Can you identify any examples of mythological themes in contemporary literature?

Certainly! Mythological themes have been a source of inspiration for contemporary literature, infusing stories with timeless archetypes, symbols, and motifs that resonate with readers across cultures and generations. Here are some examples of mythological themes in contemporary literature:

1. **"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman**:
   - In "American Gods," Neil Gaiman weaves together elements of ancient mythology and modern-day America to create a fantastical tale of gods walking among mortals. The novel explores themes of belief, identity, and the power of myth, as old gods clash with new gods in a struggle for relevance and dominance in the modern world.

2. **"Circe" by Madeline Miller**:
   - "Circe" reimagines the story of the mythological witch Circe from Homer's "Odyssey," offering a feminist perspective on her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Madeline Miller explores themes of agency, transformation, and the complexities of love and power as Circe navigates the challenges of immortality and forges her own path in a world dominated by gods and mortals.

3. **"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller**:
   - Another novel by Madeline Miller, "The Song of Achilles," retells the myth of Achilles and Patroclus from the "Iliad" through the lens of their romantic relationship. Miller explores themes of love, heroism, and destiny as she delves into the complexities of the characters' bond and their role in the Trojan War.

4. **"Percy Jackson & the Olympians" series by Rick Riordan**:
   - Rick Riordan's popular young adult series draws upon Greek mythology to create a contemporary adventure featuring demigod protagonists and a modern-day interpretation of the ancient gods. Through the adventures of Percy Jackson and his friends, Riordan explores themes of friendship, heroism, and the clash between ancient myth and modern reality.

5. **"The Penelopiad" by Margaret Atwood**:
   - "The Penelopiad" offers a feminist retelling of the myth of Odysseus and Penelope from the perspective of Penelope and her maids. Margaret Atwood explores themes of agency, storytelling, and the silencing of women's voices as she reimagines the events of Homer's "Odyssey" from a marginalized perspective.

6. **"Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman**:
   - In "Anansi Boys," Neil Gaiman draws upon African mythology to create a contemporary fantasy novel centered around the trickster god Anansi and his sons. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the consequences of inherited legacy as the protagonist, Fat Charlie, navigates his relationship with his godly heritage.

7. **"The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker**:
   - "The Golem and the Jinni" combines elements of Jewish and Middle Eastern mythology to tell the story of a golem and a jinni who form an unlikely bond in early 20th-century New York City. Helene Wecker explores themes of immigration, identity, and the search for belonging as her characters grapple with their supernatural origins and the challenges of adapting to a new world.

These examples demonstrate how contemporary literature draws upon mythological themes to explore timeless questions of human experience, offering fresh perspectives on ancient stories and archetypes that continue to resonate with readers today.