Greek Temple

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I find Charles’ connection of a functionalist perspective and the Homeric Hymn to Apollo very interesting; how certain ancient Greek cities or aspects in the ancient Greek society utilized the hymns and myths to validate and justify their social and economic status. As much as I agree with most of what Charles has pointed out, there are some points to his response in which I would like to elaborate on. Most religious buildings are intended for congregational worship, a place where people could go to reaffirm their faith and worship their god. Ancient Greek temples were used in a different manner. Instead of being a place for worship, Greek temples were mostly meant to be used as homes for the god that protected that city. One of the main focuses …show more content…

Let’s take a quick step back and refocus on the power that Leto and Apollo had: they were gods and goddesses, one Zeus’ wife and the other Zeus’ child. They had power and status. Leto could have tried to bribe another location, with the fame and glory her unborn son would have brought, to take her in and allow her to give birth. Yet, she did not. She waited until she arrived at Delos to beg for acceptance and hospitality. In Apollo’s case, after figuring out that Telphousa had tricked him, he could have very well continued with his original desire to build his temple near Telphousa’s stream, yet he doesn’t. So, why didn’t he? He had the means to do so. This is where the phrase “will of the gods” comes into play. Although Leto and Apollo made the final decision in choosing their respective locations, it feels as if there was an even higher power that hindered their paths and directed them to the perfect location for their cause. This is why I think the concept for the goddess and god being rejected is important, as it only emphasizes the first point Charles talks about: the justification cities would have from these myths for buildings these temples. By some will, this city and island were chosen to worship the god Apollo, which is why the ancient Greek society did so by building temples decorated with the finest things and

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