The impact of Greek Mythology on Western Culture
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The impact of Greek mythology on modern culture
Greek Mythology is simply a collection of legends and myths that is richly ingrained in Greek culture. Greek mythology contains the Greek heroes and gods, the explanations concerning the nature of the world and the origin and the significance of the Greek cult and ritual practices. Although these myths and legendary tales belonged to the ancient Greek, the modern culture still borrows a lot of elements from this ancient culture. Over the years, civilization has taken place in varied parts of the world. With the development of a new civilization, a different culture emerges. The culture enhanced by civilization can be known through the proposed ideas, media, the thought process and every other single detail that is available in the same society. Greek mythology is one of the oldest myths. It has influenced many aspects of the current world. This paper avails details showing how ancient Greek mythology has impacted various aspects and fields in modern society.
Greek mythology is one of the oldest mythology passed through generations. It was told majorly through oral means like songs and poems. The works done by Homer were the first classic writings of Culture. These works were specifically the Iliad and Odyssey among others and are believed to be produced in the 8th century. Being the first known Greek writings, they attracted more writings that detailed the Greek culture and mythology in general. The prime content of these epics is about the twelve deities that were living on Mount Olympus. It is due to this reason that these deities were generally referred to as the Olympians. It was believed that these gods and goddesses oversaw the lives of the human being. Further, it is the same deities that controlled every other aspect concerning human beings. The references of such deities are still being used in other disciplines even in the modern world. They have influenced modern life in science, language and literature. It is the Greek myths that attempt to explain what life is and the origin of life and its aspects.
Source of Greek mythology
Greek mythology is sourced from Greek literature and other visual representations that date back from 800-900B.C onward. The archaeological sources and literary sources are the prime origins of Greek mythology. Mythical narration plays an imperative role in every given genre of Greek Literature. However, the Pseudo-Apollodorus is the graphical handbook that survived all these years of Greek mythology, and it is used to give a general summary of the heroic legends and the Greek mythology[1]. This handbook helps provide clarity in the contradictory poems and tales given by varied authors concerning Greek mythology.
Iliad and the Odyssey are the earliest poems by Homer that are fundamental in explaining Greek mythology. The “ epic cycle” was a collection done by other poets in explaining Greek mythology. However, most of the poems in the epic cycle got lost, leaving Homer’s work the prime sources detailing the Greek mythology. Further, Hesiod, who is believed to have been close with Homer, is also a prime source of the Greek mythology[2]. He is known for his work concerning Theogony, that is the origin of the gods. He gives a fuller account concerning the early Greek myths that deal with the creation of the world. Further, this work also covers the origin of the giants, the titans and the gods while elaborating some of the earliest myths, tales and genealogies in the Greek tradition. Hesiod also worked on a didactic poem which availed some imperative details. These details include some myths of Pandora, Prometheus as well as the four ages. This author avails advice on the tactics of surviving in a perilous world[3].
Other archaeological sources act as the visual representation of the existence of greek mythology. Some of these archaeological sources include the discovery of the geometric designs situated in one of the potteries made in the 8th century. Other visual representations are depicting the Trojan circle as well as the known adventures of Heracles. The visual representations are imperative since they aid in explaining the earliest Greek myths which are not covered in the other literary sources. Further, these sources are also a representation of the mythical scenes and narratives that are not yet covered in the literary sources.
Impact of Greek mythology on language
The literature compiled by ancient Greece was so paramount that it was the major source of preservation of the Greek culture that is now influencing the modern culture. The authors of these Greek literature were legendary, and they left huge marks for the development of language, specifically the English language. Greek literature is the prime source of some of the themes and styles used in modern literature. Further, they are the source of histories and words that are being utilized in explaining different aspects of life. The Greek is reputed to be the central people in the European civilization who came up with complex literature. Their early works have impacted today’s language in varied ways. Some styles of writing like history, comedy, philosophy and poetry originated from ancient Greece.
Poetry is one of the oldest styles of writing literature. Epic poetry is usually a long poem that explains the accomplishments and the general life of a hero. The best example of the ancient Greek in epic poetry in Homer’s work, Iliad and Odyssey. These two epic poetries contain stories with many aspects of history, fiction and mythology. However, they represent a clear display of how the Greek remembered their own past. Additionally, these two poems are one of the frequently read poems in the current age since they act as standards in storytelling in the present age. Further, the classical period was the era that the Greek Civilization was approaching its epitome. The classical era took place in the fourth and the fifth century. It was at this time that literature commenced, blossomed and greatly expanded. It was then that several styles of writing emerged.
History is one of the writing styles that was introduced by Greeks. Herodotus is a man reputed for writing the first book that is known for being the source of historical writing[4]. He was the first person who collected some historical materials and arranged them in their order of existence and arranged them to form a single and consistent narrative. Although he mixed some myths in his narration, he had managed to avail the most accurate representation of a given time. It was then that most of the rulers commenced writing some important events in the order of their happening hence continuing with the act of historical writing. Most historians are still observing the trend of writing historical tales in the present day.
Further, Greek mythology is one of the prime sources from which English words are formed. According to other estimates, there are more than 150000 English words that have their origin is drawn from Greek language[5]. Most of these words include some scientific and technical terms and other common and simple words. In English, most of the words that start with the phrase “Ph…” are usually from a Greek origin. Examples of such words include philosophy, phrase, photo, physical and philanthropy. Further, English contains many morphemes that are sourced from the Greek language.
Additionally, Greek mythology has had a huge influence in the field of arts and literature. Most of the expressions in English have their source from the ancient beliefs and myths of the Greek. An example is an expression of having an Achilles heel, which means to have a weak point. Achilles was one of the major characters in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. He was a hero, although he was only vulnerable at the heel. Another expression used in English and has its origin from Greek mythology is the expression of having a Midas touch. This expression is used to mean that an individual has the ability to succeed in everything they touch. This expression has its origin in one of the stories in Greek mythology, the story of King Midas. King Midas is remembered for his unique ability to turn everything he touched into gold.
Many other expressions, clichés, and proverbs in English have their source in Greek mythology. Examples of expressions are being caught between a rock and a hard place or being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Both of these expressions are derived from Greek mythology, specifically explaining the tales of two sailors who were sailing between two monsters, Scylla and Charybdis. Having crocodile tears is one of the common idioms in English that has its origin from Greek mythology. The expressions come from the belief that crocodiles usually weep in the event when they are eating their victims. The idiom is usually used in English to describe a kind of insecure sorrow.
The impact of Greek mythology on modern science
The Greeks are remembered as being the pioneers in the fields of science and maths. The fundamental facts and ideas in geometry and other mathematical proofs originate from some of the Greek pioneers like Pythagoras, Archimedes, and Euclid. The breakthroughs of these Mathematical scholars and pioneers are being taught and applied even in modern society. Additionally, some of the greatest astronomical knowledge is sourced from Greek mythology. The models that were given by the ancient Greeks are still being used to give a picture of how the solar system works. The solar system is said to be heliocentric. Heliocentric is a term that is used to refer to the arrangement of the solar system where the sun is at the centre, is surrounded by the other nine planets. Further, “ Heliocentric” is a term that also means that the other planets are surrounding Helios. Helios was the Greek Sun God. Further, some of the Zodiac signs and Constellations have been named after the myths which were perpetrated by the ancient Greeks[6]. Some of these names include Leo, Scorpius, and Capricorn.
Moreover, the naming of the planets has a great influence from Greek mythology. These planets are named according to the Roman version of Greek gods. Mars, for example, was a Greek god who was in charge of the war, and Venus was the Goddess of war. Additionally, most of the astral works have sourced their name from ancient Greek mythology. Jupiter’s innermost moon is referred to as Metis. Metis is a name from Greek mythology, referring to the wife of Zeus[7]. Additionally, the other names of the moons found in Jupiter, like Lo, Amalthea, Adrastea and Thebe are still Greek names which have their origin from Greek mythology. The trend of naming things, phenomena and other elements based on Greek mythology have been consistent over the years. Martin Klaproth is a known German chemist who is reputed for the discovery of the element, Titanium[8]. He named this element based on the knowledge of Greek mythology concerning the Titans. Moreover, the general symbol in the medical field is a snake that is intertwined on a tree. This medical symbol is referred to as the God of medicine, also called the father of modern medicine. Doctors need to take a Hippocratic approach before undertaking their activities. This same tradition has been passed down from the early tradition of the Greeks. Greek mythology is still playing a key role in the fields of science and medicine.
The Impact of Greek mythology on the modern Western Culture.
Greek mythology is well known for being the widest mythology that exists in the world. The ancient Greco- Roman literature is the source that helps in unearthing the Greco-Roman mythology. Greek mythology was not only based on complete content; it was also known for high systemization. Most of the known philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle and Plato and other historians like Herodotus are mostly quoted from Greek mythology. Further, some of the greatest works in art and some well-known masterpieces are based on plots and figures fetched from Greek mythology. Rembrandt, Leonardo Da Vinci and Rubens are known artists that gifted their coming generations with their artworks which were based from the ancient Greek mythology[9].
In the present culture, there are many places and activities of influence which draws their origin from ancient Greek mythology. Some of the examples include brands of some sport shoes, the name given to some meals, the design used in construction and some of the music and the poem that is used in studies. Some of the names used in the modern world have their origin attached to Ancient Greek Mythology. Amazon, for example, is one of the biggest online stores in the world. the name is given after a group of strong women warriors that were trained to combat their enemies[10]. This is one of the tales present in Greek mythology. Additionally, Pandora is one of the best-known Jewellery brands. This Brand fetched its name from Greek mythology, describing a mortal woman named Pandora[i]. Her name meant that she was all gifted. Further, Hermes is a company that has specialized in most of the luxury goods, perfumes and other accessories. Also, the name has an origin in Greek mythology since it refers to a messenger of the Greek gods. Dove was a symbol of the goddess of beauty in Greek mythology. She was known as Aphrodite. Uniliver company owns a brand that has the same name. Further, the space Program that takes astronauts to the moon is referred to as Apollo. This name is based on the ability of a god as an archer in Greek mythology. Among the other names, individuals also name their boys and girls with names that have an origin in Greek mythology. Names such as Damon, Troy and Jason are boys name with their foundation based on Greek mythology. The other girl’s name that shares the same history includes Helen, Phoebe, Rhea and Penelope, among others.
Additionally, the modern Olympics is an idea that commenced in Ancient Greece together with its colonies. These games started in ancient Greece in a city known as Olympia [11]. The Olympic games were held at an interval of four years. These games were done in honour of Zeus, who was the king of gods in Greek mythology. In these games, the participating teams had to win to share the luxury winning both fame and glory. Further, other events would necessitate the statues of winners to be formed. Additionally, some faces of the winners would be put on coins to appreciate their hard work and commitment[12]. Even in modern times, there are activities done in the Olympics whose origin is the Ancient Greek. Some of these activities include the opening and closing celebrations, the olive leaf crowns which are usually placed on winner’s head in Olympics and the lighting of the Olympic games.
Further, in the sports industry, there are other names of clubs and teams with the history of Greek mythology. Most of the footballs and basketballs in schools are usually named after the Trojans, Titans and Spartans[13]. The Orlando Apollos in the American football had their inspiration for this name from God Apollo. Additionally, Greek architecture is also one of the prime inspiration to modern architectural designs and trends. The columns and the pillars in most buildings is an example of an inspiration drawn from Greek mythology. The Parthenon is one of the magnificent structures that is situated in Athens. This structure was built to be a temple that was dedicated to Athena, who was the Queen of Gods in Greek mythology. Most of the Greek structures had their inspiration from the ability and the stories of a given God. Currently, most buildings use pillars as part of their structure, and an architectural design fetched from Greek culture.
As seen above, it is clear that most of the aspects, activities and characteristics of the western culture are drawn from the ancient Greek. Generally, Western civilization is well influenced by Greek mythology in several ways. The literature and art are some of the basic units which have been greatly influenced by the wide Greek mythology. Many aspects have their influence from Greek mythology. As seen in this article, the language, medicine and science and the general western Culture have many robust aspects of ancient Greek mythology. Greek mythology is not only wide in use and coverage; it is also a broad aspect in its application in the modern world.
Bibliography
Primary sources
Hesiod, Glenn W. Hesiod: Theogony, Works and Days, Testimonia. Vol. 1. Loeb Classical Library, 2006.
Saïd, Suzanne. Homer and the Odyssey. Oxford University Press, 2011.
Secondary sources
Fu, Xinhui. “Analysis of the Introduction of Greek Mythology in College English Teaching.” In 3rd International Conference on Contemporary Education, Social Sciences and Humanities (ICCESSH 2018). Atlantis Press, 2018.
Sheng, Xiaomin. “Cultural and value differences of the goddess in Ancient Greece and China.” European Scientific Journal (2017).
Zhdanov, Vladimir V., and Polina S. Zhorova. “The Problem of the Genesis of Greek Philosophy in Modern Cultural Studies: Orientalism vs Eurocentrism.” 2nd International Conference Shenad on Contemporary Education, Social Sciences and Ecological Studies (CESSES 2019). Atlantis Press, 2019.
[1] Hesiod, theogony, Page 23
[2] Hesiod, theogony, Page 33
[3] Hesiod, theogony, Page 13
[4] Said, Homer and Odyssey, Page 45
[5] Fu, Analysis of Greek mythology, Page 26
[6] Hesiod, theogony, Page 23
[7] Hesiod, theogony, Page 33
[8] Said, Homer and Odyssey, Page 18
[9] Sheng, Cultural and Value differences in Ancient Greece, Page 24
[10] Said, Homer and Odyssey, Page 11
[11] Hesiod, theogony, Page 53
[12] Hesiod, theogony, Page 23
[13] Zhdanov et al., the problem of Greek philosophy on Modern culture, Page 19