Populism, a political phenomenon characterized by the mobilization of "the people" against a perceived "elite," is not simply a matter of policy grievances or economic anxieties. At its core lies a powerful narrative, a compelling story that resonates with a broad swathe of the population, offering explanations for their struggles, identifying villains, and promising a path to redemption. In its myriad forms, storytelling acts as the very crucible in which the populist movement takes shape, solidifying its identity, mobilizing its adherents, and ultimately influencing the political landscape. From the evocative rhetoric of charismatic leaders to the shared myths and grievances propagated through various media, the narrative function is not merely a tool of populism; it is its lifeblood.  

Margaret Burbidge, born Eleanor Margaret Peachey in 1919, was a towering figure in 20th-century astrophysics, an English-born scientist whose intellectual rigor, observational prowess, and unwavering determination shattered prevailing paradigms and fundamentally reshaped our understanding of how the elements that constitute our universe – and ourselves – were forged within the fiery furnaces of stars. Highlighted by groundbreaking discoveries and a persistent advocacy for women in science, she fueled a life and career with a passion for unraveling the cosmos. Burbidge's contributions, particularly her pivotal role in formulating the B²FH theory of stellar nucleosynthesis, cemented her legacy as a transformative force in modern astrophysics.  

Since antiquity, humans have looked to the night sky, finding patterns in the stars and weaving them into rich mythological narratives. This essay explores the mythology behind the celestial constellations, focusing primarily on the Greco-Roman stories that underpin the system recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). It examines how these myths transformed the constellations into celestial canvases populated by gods, heroes, heroines, animals, and monsters – from the dramas surrounding Ursa Major, Orion, and the family of Perseus and Andromeda to the archetypal figures of the Zodiac like Leo, Taurus, and Sagittarius. The essay analyzes how these stories reflect cultural values, cautionary tales (e.g., Cassiopeia's hubris), heroic ideals (Hercules, Perseus), divine interventions, and attempts to make sense of the cosmos through narrative. While centered on the Greco-Roman tradition, the essay briefly acknowledges the universality of star lore across diverse cultures. Ultimately, the mythology of the constellations reveals an enduring human impulse to connect with the universe through storytelling, creating a celestial repository of cultural memory that continues to fascinate and inspire.