Within the tree of study regarding the world’s classical myths protrudes one of the most important branches, Greek mythology. This collection of stories and myths passed down throughout the centuries provoked vital contemplations on the natural development of the world and its citizens, while also spreading knowledge on the derivation of the many heroes, gods, and other mythological creatures and the ways in which society used their ritualistic practices in devotion. Modern day historians are continuing their development of knowledge regarding Greek myth and folklore from a literary point of view, the boldness of each becoming more apparent with progressed time and research. The understanding of classical mythmaking itself is crucial to the review of the past’s works. One must acknowledge the complexity of the developmental process. Most myths contain heroes and heroines of the past, holding some type of power or exaggerated characteristic, positive or negative (Fig.1). The figures in the stories had an increased complexity in comparison to that of a normal citizen. Regarding their powers, they were not at full potential as a god would be. Although there are some rare exceptions, myth was generally an aggrandized take on ordinary Greek life, opposing the common thought of extreme surrealness and immense fantasy.
Many renowned poets, such as the highly regarded Homer, used their works of poetry and other mythological writings to work out personal thoughts and contemplations, while also pondering the derivation of many aspects of the world. Major influential beliefs and ideas in the category of both philosophy and history have emerged from famous myths. It also provided the most prominent subject matter of visual art in all forms, including sculpture, ceramics, and more (Fig.2). The development literature undertook over time intertwined with both the common and individualized variations of mythical thought and belief. As did the other areas of the world, Greece had its own set of customs and beliefs regarding cosmogonies. The comprehensive outlook in terms of the creation of the world and how society advanced developed tremendously over time, in part due to these legends. Many texts supported an umbrella of beliefs with very little opposition, including the Theogony of Hesiod, written in the 8th century BCE by the first author of systematic mythology. Its contents include an extremely detailed and comprehensive genealogical explanation of some of the earliest mythological figures and the creation of the world out of chaos. The Olympian gods, heroes, and other fabled creatures were the main focus points in Hesiod’s famous work. Even the power dynamics between women and men in society were discussed. Early philosophers had no agreed thought on how mankind came to be, although there were many subjective beliefs present. There was no standardized literary structure or material of a myth. Each had its own distinctive aspects and focus. For example, the Homeric epic was depicted as soothing the bizarre and horrible, neglecting to acknowledge topics such as murder, inbreeding, both pan and homosexual love, human sacrifice, and much more. In a specific instance, Homer fails to mention the sacrifice of Iphigenia, attempting to purify the extremely negative. Some subject matters were more uneventful, surrounding daily rituals. Others relate to the reversal of ordinary life, such as the rejection of women’s femininity, lifestyle, and above all, beliefs. Their greatness was believed to be stored in childbearing and marriage. The free-spirited minds were frowned upon.
Myth was also used to promote political powers and worldly expansion, both culturally and geographically. Ancient folklore was the primary knowledge of all early history, preserving the past’s figures, locations, and important events. The way in which antiquated myth discussed its lifestyle pushed the ancient Greek civilization to depend on the community and those around them, as opposed to doing things individually. Most men were described through the relation of gods and what their spot was in society. It was believed if the power of man went too far and stretched the limitations, they would be struck down by the gods, condemning themselves to death, regardless of the close relationship between the two. In Archaic myth, the temptation to question morality was common, extremely influencing the work in which came after. Myth truly began developing into what many know of now when thinking of the topic after the rise of technical philosophy and the variations of prose in the late 5th century BC. The advanced mythical genealogies provided a conception that excluded the supernatural. Cosmic speculation of myth promoted inspiration for the humanities, including the minds of the Presocratic philosophers, overtime opposing logos. The older myths were kept alive through the continuation of cults and the prolonged impact they had on poetry and literary works. There are major parallels in the rise of Greek civilization within the tails of the gods. The influence of myth from the ancient areas of the world continues to inspire numerous aspects of the modern world known today.
Figure 1- Water Jar Portraying Herakles and Triton, 530-520 B.C., Terracotta, Anonymous Artist, Attica/Athens, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
This piece from the late Archaic period displays Herakles exaggerated strength in the conflict with Nereus, one of sea gods and oldest son of Pontus and Gaia.
Figure 2- Column-Krater (Mixing Bowl), ca. 460 BCE, Terracotta, Anonymous Artist, Athens, Art Institute, Chicago.
This bowl’s style was commonly used for mixing wine at special events for citizens. The mythological scene shows the anger of Zeus and how powerful he truly is. He is seen striking Salmoneus dead with his lightning bolt after the king of Elis was caught impersonating the powerful god.
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