Mythic Creatures: Origin Stories

November 2025

Salisbury University

Art Department Sophomore Seminar

Dr. Pareja visited a class at Salisbury University to consider and examine the ways in which we form stories about ourselves and others, from our epic tales to fossils to visual and material culture (art). This talk is an exploration of the ancient origins and enduring significance of mythical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, and mermaids. These beings appear in Bronze Age art, suggesting they were part of early oral traditions even before written records. As cultures such as Mesopotamia, Greece, and the Indus Valley developed, these creatures were incorporated into their mythologies, reflecting societal values and ideals. Through archaeology, art history, and anthropology, we uncover the earliest depictions and understand how these creatures symbolized concepts of power, heroism, and the supernatural. This lecture examines how these mythical beings continue to influence contemporary culture, evolving in their symbolism and narratives over millennia, offering insights into human values, identities, and connections across time. Essentially, we choose our stories, how we think of others, and how we cast ourselves.

Please click here to view a recording of a similar lecture given at the Museum of the Rockies (MoR) in November 2024.