Aspects of content, culture, social practices and values

Fantastical Adventures: Lucian and his companions experience a series of fantastical events and encounters, including being swallowed by a giant whale and reaching the moon, reflecting the use of exaggeration and hyperbole in narrative storytelling.
Satire: Lucian skilfully uses satire to poke fun and critique the exaggerated stories of ancient authors and philosophers, highlighting a theme of truth versus fiction in literature.
Representation of Mythical Creatures: Different types of bizarre creatures, such as the dog-headed men and vine women, symbolise the parody of mythological beings often found in classical texts.

Fascination With the Unknown: The story displays an intrigue towards unexplored and foreign lands, displaying the ancient Greek obsession with discovery and exploration.
Religious Practices: The moon men worshipping the sun and planets illustrates aspects of ancient Greek religion, and how they conceived divine beings.
Ancient Philosophy: Lucian’s various satires and critiques are directed at the philosophies of his time, providing a glimpse into the debates and discourse in ancient Greek society.

Travel by Sea: Nautical adventures form a major section of the narrative, indicating the prevalence and importance of sea travel and its risks in ancient Greece.
Food and Drink: Exotic and fantastical food items, such as cheese from the moon, symbolise the Greeks’ actual gastronomical practices, and the importance of food and drink in their culture.
Social Hierarchy: The interactions between Lucian, his companions, and the creatures they encounter reflect the hierarchies and social dynamics prevalent in ancient Greek society.

Scepticism: Lucian’s doubts about the veracity of popular stories signal the value of rationality, a key attribute in Greek philosophical tradition.
Humour: Lucian’s use of farcical scenarios emphasises the importance of humour, a valued tool in satirical writing.
Courage and Perseverance: Despite numerous challenges and outlandish situations, Lucian and his companions press forward, embodying the values of bravery and endurance.