The Contradictory Nature of Greek Gods and Godesses

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Many Greek gods were seen as both benefactors and tormentors, typically it depends on which god or goddess you are researching about. The seemingly contradictory behavior of the gods, acting as both benefactors and tormentors of man, can readily be explained when viewed in light of the prime directive for man, to worship the gods and not “overstep,” and the ensuing “Deus ex Mahina” which served to coerce man to fulfill his destiny as evidenced by the myths: “Pandora,” “Arachne, and “Odysseus.” Humankind and it’s range of vision over the gods beauty and power portrayed them to be benefactors but unseemingly it depicted their affliction towards humans. A Benefactor is someone who benefits or helps a person in real life, some of the greek gods intercede with the humans. One of the greatest benefactors of mankind is the greek Titan Prometheus; Prometheus stole fire from the great gods and gave it to mankind. He is known to be called “the Titan who created man from clay” and “the wise Titan God.” Prometheus was told to have the ability to scrutinize the future.When the gods battled in “Titanomachy” Zeus extradited the Titans to Tartarus but spared Prometheus because he did not fight against the other Gods along with the other Titans. The myth of Prometheus, Zeus was trying to keep the knowledge of fire and the ability to have power away from mankind. As their creator, Prometheus became more affectionate towards humans and wanted them to have a better life so in order for that to happen, the Titan stole fire from the Gods. It was also known that he stole the knowledge of some skills from Athena and Hephaestus and brought them to man. Prometheus is known to be a trickster god. He was the benefactor and protector of humans. According ... ... middle of paper ... ...ne by one he eats the men up until there are only 4 men left along with Odysseus. Odysseus tricks the cyclops into opening the door and stabs his eye with a wooden stake. The 5 men escape, as a result for hurting his son's eye, Poseidon curses Odysseus to never to go home, and if he does his loved ones and his friends will abandon him. The myths which prove the contradictory behavior of the gods, acting as both benefactors and tormentors of man, can readily be explained when viewed in light of the prime directive for man, to worship the gods and not “overstep,” and the ensuing “Deus ex Mahina” which served to coerce man to fulfill his destiny as evidenced by the myths: “Pandora,” “Arachne, and “Odysseus.” Humankind and it’s range of vision over the gods beauty and power portrayed them to be benefactors but unseemingly it depicted their affliction towards humans.

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