The Stars from Fiction: How Constellations Feature in Our Favourite Books and Films

The Stars from Fiction:

How Constellations Feature in Our Favourite Books and Films

The stars have captured the human imagination since the beginning of time, inspiring myths, legends and even scientific discoveries. From ancient civilizations to modern day, our fascination with the celestial bodies has never waned. It's only natural, then, that authors and filmmakers have incorporated constellations into their works to add depth and meaning. Here are some of our favourite examples:

The Little Prince:

This beloved children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry features a young boy who travels from planet to planet, meeting strange and fascinating characters. On each new planet, he looks up at the night sky and tries to find his own home among the stars. The little prince's search for belonging is encapsulated by his desire to find his own constellation, reminding readers of the importance of finding their place in the world.

Harry Potter:

In J.K. Rowling's magical world, the stars have a special significance. The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has a ceiling enchanted to look like the night sky, complete with moving constellations. The characters use astronomy to navigate and solve puzzles, and Hermione Granger even names her cat after the star cluster Orion.

The Lion King:

The Disney classic draws heavily from African traditions and mythology, with the constellation of the Great Kings symbolizing the past rulers of the Pride Lands. The stars serve as a reminder of the Circle of Life, an important concept in the film, with the baby Simba staring up at the sky as the Great Kings look down on him.

The Fault in Our Stars:

John Green's bestselling novel features a protagonist who is obsessed with a book within the book about a girl who takes on the universe. The fictional book is called An Imperial Affliction and features a cover with a shooting star, tying into the theme of wanting to leave a mark on the world before we're gone. The constellation imagery is subtle but powerful, reminding us of the vastness of the universe and our place within it.

Whether used as a symbol of connection or a reminder of our place in the universe, the stars and constellations will always have a place in human storytelling. What are your favourite examples of the stars in fiction?