The Inspiration Behind Countless Stories | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why You Should Care About Greek Mythology ⚡

The root of so many cultures.

13905
the greek god zeus standing atop a cloud with a lightning bolt
StableDiffusion

Myths began before even the most basic understanding humans had of life. They started in ancient cultures, often as a result of visions from unknown divinity, voices heard in the howling of wind, hope for rain and for food, success in the hunt, and nearly infinite other reasons.

Myths are the precursor for art, religion, and languages, too. The fear of the unknown and what it might mean for unsuspecting people encouraged them to come up with stories or tales offering answers to so many questions that seemed unanswerable. They gave the youth, and even the elderly, a sense of moral obligation and something to look up to.

The Origins of Mythology

a depiction of the Epic of Gilgamesh, a king searching for the secret to eternal life

StableDiffusion

The earliest recorded myth comes from Sumeria in the 2100 B.C. often known as the "Epic of Gilgamesh." It consists of five poems and follows the life of a king who searches for the secret to eternal life. He discovered the gods kept life for themselves and offered humankind death. But when Gilgamesh died, his story and fame survived. He found eternal life in death.

Everyone has a life sense demanding them to be remembered by something unique, so that their life is meaningful and may affect people in a lasting way. Myth’s gave people an idea of what they could be, where they are going, and how the future might effect them. Before grand societies and cultures existed, myth’s did. A civilized state has mythology at its foundation.

The Legends of Gods

the greek god poseidon owning the sea

StableDiffusion

Greek and Roman mythology has Zeus/Jupiter at its head, the all powerful commander of lightning and the other great gods. He protects the sky, as Poseidon owns the sea, Aphrodite as the origin of beauty, or Hephaestus as the mind for innovation and machines.

Each one of these gods were something for people to refer to, pray to, when the situation calls for it. In a time of battle, the Greeks may call upon the support of Ares, while the Romans ask assistance of Mars. Thor’s hammer, Loki’s mischief, Baldur’s beauty, Njord’s sea, all gods of Norse, have roles that parallel the gods of many other myths, only on a cosmic scale. They exist in nine realms within our known universe, as modern day recreations have shown.

Since the beginning of human consciousness, grand stories of heroism and potential have circulated the world before people even knew they were not the only ones occupying Earth. Each culture’s mythology have different names and are unique in their scale, but the foundations of them all are very similar. The stories and gods exhibit similar properties to many others.

The Inspiration Behind Countless Stories

king arthur stands tall, inspired by greek mythology

StableDiffusion

People from long ago looked to their stories of myth as we look to the creations of our imaginations, most of which have a link to what was told in the past. Hundreds of unique tales of the Greek gods are retold all the time. Modern day literature has a hardline connected to the ancient tradition of myth. King Arthur, Moby Dick, the tale of Jonah: they are all widely known and well understood, though their stories are some of the oldest records of human history.

The roots of Mythology are so deep into human culture and shape us in enormously significant ways. They give us direction and purpose. Perhaps part of the reason we seek refuge in the stars with our development of near fictional technology is due to the longing our species has felt to know how the gods of the Greeks lived.

The Next Chapter of Humanity

the art of storytelling, inspired by greek mythology

Mythology has caused wars over whose stories are correct. It has sprouted cultures and influenced humanity, and it will continue to affect the world and inspire people far beyond the day humans reach the corners of the universe.

Report this Content
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

682
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

447207
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

20388
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

43688
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments