Posted: May 1st, 2024

Impact of Greek Myths on the Formation of European Religion

Impact of Greek Myths on the Formation of European Religion

Greek myths are not just stories that entertain and inspire people. They are also expressions of the ancient Greeks’ religious beliefs and practices, which shaped their culture and civilization for more than a thousand years. Greek myths reflect the Greeks’ understanding of the nature of the gods, the origin of the world, the role of heroes, and the meaning of life. In this paper, I will analyze several Greek myths that made the most significant impact on the formation of religion and culture in Greece, and how they influenced the modern attitude of people in Europe to myths and religion.

One of the most influential Greek myths is the one about Heracles and the Heracleidae. Heracles, or Hercules in Latin, was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmene. He was famous for his extraordinary strength and courage, as well as his twelve labors that he performed to atone for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness induced by Hera, Zeus’ jealous wife. Heracles was also the ancestor of the Heracleidae, a group of legendary kings who claimed descent from him and ruled over various parts of Greece, such as Sparta, Argos, and Corinth. The myth of Heracles and the Heracleidae established a link between divine and human realms, and legitimized the political and social authority of certain dynasties in Greece. It also inspired many people to emulate Heracles’ virtues and achievements, and to seek his protection and favor as a hero-god.

Another influential Greek myth is the one about the Argonauts, a band of heroes who sailed on a ship called Argo to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis, a land at the eastern end of the Black Sea. The leader of the Argonauts was Jason, who was aided by other famous heroes such as Hercules, Orpheus, Theseus, Atalanta, and Medea. The myth of the Argonauts is a complex and rich story that involves many adventures, dangers, and wonders, such as fighting harpies, clashing rocks, fire-breathing bulls, dragon-teeth warriors, and enchantresses. The myth of the Argonauts represents the Greeks’ exploration and colonization of new lands, as well as their quest for glory and knowledge. It also illustrates the themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption that are common in Greek literature and drama.

A third influential Greek myth is the one about Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. According to Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is a high mountain in northern Greece, where Zeus and his siblings overthrew their father Cronus and his generation of Titans, who ruled over the world before them. Mount Olympus became the seat of power and authority for the Olympian gods, who each had their own domains and attributes. For example, Zeus was the king of the gods and the god of thunder; Hera was his wife and the goddess of marriage; Athena was his daughter and the goddess of wisdom; Apollo was his son and the god of sun, music, and prophecy; Aphrodite was his daughter-in-law and the goddess of love; Ares was his son-in-law
and
the god
of war; Hermes was his son
and
the god
of
travel,
trade,
and
thievery;
and so on.
The myth
of Mount Olympus
depicts
the gods
as anthropomorphic beings
who have human emotions,
desires,
and conflicts,
but also possess supernatural powers,
beauty,
and immortality.
The myth
of Mount Olympus
also reflects
the Greeks’
cosmology,
hierarchy,
and values,
as well as their relationship with
the divine.

A fourth influential Greek myth is
the one about Prometheus,
a Titan who stole fire from
the gods
and gave it to humans.
Prometheus was punished by Zeus for his act
of rebellion
and benevolence,
and was chained to a rock where an eagle ate his liver every day.
Prometheus was eventually freed by Hercules,
who admired his courage
and wisdom.
The myth
of Prometheus
symbolizes
the human condition,
the origin
of civilization,
and
the struggle between freedom
and tyranny.
It also expresses
the Greeks’
curiosity,
creativity,
and defiance,
as well as their gratitude
and sympathy for Prometheus,
who sacrificed himself for their sake.

The impact
of these myths on European religion
and culture is evident in many aspects.
First,
many European languages have words derived from Greek mythology,
such as herculean,
argonaut,
olympic,
aphrodisiac,
areal,
hermetic,
and promethean.
Second,
many European artists,
writers,
and thinkers have been inspired by Greek mythology,
and have created works
of art,
literature,
and philosophy that
reinterpret,
adapt,
or critique
the myths.
For example,
Dante’s Divine Comedy,
Milton’s Paradise Lost,
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream,
Goethe’s Faust,
Byron’s Prometheus,
and Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra
are some
of the most famous examples
of European works influenced by Greek mythology.
Third,
many European countries have adopted symbols, names, or traditions from Greek mythology, such as the laurel wreath, the Olympic Games, the EU flag, and the names of planets and constellations. Fourth, many European people have developed a modern attitude to myths and religion that is influenced by Greek mythology. Some people regard myths as sources of wisdom, inspiration, and spirituality, and seek to revive or reinterpret them in new ways. Others regard myths as expressions of human imagination, culture, and psychology, and seek to analyze or critique them in scientific or historical terms. Still others regard myths as irrelevant or harmful to modern society, and seek to reject or replace them with other beliefs or values.

In conclusion, Greek myths are not only ancient stories that belong to the past. They are also living traditions that shape the present and influence the future. Greek myths have made a significant impact on the formation of religion and culture in Greece, and have continued to influence the modern attitude of people in Europe to myths and religion. Greek myths are part of the common heritage of humanity, and deserve to be studied, appreciated, and respected.

Bibliography

Adkins, A.W.H., and Pollard, J.R.T. (2023). Greek Religion. Britannica Online. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Greek-religion

Cline, A. (2022). Homework help – Write my religious studies thesis Ancient Greek Mythology and Modern Religion. Learn Religions. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/greek-mythology-and-modern-religion-4078917

Grunge (2021). How Ancient Egypt And Egyptian Mythology Influenced The Western World. Grunge.com. Retrieved from https://www.grunge.com/1269203/ancient-egypt-egyptian-mythology-influenced-western-world/

Folsom Cordova Unified School District (2020). Impact of Greek Mythology on Western Culture. FCUSD.org. Retrieved from https://www.fcusd.org/cms/lib03/CA01001934/Centricity/Domain/3317/Impact%20of%20Greek%20Mythology%20on%20Western%20Culture%20Gr%209.pdf

World History Encyclopedia (2020). Religion in Ancient Greece. WorldHistory.org. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/74/religion-in-ancient-greece/

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Masters Essays, PSYC, Psychology Assignment, Psychology Case Study, Psychology Dissertations