The Shield of Achilles: A Reboot

Entertainment & The Arts

Author, Philosopher and Futurist writing Greek reboots for young fans of science fiction

The next Shield of Achilles. Just as the old shield represented aspects of life in Mycenaean Greece, I would be grateful if you would design a Shield to represent the aspects of a near-future society: a time after a machine revolution, which humanity barely survives. The Shield is divided into eight triangles which fit together to form an octagon. Each segment represents a pillar of society: Defence (as opposed to War); immediate and all-encompassing Information; divine digital Judgment; fair and regulated global Governance; fruitful Technology; the protection of a new and in-touch Temple; the permanent stream of Media; and a just, stable and sustainable Economy. I have provided an embarrassing sketch for your consideration, but I am not wed to any of the ideas and welcome your thoughts on them. Specifications and Requests: - I would like the Shield to look busy but clinical, as though a machine were attempting to imitate the Shield of Achilles (attached) in its bustle and confusion. - I would like to keep the glyphs around the centre (top of the triangles) as they represent the Greek gods which govern each of the Pillars. - I would be grateful for an ancient Greek-looking border to the Shield, but welcome your thoughts on its design. Description of Sketch: - Oikonomia. The Sun and belt of Triangles represent the 'Dyson Belt' a ring of solar panels which provide eternal energy to the world's economic stability. The glyph at the centre represents the god of the wind: Aeolus as he diverts power across the globe. Please keep (but make better...) - Amyna. The gyne symbol is intended to represent the protection of all women from Femicide. The eagle = heroes. The scroll = Tactical Coders (the code is ASCII for TAC). The rod & serpent = medical care. - Kyvernisi. To represent the 195 capital cities of the world and the criticality of the world's waterways. - Dikaiosyni. To represent the journey of mortals across the 5 rivers to eternal life, each river a trial. - Mesa Enimoerosa. Is intended to be a single Stream which people flock to for global news. The glyph is meant to be an owl. - Krotavos. Should represent a woman defending people behind her from an imposing threat represented by a single eye. Freedoms: - The Pillars are drawn from contemporary views of a just society, extrapolated to represent a global society which works communally for advancement under the auspices of digital 'gods'. Please apply your own experience of each of the Pillars/triangles to your artwork to really bring out your own narrative. - I can't draw people very well, please feel free to draw my stick-figures as you please. Clothing hasn't changed much in the near-future.

The Shield of Achilles ('MENIS') forms a backdrop to my upcoming transmodern novel, a feminist reboot of Ancient Greek classics set in the near-future. The novel builds a platform to discuss modern-day social themes in the safe absurdity of a neo-mythological setting. Navigating the Mediterranean of 2083, the novel explores human history (our near-future) from the viewpoint of digital representations of the ancient Greek gods and their Temple of Social Media Influencers. The readership will meet modern versions of the ancient Greek heroes and examine current social themes while exploring futurist theories of science, technology and engineering. At its heart, the novel is a philosophical review of the modern western world which celebrates the inherent goodness of the human condition. I would love to help make sci-fi more accessible to the growing community of tech-savvy young women, while remaining true to the sci-fi greats who have gone ahead of me and I hope you can help me on my way.

Every design category has flexible pricing for all budgets. Illustration or graphics starts at $349.