How Did Greece Influence Greek Mythology

Mythology was a device utilised by ancient societies to explain the surrounding world, embedding the beliefs into the civilisation’s culture. It is commonly accepted that Greek mythology is an independent medium. However, foreign elements derived from the east are evident throughout Greek myth. Foreign influence is consequential to the foreign relations between Greece and other Mediterranean powers. Greek mythology possesses distinct Egyptian elements within its structure, themes and personalities validating the significant influence of Egyptian mythology on Greek mythology.

The close relationships between the Mediterranean powers enabled Egyptian influence to reach the Aegean world. Egyptian influence on Greece was dominant during the Bronze

The iconic Egyptian artistic style involves the representation of mythological personalities as half-human, half-animal. The trade of art pieces from Egypt would have born this distinct art style, and in combination with the accompanying stories to sell the piece, Egyptian folklore was able to reach the Greek people. The Egyptian influence evident in the animal motifs within Greek mythology. The Greek tale, Metamorphosis and Wandering of Io, contains major comparisons between Hera and the Egyptian goddess Hathor. For the story of Io, refer to Appendix C. Hathor was the goddess of fertility, motherhood, nursing and the guardian of women, reflecting a similar responsibility to Hera’s role as the patron of women and their activities. The development of Hera under the influence of Hathor is supported by the dates of origin. Hathor was clearly instated into Egyptian myths by the fourth dynasty. Hera’s origins derive from the Bronze Age of Greece, the date compatible to the initial period of trade between Egypt and Greece. An alternative name for Hera, is βοῶπις, meaning ‘cow-eyed.’ Hathor is often depicted with the features of a cow, ‘who straddled the heavens, with her four legs representing the cardinal points.’ Hera’s cow reference is clearly derived from Hathor, in which was brought to Greece in the Bronze Age. The representation of Hathor to span the heavens depicts the Hathor as a representative of the heavens, resembling Hera’s role as the queen of all gods and goddesses, as well as residing in the heavens. The cow is also a sacred symbol of Hera, providing an explanation for Io conveniently changing into a cow and being presented to Hera. The parallels between the goddesses exhibit the significant extent of Egyptian myth on Greek legends. The nature of mythology is ever changing, as a