Role Of Aphrodite In Greek Mythology

Greek and Roman Mythology
From the beginning of time, humans have created myths in order to explain the everyday occurrences in their world. The tales of mythological creatures were spun as a means of understanding nature and the manifestations of her power. For example, thunder frightened many people, and no one understood where it came from or why it happened. So, to ease their minds, a story of a great god, Zeus, that ruled the sky was created. From then on, great gods and goddesses were created for a myriad of reasons. Numerous stories concerning the mythological Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, and monsters around the world continue to be passed from generation to generation via books, lineage, and beliefs.
Greek mythology was

begun long ago to described the creation of the world through tales where the son took the place of his father. In this myth, Zeus is the son of Cronus which led the Olympian Gods. Zeus took his father's legacy and went on as king ruling the gods and goddesses of the Greeks (Cartwright). Zeus is the god of thunder, and he also controls the weather. He is most often known as the, “cloud gatherer.” Zeus struggled with the power that was given to him, and many others tried to dethrone him (Cartwright). However, no one could take the mighty Zeus’s throne away, and for that he was respected. He is also known as the
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“Great Punisher” but also a “Peacemaker,” and to have these abilities to be able to severely discipline, but also to make peace put fear in the hearts of many gods. Zeus had two wives, but had thirty-two offspring which are greatly known throughout history (Cartwright). Zeus has five siblings which are Hades, Poseidon, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera. Hades is the god of the underworld, the final destination for souls of the dead, and is the most feared of the gods. However, Poseidon is the god of the sea and rivers, creator of storms and floods, and the bringer of destruction (Cartwright). Seeing how he can cause thousands of deaths by one storm, he is known as the most disruptive of his five siblings.
Roman mythology was created for the same reason as the Greeks. Even though Romans had the same concept as the Greeks, their beliefs were different. In their version, Mars, better known as Ares in Greek mythology, is the god of war, and the most important god of the Roman deity (Kinsey 174). He is known for being the greatest warrior of Roman mythology (174). Another god Saturn, identified as Cronus in Greek mythology, is the god of agriculture. He was the ruler of the Roman gods and goddesses and was widely worshiped throughout Rome in the Golden Age (Kinsey 261).

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Goddesses play an enormous role in Greek and Roman mythology.

Two of the better known goddesses of Greek mythology are Aphrodite and Athena. Aphrodite is the goddess of love, and she is known as a very passionate character (Bolton 60). She is described as generous and benevolent in everything she does and to everyone she meets. Despite her appearance, she enjoys intervening in other humans, gods, and even goddesses’s lives (60). However, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, crafts and skills, and was held highly by mortal and immortals alike (Bolton 58). Unlike her brother, she is not bloodthirsty, and would rather see peace among friends than war

(58).
In Roman Mythology, Diana and Vesta are two greatly known goddesses. Diana, others know her as Artemis, is the goddess of the hunt, pregnancy, and childbirth. Her name describes her as the, “Bright One,” and it is seemingly correct because she is intelligent (Kinsey 70). Vesta, or in other words Hestia, is the goddess of hearth. She is an essential member of the Roman pantheon. Her worship was a central feature of Roman Life (Kinsey 290).
Greek and Roman mythology alike also have myths about monsters. Medusa was once a mortal Gorgon, but was cursed by Athena out of jealousy. Athena wanted Medusa to be alone for the rest of her life (Cartwright). As a result of the
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curse Medusa gained snakes as hair, and if anyone looked into her eyes they were turned into stone.

Medusa’s life was ended by Perseus when he beheaded her to defeat the Kraken. In these myths numerous monsters were created to challenge the gods (Cartwright). A Chimaera is a fire-breathing monster, with a head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake. She is the daughter of Typhon and Echidna, and she spent her time terrorizing the people of Lycia (Bolton 208). A minotaur has the body of a man with the head of a bull. He is the son of Pasiphae, and he constructed an enormous maze underground (Bolton 211). A Cacus is also a fire-breathing monster and a three-headed giant. He is the son of Hephaestus and Medusa, and he lived in a cave and stayed to himself. His most famous myth involves the quest of Heracles (Bolton

214).
Mythology remains an interesting subject to research. Although modern scientists have provided humans an explanation to their inquiries about natural events in the universe, it is still entertaining to read and to learn about how the Greeks and Romans once ruled. Some people continue to believe in these myths that were created so long ago, and they continue to be passed down to readers today.

Greek and Roman Mythology

Shelby Hubbard
English 12
Third Block
March 3, 2017

Mrs. Kay Hart
Room 106
Scotts Hill High School

Works Cited
Bolton, Lesley. The Everything Classical Mythology Book. Avon, MA: Adams
Media Corporation.
Cartwright, Mark. “Greek Mythology.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. 29 July
2012. 13 February 2017
.
Kinsey, Brian, ed. Gods and Goddesses of Greece and Rome. New York: Marshall
Cavendish Corporation, 2012.