FANTASY AS A BRIDGE TO CULTURAL EMPATHY: EXPLORING SAYANTANI DASGUPTA'S USE OF MYTHOLOGY TO PROMOTE SDG 16 (PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS) — A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE SERPENT’S SECRET, GAME OF STARS, AND THE CHAOS CURSE

Abstract

This study examines how fantasy literature rooted in South Asian mythology fosters cultural empathy and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16—peace, justice, and strong institutions. Using thematic analysis grounded in manual close reading, the research analyzes Sayantani DasGupta’s middle-grade novels - The Serpent’s Secret (2018), Game of Stars (2019), and The Chaos Curse (2020). The objectives are to identify narrative strategies that promote empathy, examine the use of mythology as allegory for justice and institutional integrity, and assess how these works encourage young readers toward ethical awareness. Findings indicate that DasGupta’s use of mythological motifs—like rakkhosh, serpent kings, and cosmic trials—creates allegorical frameworks for understanding justice, identity, and communal responsibility. These narratives serve as conduits for cultural understanding and ethical reflection, positioning fantasy as a pedagogical tool for SDG 16. Implications include advocating for inclusion of culturally specific mythic fantasy in educational curricula as a means to nurture empathy and civic values in young readers. The study contributes to literary studies, education, and sustainable development discourse by highlighting the power of genre fiction to convey complex ethical and cultural themes across demographic contexts. Keywords: Fantasy, cultural empathy, SDG 16, Sayantani DasGupta, mythology, thematic analysis.