Which topics are common to sci-fi ? Which ones are shared with other forms of fiction (fairy-tales, mythology, fantasy, speculative fiction) ? Which topics distinguish it from other forms of fiction ?

Ancient Sumerian–Babylonian mythic tablets inscribed with the divine code of the universe — whoever possessed them controlled fate, kingship, and cosmic order. In myths like Enuma Elish and Anzu, the theft of the Tablets causes chaos in heaven and on earth, until they’re recovered by the gods.

King Kakudmi & Revati visit Brahmā’s realm — return after 27 yuga cycles (Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.8.26–28).

King Muchukunda sleeps for an age; awakens after Manvantaras have passed (Mahābhārata 3.186).

Vimānas described in Mahābhārata & Rāmāyaṇa — flying chariots with propulsion and weapon systems

Brahmāstra & other astra weaponry reminiscent of nuclear weapons (Mahābhārata)

Maya Dānava’s flying palaces & mechanical beings → engineered automatons and anti-gravity craft.

Brahma’s day and night cycles — billions of human years each → cosmic time loops / cyclic universe.

Ra’s solar barque sails across sky and underworld each day → cosmic ship.

The Duat (𓂋𓏏𓈉) as cyclical underworld journey → time loop / nightly reset of the cosmos.

Isis reassembles and revives Osiris → early image of biotech resurrection.

The Shipwrecked Sailor meets a radiant serpent being on a lost island → hint of alien encounter.

“Opening of the Mouth” (𓅱𓊪𓏏𓂋) ritual reanimates statues and mummies → animation technology.

Thoth’s Book of Knowledge grants control over time, speech, and nature → forbidden technology.