection to death and judgment evoke the imagery of the River Styx and Hades’ domain.

One particularly evocative scene involves crossing a body of water to reach the city, a nod to the mythological journey across the Styx. This symbolic crossing underscores the city’s role as a space where mortal and divine realms intersect, and where the living must confront the consequences of their actions.

The Oracle and Prophecy

The game’s narrative structure borrows from the tradition of Greek oracles and prophecy. Throughout the story, players encounter characters who provide cryptic hints and warnings about the city’s fate. These interactions mimic the ambiguous pronouncements of ancient Greek oracles, such as those at Delphi, whose predictions often contained hidden layers of meaning.

The role of prophecy in The Forgotten City underscores the theme of free will versus determinism. Players must decide whether to accept the inevitability of certain events or to challenge fate by finding creative solutions to the city’s dilemmas.

Philosophical Themes and Morality

Greek mythology is not only a source of narrative inspiration but also a lens through which the game explores philosophical questions. The Golden Rule itself invites players to consider the nature of morality and justice. Is it fair to punish an entire community for the sins of one person? What constitutes a “sin,” and who gets to decide?

These questions echo the debates of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The game’s dialogues and choices encourage players to engage with these philosophical dilemmas, fostering a deeper understanding of the ethical complexities at play.

One of the game’s endings even allows players to confront Hades directly, challenging his interpretation of justice and proposing an alternative framework for governance. This climactic encounter underscores the game’s emphasis on agency and the power of human reasoning to challenge divine authority.

Characters and Mythological Archetypes

The inhabitants of the forgotten city embody archetypes and themes from Greek mythology. For example:

• Equitia, the city’s de facto leader, channels the wisdom and authority of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy. Her role as a mediator and guide mirrors the supportive yet impartial role Athena often plays in mythological narratives.
• Galerius, a kind-hearted farmer, represents the ideals of civic virtue and community. His willingness to help others without expecting anything in return reflects the values of Greek heroes who prioritize collective well-being over personal gain.
• Malleolus, an ambitious and corrupt politician, embodies the hubris often associated with tragic figures in Greek mythology. His arrogance and disregard for the Golden Rule ultimately lead to his downfall, echoing the fate of figures like Oedipus and Icarus.

These characters, while rooted in Roman culture, resonate with timeless mythological archetypes, making their stories and conflicts feel universal.

Environmental Storytelling and Symbolism

The game’s environment is rich with symbolic references to Greek mythology. The golden statues scattered throughout the city serve as both a warning and a testament to the consequences of breaking the Golden Rule. Their lifelike poses and anguished expressions evoke the story of Medusa, whose victims were similarly transformed into stone.

The city’s architecture and artwork also incorporate elements of Greek and Roman design, blending the two cultures in a way that reflects their historical interconnectedness. Murals, inscriptions, and relics provide additional layers of storytelling, inviting players to piece together the city’s history and the origins of the Golden Rule.

A Modern Retelling of Ancient Myths

The Forgotten City succeeds in reimagining Greek mythology for a modern audience. By grounding its story in timeless myths and philosophical concepts, the game creates a narrative that feels both ancient and contemporary. Its exploration of moral ambiguity, the human condition, and the relationship between mortals and gods resonates with players on a deeply personal level.

The game’s use of Greek mythology also highlights the enduring relevance of these ancient stories. Just as the myths of old sought to explain the mysteries of existence and the nature of humanity, The Forgotten City invites players to reflect on their own values, choices, and beliefs.

The Forgotten City is more than just a video game; it is a thought-provoking journey through history, mythology, and philosophy. By drawing on Greek mythology and its rich tapestry of gods, myths, and archetypes, the game creates a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally engaging.

Whether you are a fan of ancient mythology, a lover of narrative-driven games, or simply someone seeking a unique and memorable gaming experience, The Forgotten City offers a compelling exploration of the timeless themes that define our shared humanity. In doing so, it reminds us that the stories of the past continue to shape our understanding of the present and our vision for the future. This is not an action shooting game that you need to blow everything up, this is a mystery game that you need to get involved in the storyline to beat. Learn more about it in the videos below or visit the official website of the game.