The Contemporary Mythic Firmament

Abstract

This chapter draws various strands of the book together while also undertaking an eclectic tour of contemporary stardom with examples that begin to answer the question ‘where is star divinisation now?’ These case studies include the unlikely comparison of Megan Fox to the ancient Aztecs, highlighting both the departures and continuities from the flights of fancy typical of silent-era fan magazines. Updating some of the Venus imagery discussed across the book, the reference to the goddess of love in Annie Liebovitz’ 2015 Vanity Fair cover of Caitlyn Jenner demonstrates the enduring power of classical iconography, particularly to explore sexuality in this, Jenner’s official ‘coming out’ as a trans woman. The chapter also offers brief discussion of contemporary athletes, including David Beckham, and the prevalence of mythological imagery in advertising and argues that while the forms of star divinisation have evolved over the past century, the myth and art of the ancient past is far from forgotten in the digital age.