Science fiction—with its fantastical tales of futuristic worlds, advanced technology, and otherworldly beings—has captured the human imagination for centuries. But where did this genre originate? And what were the first science fiction stories ever written? Today, we delve into the early roots of science fiction and explore some of the pioneering works that laid the foundation for this genre's enduring popularity.

1. "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (circa 2100 BC)

One of the earliest known works of speculative fiction can be found in The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem dating back to the 21st century BC. While not a conventional sci-fi story, it contains elements of the genre. The tale follows the adventures of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king, and his companion Enkidu, as they encounter gods, monsters, and a quest for immortality. The presence of gods and fantastical creatures in a historical setting can be seen as early examples of speculative fiction.

2. True History (circa 2nd century AD)

Lucian of Samosata, a Greek satirist and author, wrote True History in the 2nd century AD. This work is often considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction, even integrating space travel. Lucian's narrative involves a journey to the moon, where the protagonist encounters bizarre alien creatures, including giant insects and moon-men. True History is characterized by its playful satire and imaginative storytelling, making it a precursor to modern science fiction.

3. "Somnium" (1634)

Written by Johannes Kepler, the renowned German mathematician and astronomer, Somnium is a groundbreaking work in early science fiction. This fictional tale describes a voyage to the moon and explores the lunar environment, complete with lunar inhabitants. Kepler's story is notable for its scientific accuracy and pioneering vision of space travel. Some scientists and science fiction writers—including Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov—consider Somnium to be the first true science fiction novel.

Like what you're reading?

If you're enjoying this post why not join the DSF community for more awesome content? You'll get to be notified whenever a top 10 list or any other articles of interest go up on our site. It's free to sign up and you'll also get recommendations for new releases and discounted ebooks from our expert editorial team, from bestsellers to hidden gems.

4. "The Blazing World" (1666)

Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle, authored The Blazing World in 1666, making her one of the first female science fiction writers. The novel is set in a parallel universe accessible through the North Pole and features a world inhabited by sentient creatures and advanced technology. Cavendish's work challenges societal norms and showcases her imaginative prowess.

5. Frankenstein" (1818)

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, is often regarded as one of the earliest and most influential science fiction novels. Published in 1818, the story explores themes of ethics, creation, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. Shelley's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's creation of a humanoid creature remains a seminal work in the genre.

The origins of science fiction can be traced back to ancient myths, satirical writings, and early scientific speculations. These pioneering authors, from Lucian to Mary Shelley, paved the way for the rich and diverse world of science fiction we know today. Their imaginative stories continue to inspire generations of writers, scientists, and dreamers, reminding us that the boundaries of human creativity and exploration are limitless.

Join the conversation in the DSF Reader Group on Facebook.