Explored the origins, myths, and literary qualities of mythology, emphasizing its role in the psychological prototypes of ethnic and cultural communities. Mythology originated in prehistoric times and is the origin of religion, philosophy, and culture, with the characteristic of collective unconsciousness. The creation myth describes the origin of the universe and natural phenomena, reflecting the integration of humans and the universe. The prototype time in mythology is subjective and experiential, different from everyday time. Mythology relies on collective creation and oral transmission, embodying poetic wisdom and literary understanding. German scholar Blumenberg believes that mythology is the process by which ancient humans gave meaning to mysterious and incomprehensible things through naming, explanation, and narrative. Although the collective originality of mythology no longer exists, its charm has not disappeared. Kafka reshaped and rewrote ancient Greek mythology in his later works, such as "The Silence of the Sirens," "Prometheus," and "Poseidon," which are short in length but contain profound meanings. Kafka's allegorical narrative inherits the tradition of short passages in German literature, with concise and thought-provoking words that provide important clues for understanding his poetics and thinking path.

Poseidon: Calculation and Apocalypse

Kafka reshaped the sea god Poseidon in ancient Greek mythology in his works, portraying him as a lonely underwater calculator who takes his work seriously but feels dissatisfied and constrained. Poseidon was unable to enjoy his work or change the status quo, which was vastly different from the image in ancient Greek mythology. His conflict with Zeus, his indifferent attitude towards the ocean, and his dissatisfaction with his legendary image all reflect Kafka's subversion of mythology. Poseidon pinned his hopes on the end of the world, anticipating a moment of peace and a brief experience of the ocean, reflecting his survival dilemma and helplessness towards reality. Kafka portrays the alienation and nihilism of modern mythology through this image, forming a sharp contrast with the perfection and transcendence of ancient Greek mythology. Poseidon's story is a critique of realism absolutism, revealing the powerlessness and despair of modern humans in the face of instrumental rationality.

Prometheus: petrified, forgotten, tired

Explored Kafka's reinterpretation of the myth of Prometheus, in which Kafka weakened Prometheus' heroic image and psychological motivation. In Kafka's version, Prometheus' body gradually petrified rather than constantly regenerating, reflecting a process of degeneration from physiology to psychology. Through this adaptation, Kafka presents a reinterpretation of the confrontation between heroes and gods in ancient Greek mythology, transforming Prometheus' indomitable spirit into a physiological response to pain rather than a psychological struggle. In addition, Kafka introduced the concepts of "forgetting" and "fatigue", implying the passage of time and the erosion of the meaning of repeated events. These adaptations not only subvert traditional myths, but also reflect Kafka's profound contemplation on the meaning of existence, time, and the universe.

The Silence of the Sirens: Temptation absent, hoarseness pervading

In depth exploration of Kafka's reinterpretation and innovation of the Siren stories in ancient Greek mythology. In traditional mythology, the song of the Sirens has an irresistible appeal, and Odyssey cleverly avoids this temptation by closing his own and the sailors' ears. Kafka's version subverts this narrative, questioning the credibility of traditional mythology through mocking strokes and pointing out that Odyssey's strategy is actually unreliable. In Kafka's story, the confrontation between Odysseus and the Sirens transforms into mutual silence and disinterest, with Odysseus no longer yearning to hear singing and the Sirens losing their desire to sing.