True History

Summary

«True History» by Lucian is a satirical work that parodies the adventure literature and myths of its time. The book narrates the fantastical journey of the author and his companions as they set sail and encounter incredible adventures. They find themselves on the Moon, where they meet lunar inhabitants, participate in a war between the lunar and solar peoples, explore islands inhabited by strange creatures, and even end up inside a giant whale. Lucian uses these unbelievable events to mock the false tales and exaggerations often found in the literature of his era.

Main Ideas

• A satire on the travel and wonder tales prevalent in antiquity.
• Critique of myths and legends perceived as true.
• Irony towards literary traditions and genres, especially epic and historical chronicles.
• Exploration of the theme of truth and fiction in literature.
• Parody of the philosophical and scientific theories of his time.
• Use of fantastical elements to create absurd and comedic situations.
• Travel as a metaphor for exploring human knowledge and experience.

Historical Context and Significance

Written in the 2nd century AD, Lucian's «True History» is considered one of the earliest works in the science fiction genre. This satirical piece parodies the travels and incredible tales popular in ancient literature, such as the works of Homer and Herodotus. Lucian employs hyperbole and absurd situations to ridicule the tendency of authors to exaggerate and fabricate facts. The influence of «True History» can be seen in later works like Jonathan Swift's «Gulliver's Travels» and other fantastical stories. The book is also viewed as a precursor to modern science fiction, as it describes journeys to the Moon and encounters with extraterrestrial beings, which was groundbreaking for its time.

Style and Technique

«True History» by Lucian is a satirical work that parodies the travel and adventure genre. The style of the book is characterized by irony and exaggeration, allowing the author to mock the fantastical travel tales popular in his time. The language of the work is rich with allusions and parodic elements, making it complex to understand without knowledge of ancient literary context. Lucian uses various literary devices such as hyperbole, parody, and allegory to highlight the absurdity of the events described. The narrative structure is linear but filled with unexpected twists and fantastical elements, such as journeys to the Moon and encounters with mythical creatures. This allows the author not only to entertain the reader but also to provoke thought about the nature of truth and falsehood in literature.

Interesting Facts

• The book is considered one of the earliest works in the science fiction genre.
• Lucian describes a journey to the Moon and encounters with its inhabitants, making it one of the first examples of depicting extraterrestrial life.
• The work contains satirical elements that mock the myths and legends of ancient Greek culture.
• Lucian uses parody of the travel and adventure stories popular in his time to emphasize the absurdity of some tales.
• The book includes a description of a war between the inhabitants of the Moon and the Sun, which is one of the earliest examples of interplanetary conflicts in literature.

Book Review

Lucian's «True History» is a satirical work that mocks the traditions and myths of ancient literature. Lucian uses elements of fantasy and parody to create absurd and incredible adventures that he claims are «true». Critics note that this work can be considered one of the first examples of science fiction, as it includes journeys to the Moon and encounters with extraterrestrial beings. Lucian masterfully employs irony and sarcasm to highlight the absurdity and fiction in traditional myths and legends. His work is also seen as a critique of blind faith and trust in authorities, making it relevant even in a modern context. Overall, «True History» is a witty and engaging work that continues to inspire and entertain readers through the ages.