‘The Migrant must invent the earth beneath his feet’: Mythologizing of Home in Migrant Literature
‘The Migrant must invent the earth beneath his feet’: Mythologizing of Home in Migrant Literature

Summary/Abstract: A much discussed topic in anthropological and sociological studies today is the rise of modern mythology. The analysis of the emergence and the function of urban legends and of the almost primitive cult of Hollywood stars and the like, reveal these to be nothing less than the resurgence of ancient myths having undergone a radical metamorphosis. They too are a sign of the permanence of mythical thought (Quesnel 2003: 13) and they also stand for the contemporary need for myths and mythology. We can see this need in literature too. Literature, of course, has always been the supreme vehicle of mythology. As this collection of essays shows, literary texts are still very much wandered through by mythological figures, ideas and stories. Contrary to common understanding, the survival of myths in literature cannot be reduced to a subtle game of cultural references. The contention is that even today they hold the power, if not to explain entirely, at least to illustrate the human plight and destiny more accurately than dry rationalism and scientific language ever could, or to quote Aline Le Berre:

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