Call for Papers: Rethinking Classical Mythology through Folklore, Popular Narrative and Fan Fiction
17-18 March 2026
The Norwegian Institute in Rome
Classical (ancient Greek and Roman) mythology has long been an intense object of study for narratologists, as mythology constitutes the narrative backbone of some of the most important literary genres in antiquity, especially epic and tragedy. However, since epic and tragedy were considered ‘highbrow’ literary genres in antiquity, mythology has only rarely – and insufficiently – been considered an object of study in relation to supposedly ‘less sophisticated’ forms of narrative (the oral and performative nature of much of ancient literature notwithstanding). In particular, the consideration of folkloristic motifs and other non-‘highbrow’ elements – and, accordingly, the application of methods from fields such as Popular Narratology, Folklore Studies and Fan Fiction Theory – constitutes a major research gap in the study of classical mythology.
This conference addresses this issue and fills this sorely felt research gap. We invite anyone interested in contr ibuting a paper to the conference to submit their title and a brief abstract (inEnglish or Italian) of no longer than 200 words to the two organisers, Prof. Silvio Bär (silvio.baer@ifikk.uio.no) and Prof. Emanuele Lelli (prof.emanuele.lelli@gmail.com) by 31 December 2025 at 12:00 CET (please send a Word document and cc both organisers). Late submissions will not be considered.
Any topics that fit within the overarching framework of the conference as described above are welcome, whereby we explicitly invite scholars working on textual as well as non-textual (iconographic, material, etc.) forms of narrative to participate. Scholars at all levels of juniority/ seniority are equally welcome. We will evaluate all submissions and inform all applicants about acceptance or rejection by mid-January.
Papers should be no longer than 25 minutes (to be followed by questions and discussion). The languages of the conference are English and Italian. We plan to publish the results of the conference in a peer-reviewed bilingual edited volume.
Please note that we are not able to cover the costs for speakers’ journeys and accommodation. However, no conference fee is charged, and catering, including a conference dinner on the evening of the first conference day, will be offered free of charge to all speakers, courtesy of The Norwegian Institute in Rome.
Please also note that all speakers are expected to be present for the entire conference so that a fruitful dialogue can be guaranteed, and that this is an in-person event without the option of participating digitally.