Exploring Mythology in Sandman
Exploring Mythology in Sandman
(Exploring Mythology in Sandman)
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Directions: In essence, intertextuality is the idea that each text we read will be informed by the previous texts we read. The magic of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series is that multiple references to mythical beings and other characters in the DC Universe are present. Therefore, those who have read other DC titles and ancient mythology will be informed by these experiences upon reading Sandman. However, we do not need to know about these guests in order to enjoy Gaiman’s story.
Becoming familiar with the guests in the tale, however, does add to the depth of the story being told. Choose a character from Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes and conduct a little background research on the character (example characters below). In two to three paragraphs, describe your findings.
One paragraph for each myth associated with the object or being you choose.
One paragraph about how they manifest in other comic books
One paragraph about how they manifest in other mythologies (if applicable).
Example below:
Be creative. If, for example, you find out Morpheus is the God of dreams. Then Google search “God of Dreams” and see what other types of characters show up. Hypnos would likely show up, for example. Or Oneiroi. You could write a paragraph on Hypnos, one on Oneiroi, and one on Morpheus as he exists in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
Because I used Morpheus as an example, he cannot be used for the exercise 🙂
ONCE A CHARACTER HAS BEEN USED, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE SAME CHARACTER (exceptions allowed if you submit within a minute or two of another person, under the premise that you both wrote about the same character around roughly the same time).
1. Etrigan (DC Comics)
2. Hellblazer (DC Comics)
3. Dr. Destiny (DC Comics)
4. Cain & Abel (The Bible)
5. Azazel
6. Beelzebub
(Exploring Mythology in Sandman)
Mythological Background:
Etrigan is based on the figure of Demon from ancient mythological traditions, especially drawing on Judeo-Christian demonology. In particular, Etrigan shares many similarities with Lilith, a figure often depicted as a demon in various mythologies. In the Jewish tradition, Lilith is said to have been Adam’s first wife, cast out of Eden for refusing to submit to Adam’s will. In other stories, she is a night demon, associated with the endangerment of children and newborns. Etrigan himself is the human alter ego of the demon Jason Blood, a character cursed to house the demon within himself. While not a direct adaptation of Lilith, Etrigan embodies the dark, malevolent nature of demonic forces, having an indelible connection to Hell and chaotic supernatural powers.
Manifestation in Other Comic Books:
Etrigan is primarily featured in DC Comics and has appeared in numerous titles since his debut in The Demon #1 (1972), written by Jack Kirby. He is often depicted as a force of vengeance and a reluctant hero, forced to carry out the bidding of supernatural powers due to his bond with Jason Blood. Etrigan has been part of various storylines, sometimes teaming up with heroes like Batman and Justice League Dark. His powers in the comics are vast, including fire manipulation, superhuman strength, and the ability to summon hellish forces. His most unique trait is his ability to speak in rhymes, which makes him stand out in the DC Universe and adds a poetic flair to his dark persona. His connections to Hell and his constant struggle between his human side and his demonic counterpart are central themes explored in the comics.
Manifestation in Other Mythologies:
Etrigan’s demonic nature also finds roots in various Christian, Babylonian, and Persian mythologies. He shares similarities with Asmodeus, a king of demons in ancient mythologies, particularly in Jewish and Christian texts. Asmodeus is known for his association with lust, destruction, and chaos, much like Etrigan’s violent tendencies. In Persian mythology, the concept of the demon Ahriman embodies the duality of creation and destruction, something reflected in Etrigan’s role as both a destructive force and a reluctant hero, trying to break free from the curse of his demonic existence. This constant tension between creation and destruction is also an underlying theme in the portrayal of Etrigan throughout his comic appearances.
