In “The Hunger Games,” the story unfolds in a dystopian society called Panem, where each year, a boy and girl from each of the twelve districts are selected to compete in a televised battle to the death known as the Hunger Games. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers to take her sister’s place, facing both physical and psychological challenges in the arena as she navigates alliances and confronts the oppressive Capitol.

Comparison to Ancient Myth

The narrative arc of “The Hunger Games” bears striking similarities to the ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. In the myth, Theseus, a heroic figure, volunteers to enter the labyrinth of King Minos to slay the Minotaur, a monstrous creature. Like Katniss, Theseus faces a daunting challenge where survival depends on wit, courage, and strategic alliances. Both stories explore themes of sacrifice, survival, and defiance against oppressive forces, resonating with audiences across cultures and time periods.