True History (2nd century C.E.) is a satirical novel by Lucian. Written in ancient Greek, True History is thought to be the first work of science fiction in all of Western literature. Intended as a criticism of the unbelievable scenarios populating ancient fiction, True History dramatizes the extent to which authors will relate fantastic or mythological material as truth to humorous and imaginative effect.
Before beginning his narrative, Lucian admits that though the claims he will make are far from truth, he will make them, nonetheless. Accordingly, he weaves a tale of a voyage by sea thrown off course near the Pillars of Hercules by a powerful storm. Narrowly escaping disaster, Lucian and his fellow travelers find themselves on an island interwoven with rivers of wine, in which fish swim and bears feed and frolic. As if this weren’t enough, rumors of a divine presence and visions of trees like women encourages the travelers to seek safety elsewhere. Not far into the next leg of their journey, their ship is swept skyward by a storm so powerful it lands them on the Moon. There, they are swiftly swept up in a war between the armies of the Moon and Sun, vast alien forces vying for control of the Morning Star. Helping to organize a peace treaty, Lucian and his travelers take in the sights of the Moon before returning to Earth just in time to be swallowed by a massive whale. As the narrative unfolds, these poor lost voyagers encounter fish people, discover an island of cheese afloat on a sea of milk, and even meet the heroes of Troy themselves. True History is a wild and wonderful work of satire and science fiction that not only amazes as much as it delights, but serves as a reminder that the humor of the ancients is not so different from our own.
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Lucian (c. 125-180 C.E.) was an Assyrian satirist known for his humorous style and rhetorical mastery. Born in Samosata, modern day Turkey, Lucian was likely a native Syriac speaker who wrote in Ancient Greek under the rule of the Roman Empire. From a middle-class family, he was trained to be a sculptor but eventually moved to Ionia for higher education. After working for a time as a successful lecturer, he settled in Athens, where he wrote most of his literary works. Recognized for his invention of the comic dialogue, a parody of the Socratic dialogue, Lucian is predominately remembered for his novel True History, a satire now regarded as an early precursor to modern science fiction writing. Known for his irreverence and penchant for criticizing prominent writers, philosophers, and public figures, Lucian has served as an influence for Thomas More, William Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, and François Rabelais.
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