The theme’s essay highlights the universal role of storytelling across cultures and media. Beginning with the universal flood narrative, as shown in the Biblical story of Noah and the epic of Gilgamesh, the essay explores how stories shape cultural belief systems around natural disasters, the universe’s beginnings, notions of good and evil, and human nature. Thus, the essay explores not only ancient narratives, but modern stories, such as Maleficent, Wicked, Breaking Bad, and Dexter. Stories, the essay argues, shape our lives, allowing us to explore emotions, escape reality, and imagine new worlds.
