EXAMPLES FROM MYTHOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS IN TURKISH NOVEL
The novel is expanding its boundaries constantly and gradually returning to the point where it started. In this return, mythology is regaining the place it has lost. Rule-based integrity of the classical and modern novels is being lost in postmodernism and the novel is assuming the nature of a narrative. Reflections of mythology in the novel seem to shed light on this transformation. In our study, we investigated the place of Greek and Roman mythologies in novels. Mythology takes its place in novels at the levels of image and text. Ahmet Mithat Efendi believed that the function of mythology was to reinforce thought whereas authors like Halide Edip Adıvar, and Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu made use of mythological images in descriptions of heroes in novels. The mythological point of view turns into a life style in Halikarnas Balıkçısı. Yaşar Kemal takes the structure of myths as his basis while the shadow of Ophelia, who arises from the myth of Narcissuses, falls on protagonists of Tanpınar. Orhan Hançerlioğlu turns myth into a game of imagination whereas Leyla Erbil makes us hear strongly the voice of mythology behind the phenomena she narrates. The image of Odysseus, which is stereotypically used in novels about the sea, is also used by Faruk Duman. Güven Turan, describes the feeling of being surrounded in the mind of his hero throught he image of Penelope. The image of Trojan horse allows Sulhi Dölek an opportunity for self-criticism in a unique way. Mythological stories are also dealt with in new ways in novels. Ayla Kutlu addresses the women question via the myth of Gilgamesh. Nazlı Eray works her way through her fantasy world through mythology. Özen Yula mirrors contemporary lives of her mythical heroes. Can Eryümlü, on the other hand, joins the worlds of gods and human beings in today’s world.

Keywords
Turkish Literature, novel, mythology