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Mythology and its influence on history
Mythology and its influence on history
Mythology and its influence on history
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Within the body of ancient stories and teachings that we call myths lies an array of gods, goddesses, and mystical creatures. These gods and goddesses were mainly concerned with the nature of the world, and had virtue within their own ritualistic practices. The myths that were oriented around such almighty figures became a center of religion in ancient Greece. This became Greek mythology, and further became a considerable influence on culture, arts, and literature throughout time. Since then, artists and poets have derived ideas from Greek mythology, and have discovered current influence and pertinence in its subjects.
Among the gods and goddesses that dominate the world of Greek mythology stands Aphrodite. Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and eternal youth. Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Her origins differ depending on the story in which her tale is told. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, Aphrodite arose from the foam of Paphos’
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waters surrounding the island of Cyprus. The goddess allegedly was born from the foam once Cronus violently severed off the genitals of Uranus, his father, and hurled them into the sea. Another approach to Aphrodite’s emergence has its origins in the Iliad. According to this legendary Greek poem, Aphrodite may owe her beginnings to Zeus and Dione. In the Iliad, Homer ties the Greek goddess of love to the name of Dione, and also refers to Dione as the mother of Aphrodite. These two instances bond Aphrodite to her possible natality, and begin the chain of myths and tales that we know of today. Mythology is full of bounteous stories and legends. Within the dawn of such legends were fourteen Olympian deities who controlled the world from their immortal paradise on Mount Olympus. Each deity occupied their own symbols that were correlated with each of them individually. With the significance of these symbols, it is possible to recognize and classify the god or goddess that is associated with them. These features and attributes are highly cherished within the religion of ancient Greece, even to the point of being worshiped by individuals. Aside from her copious affairs of love, Aphrodite can be identified by the various symbols that are correlated with her. These symbols appropriately chronicle each one of Aphrodite’s life circumstances. Aphrodite’s emblems are mainly themed around subjects of beauty, power, and love. Once one can identify these symbols, one can truly begin to understand the origins of the myths that were told throughout history. Symbols that tie Aphrodite to her celestial divinity can be found in various animals. For example, a swine can be discovered when investigating the different symbols of Aphrodite’s godliness. This can be explained through the death of her beloved Adonis. There are different interpretations of the myth between Aphrodite and Adonis, one of which includes the jealously of the God of War, Ares. As the myth goes, Ares comes to knowledge about the affection that Aphrodite feels for Adonis and becomes filled with envy. Upon his spite, Ares establishes the idea of getting revenge. Aphrodite was amidst a chase in hopes to attain Adonis’ love while Adonis was more intrigued with hunting. Aphrodite pleaded Adonis to give up the danger-some games he would play because of her fear of losing him. Ignorant in his ways, Adonis’ fate was concluded when he was killed by Ares disguised as a wild boar. As Adonis took his last breathes, Aphrodite bustled to his side and cursed Ares. Blood fell from Adonis and his wounds and dripped onto the soil that lay beneath him. Aphrodite then blossoms flowers from the bloodshed of Adonis in memory of their love. It is the tale of this tragic love story that associates Aphrodite with an animal such as the wild boar. A horse is an animal that has its many affiliations in Greek mythology. From Notus, a god of South-Wing who appears in the shape of a horse, to the Pegasus born from the neck of Medusa, the symbol of the horse has undoubtably been a part of countless fantasies and myths. In the case of Aphrodite, the symbol of the horse owes its importance to a story correlated with a king, King Glaukos of Corinth to be more specific. Glaukos appears in several stories throughout mythology, but one of the main tales of Glaukos pertains to the wrath of Aphrodite. After keeping his mares from mating in order to preserve their speed, Aphrodite brought retribution to King Glaukos through his horses. In many versions of this story, the mares are driven into an erratic, uncontrollable, man-killing craze during a chariot race, massacring Glaukos. This narrative of a King Glaukos and the indignation that he caused Aphrodite explains her association with the horse and its relevance within her mythical legends. Soaring the blue skies and hovering above the earth, birds have been figures of freedom and power throughout time. In several legends and fantasies, birds connect the world of mortals to the mystic or paranormal realms that exist apart from everyday life. Birds have a collection of functions in religion and mythology and are quite apparent in Aphrodite’s bundle of mythological symbols. For instance, the goose is a highly sacred symbol of Aphrodite. According to an encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore, Patricia Monaghan states that, “both the tame and wild goose had mythological and symbolic significance to the Celts.” But though the goose has its Celtic origins, it is also illusive within the symbols of the pantheons such as Aphrodite. According to an article entitled, “The Goddess and the Goose,” the author states, “images of Aphrodite riding a goose have been found in many examples of ancient artwork and sculptures, and bear a strong resemblance to modern-day depictions of Mother Goose.” This idea showcases the mythological significance behind the goose and its correspondence to Aphrodite. Doves have had a correlation with love dating all the way back to the Middle-Ages. It is no question that the dove’s representation of passion, peace and romance corresponds to the goddess Aphrodite. According to an article entitled, “This is The Story of Why the Dove is a Symbol of Peace and Love,” the authors state, “in Greek mythology, white doves are associated with love and romance. The Greek Goddess Aphrodite is depicted with doves flying around her or resting on her hand. She is born in a chariot drawn by dove birds. Her daughters-Pleiades-who are the 'seven sisters in the night sky', are also known as 'a flock of doves'. These birds were so symbolic in medieval times that many potions that were made for love, included the heart of a dove.” This statement adequately describes Aphrodite’s correlation with love and the spiritual impact that she made on individuals in the past. These winged creatures have appeared in numerous stories within the universe of mythology, and have played an active part in discovering the underlying meaning behind the tales of Aphrodite. Flowers of many breeds are associated with the cycle of life, specifically pertaining to birth and death.
For example, a flower blooming may symbolize rebirth and revival, just as a flower’s pigment may pertain death and grief. There were certain kinds of flowers that pertained to Aphrodite the most and that she held dearest to her. One of the flowers was the rose. Roses have signified beauty since ancient times, and for ancient Romans, the rose was especially associated with Aphrodite. According to an article entitled, “Aphrodite: Highlighting Her Symbols and Their Appropriate Meaning,” the author states, “the red rose was stained with the color red when she cut her feet on its thorns while running towards her dying Adonis.” This depiction of the tragic love story between Aphrodite and her love poses as an interesting background behind not only the color red itself, but the flower in which we see as romantic in modern times. What we view as sentimental and charming actually obtains fateful and grievous
roots. Lastly, one of the most common emblems of Aphrodite’s was the golden apple. This is an element that has made its appearance in bounteous well-known folk legends, fairytales, and myths. When the goddess of strife, Eris, did not receive an invitation to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, she tossed a golden apple into the crowd. The golden fruit had the words, “to the fairest” written on it, and caused a great deal of dispute. The goddesses, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite argued and bickered amongst each other when Zeus asks Hermes to lead the three goddesses to Paris of Troy where they would finally come to a conclusion. Each goddess offered the shepherd prince gifts, and Aphrodite succeeds, promising to allot him Helene, the most beautiful woman, for a wife. Because of this, apple is seen in plentiful depictions of Aphrodite in contemporary and ancient art, and has become one of her most prominent symbols. In conclusion, mythology is infused with many rich tales that have impacted all cultures of the world. These stories have influenced innumerable rituals and customs. Once one takes a glance at the meaning behind each myth, one can finally recognize and truly understand the underlying mysteries that history is filled with. Myths are defined as stories that many people believe to be true. One can associate this with factors like monsters, conflict, weapons, heroes, quests, and love. When it comes down to it, these stories were used to explain things that didn't have scientific explanation at the time. One can see this through the stories of Aphrodite and the symbols that she acquires. There lies a theme- a theme of creating reason for the unknown and developing something, someone to believe in.
“The beginning of female art found in this Aphrodite depict her as a slightly overweight, broad-shouldered, wide-hipped figure with rougher textures and harsher lines” (Berz). The Greeks found this so appealing because it looked very similar to themselves in form but because Aphrodite is na...
Ancient world literature and early civilization stories are mostly centered on human’s relationship with higher beings. Ancient civilizations were extremely religious, holding the belief that their very lives were in the hands of their almighty god or goddess. This holds true for both the people of biblical times as well as those of the epic era. However, their stories have some differences according to cultural variation but the main structure, ideas, and themes are generally found correlative. It is hard to believe that one work did not affect the others. The first great heroic epic poem of Gilgamesh and the Old Testament are parts of two cultures that are hundreds of years apart. Whereas Gilgamesh is a myth and the book of Genesis is the basis of many religions, they both have notably similar accounts of symbols, motifs, meaningful events according to the relationship between the divine and humans in literature.
In ancient times, the Greeks had absolute and undeniable respect for their gods. They demonstrated their admiration by putting in place many rituals and celebrations to reverence the gods that they loved and feared in order to ensure harmony with them. In particular, the focus will be on the religious beliefs of the Greeks, including prayer and sacrifice, as well as on festivals and the arts, such as the ancient Olympic games and theatre. These aspects of their culture made a significant contribution to their quality of life. Moreover, these topics will be examined in relation to the twelve Olympian gods and their associates.
One important reason why Aphrodite would be a good model is because she’s beautiful. The Iliad had always described Aphrodite as very beautiful and fragile. She is even said to be born out of sea foam. The text states, “Because of her beauty, other gods feared that their rivalry for her favours might lead to conflict and war” (Aphrodite).
Aphrodite is one of the most famous figures of Greek mythology, because Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture. She was desired by nearly all of the Greek gods. Aphrodite was one of the twelve main gods on Mt. Olympus, and she was the most powerful goddess when it came to members of the opposite sex. There are many origins to Aphrodite's birth. Some of them are: She arose full-grown out of the foam of the sea, She is the daughter of Zeus and Dionne, She is the daughter of Uranus and Gaia, which would make her a Titaness, or She is the daughter of Titans Oceanus and Tethys, making her an Oceanid. (Dittus 34-35) “The most common origin of her birth is her being foam-born, which is what her name means” (Parin 45). This origin says that Aphrodite arose nude and full-grown out of the foam of the sea and riding into the shore of Cythera on a scallop shell. She found Cythera to be too small of an island, so she went to live in Paphos, in Cyprus, which is still the principal seat of her worship.
Constantly causing disorder in the mortal world and between the Gods was Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sex, beauty and fertility. Aphrodite’s origin is very mysterious. There are two myths surrounding the birth of this ancient Greek deity. Aphrodite is commonly associated with jealousy and revenge. She always sought punishment for anyone who rejected her, or thought they were more perfect than her.
HEPHAESTUS AND APHRODITE APHRODITE Aphrodite is one of the most famous figures of Greek mythology. Because Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture,1 she was desired by. nearly all of the Greek gods. Aphrodite was one of the twelve main gods on Mt. Olympus,2 and she was the most powerful goddess when it came to members of the opposite sex of the sex.
Aphrodite was one of the nine that were known as the Great Goddesses, “an awful and lovely goddess,” according to Hesiod (Theogony), born of the foam that ensued when Kronos cut off Uranos’ genitals and they fell into the sea. She first walked ashore in Cyprus, and was welcomed by the Seasons (Hours):
She places in people the desire to have sexual relations and causes fear in men of the power of seduction by women. Her marriage to her husband was ignored as she had affairs with immortal and mortal men. Her infidelity in her marriage places her on the side with Greek men, rather than Greek women because only Greek men were able to cheat on their wives; not the other way around. In conclusion, the three important rules discussed in this paper that Greek women were required to obey, can be seen in the myths of the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Whether or not the Greek goddesses obeyed or did not obey these rules, their importance to the Greek culture is ever strong.
Aphrodite and Athena were both great powerful women who were revered as goddesses in greek mythology. They both were greatly worshipped, however due to their distinct personality traits they were worshipped and spoken about and very different ways. Both goddesses are immortal and female, and both seem to distinguish the incongruous gender roles between men and women throughout ancient Greece. What makes these two goddesses interesting, however, is their differences, which will determine how they will be reflected in myth. On one hand you have Athena, the androgynous goddess of war and wisdom. On the other you have Aphrodite, the goddess of love and sexuality. During this time, even among the immortals, women were seen as inferior and less
Thury, Eva and Margaret K. Devinney. “Theory: Man and His Symbols.” Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths. New York: Oxford University Press, 2013. 519-537. Print.
Both of them stand in contrapposto stance twisted along their axis with their weight tilted and their limbs bent, and their heads turn to left side downward. Aphrodite put her right hand over genitalia and left hand draping her garment over a large water pitcher. In contrast, the woman in The Greek Slave has her left hand over genitalia and right hand leaning on post draped with patterned cloth (Brooklyn Museum wall label). The significant different from Aphrodite is the Greek slave’s hands were bound together with chains, which indicates her social identity. Aphrodite, the goddess in Greek Mythology, engages in a trivial act out of everyday life. She has removed her clothing, draped it over a large water pitcher, and is stepping into the bath. The Greek slave has very similar pose but with her hands bound. She is not doing daily work like Aphrodite, but is leaning on post draped and probably waiting for sell. The Greek Slave is more details and smooth than Aphrodite of Knidos. Powers makes a return to ancient Greek by using the same pose with Aphrodite of Knidos, but expresses different social
Mythology is an essential part of all cultures. Through myth, ancient cultures attempted to explain the world and make sense of their daily lives. Myth helps us to live in the minds and time period of people who lived many centuries ago with no technology, no running water, and a basic education. Greek myth is possibly the most commonly recognized myth simply because it is likely the most developed and best recorded. Modern Greek myth originated around 1000 B.C. in the writings of the famous Greek poet Homer in the Odyssey and the Illiad. Although early Greek myths are often vague and contain many primitive elements regarding their understanding of death, sacrifice, and fate, later myths show Greek culture developed and changed over time.
Because of the under development of science, Ancient Greeks used mythologies and associated to the gods anything that they could not explain or understand, which also have revealed many aspects of their culture and society, including their views toward gods. Through the survived works of ancient Greeks, one can see that the concept of exchange plays a center role in the relationship between human beings and gods; and that the ancient Greeks had absolutely and undeniably respect for their gods, who are human-like and demand to be glorified.
Born from the remains of the castration of Uranus, Aphrodite arose from the foam in the sea and became known as the goddess of love to those who worshipped her, described by Hesoid. We see another version of her this goddess’s birth as well, from the gods Zeus and Dione, leaving a double tradition of Aphrodite’s birth and a basic duality in her character. Artemis, the Greek goddess of wild things, was born to Zeus and Leto, and remained a virgin goddess who roamed the forests with her female companions. These two goddesses disagreeing viewpoints on sexual relationships naturally set them up to have a conflicting relationship, yet their well-known trait of revenge in their myths bring a similarity to both the goddess of love and of hunting. Their personalities are compared through their primary functions in Greek mythology and physical characteristics, their behavior in myths that they are involved in, their portrayal in Greek art and literature, and if and how they are worshipped in Greek religion.