சிசிஃபஸ் எனும் தொன்மம்

The Myth of Sisyphus: An Examination of Mythology's Role in Literature

Abstract

The term 'thonmam,' meaning antiquity, is widely used in Tamil literature, often corresponding to the Sanskrit 'Purana.' The scholarly discipline dedicated to studying these ancient narratives is Mythology. Tolkappiyar, in his treatise Tolkappiyam (Seyyuliyal, 229), defines 'thonmai' as "oldness associated with narratives." Mythical stories, frequently imbued with supernatural elements, are crafted by humans for literary appreciation. In contemporary literature, mythological references serve as an alternative framework to address modern societal challenges and life complexities. Ancient Tamil texts such as Agananuru, Natrinai, and Kalithogai, alongside the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, are rich with mythological content. Psychologist Carl Jung posits that myths are manifestations of archetypes embedded in the collective unconscious, common to all humanity. He argues that myths serve as a powerful tool for creators to skillfully articulate their experiences, suggesting that many world-renowned literary works are not entirely new narratives but rather compelling re-imaginings based on ancient myths. This paper specifically highlights the Greek myth of Sisyphus, as explored in Sivasankar's short story collection, 'Kadanthaikkoodum Chaos Theory,' demonstrating the enduring relevance and adaptability of mythological themes in contemporary creative writing.