Greek Mythologies Gods and Mortals in Greek Literature

Greek mythologies arise from various cultural aspects of the Greek society; however, the role of the divinities in human affairs is particularly accentuated in most, if not all, Greek mythologies. Nevertheless, each author displays the role of divinities and supernatural differently, as Homer in The Odyssey and The Iliad displays direct interaction between the supernatural divinities and the mortals. On the other hand, Sophocles’ Antigone lessens such interactions and emphasizes the human role, while Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War completely ignores the notion of divine power, but focuses impartially on the actions of men and their consequences. Therefore, such difference of perspectives gives rise to the conflict between†¦show more content†¦The prophecy of Tiresias serves the role of warning Creon, who violated the divine law, of the upcoming consequences if his actions. Homer’s presentation of the gods and their roles has been criticized directly, as in Thucydides’ historical recount ridiculing Homer’s exaggeration of what is mythological, and indirectly, through Sophocles’ Antigone lack of immediate interference of the gods in human affairs. However, Homer shares the Sophocles opinion on the priority of obeying the divine law and providing proper burial, for this is displayed in Thetis message â€Å"gods frown upon you†¦you hold Hektor beside the curved ships and did not redeem him. Come, then, give him up and accept ransom for the body.† (Iliad 24.132-140), Since Achilles has been torturing Hektor’s body and refusing to give him a proper burial, and the gods had to bribe him with ransom to release the body. Within the First chapter of Homer’s Iliad the influence and role of the gods is emphasized in the progression of the events, â€Å"Zeus son and Letos, Apollo, who in anger at the king drove the foul pestilence along the host, and the people perished, since Atreus son had dishonoured Chryses, priest of Apollo†(Iliad 1.9-1.11). This quote indicates the major difference between Homer and Thucydides’ approach to recounting historical events, as Homer associated theShow MoreRelatedGreek Mythology And The Mythology1154 Words   |  5 Pagesand lessons of Greek mythology have shaped art and literature for thousands of years. Later Greek writers and artists used and elaborated upon these sources in their own work. Did you know that in ancient Greece, stories about gods and goddesses and heroes and monsters were an important part of everyday life. They explained everything from rituals to the weather, and they gave meaning to the world people saw around them. Many consumer products get their names from Greek mythology. For example sportsRead MoreGreek Mythology Throughout The Ages916 Words   |  4 PagesGreek Mythology throughout the Ages Greek mythology is the culmination of myths and teaching that began in Ancient Greek. These myths are diverse in the stories that they tell ranging from their gods, their heroes and the nature of the world. They also reveal much about their religious beliefs and practices during Ancient Greece. Today modern scholars study these myths in an attempt to better understand the religious and political practices of Ancient Greece and its civilization of way back whenRead MoreGreek Gods in Antigone1269 Words   |  6 PagesMay 2012 The Greek Gods and Their Role in Antigone The Greek gods were thought of as the most powerful forces to ever exist in ancient times. In turn, they played a pivotal role in the Greek people’s lives. Their power and influence over the Greek people is evident in many of the stories in Greek literature. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, the most powerful Greek gods, each played a part in the story of Antigone by Sophocles. Throughout the play, â€Å"God† refers to Zeus, the king of gods. Antigone’sRead MoreDevine Interaction: Greek Mythology Essay1398 Words   |  6 PagesIn Greek mythology and literature, the Gods are always present in some shape or form. It has been recorded in ancient Greek literature that the Gods interacted with mortal humans quite often. Nothing would change a mortal human’s life more than interacting with the Gods. What is the reason for such events? The Olympian Gods constantly intervene with the mortals, but what is the cause? The Gods show their power over mortal men through divine interaction, physically and psychologically. The GodsRead MoreDifferences and Similarities of Greek and Roman Gods1714 Words   |  7 Pages Mythological gods are a subject that has fascinated many for centuries. Some of the more popular gods are the Greek gods and t he Roman gods. On many occasions people have confused the gods of these two ancient civilizations. Fo r instance when a person thinks of the goddess of love they may think of Venus or Aphrodite and think that they are one and the same. They are not though, Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and Venus her Roman counter part. When thinking of the God of Love, CupidRead MoreAnalysis Of Arachne And Minerva As A Didactic Work Of Mythology1301 Words   |  6 PagesCrimes of Heaven: Defining â€Å"Arachne and Minerva† as a Didactic Work of Mythology An ancient prose narrative, all versions of â€Å"Arachne and Minerva† warn readers of the consequences facing those who disrespect the gods by recounting Athena’s actions when faced with mortal hubris. In studying prose narratives, William Bascom defined a valid myth as one: set in an earlier world, focused on a main character of a divine nature, and considered sacred and true by its original audience. Ovid’s â€Å"ArachneRead MoreThe Importance Of Greek Mythology1605 Words   |  7 Pagesare inspired by Greek mythology. Sports brands, movies and T.V shows, the most complicated technology, books and many more, are all examples of Greek Mythology. If you take modern day items that we use and compare it to Greek mythology, believe it or not there is a big connection. But how come people today are inspired by Greek mythology? Also, why is Greek mythology important to us if they were just myths? It was such a while ago, so why do people still reflect off of it? Literature Review- SummaryRead MoreWhy Greek Mythology Is Still Relevant Today And Why We Still Use It1585 Words   |  7 Pagesinspired by Greek mythology. Sports brands, movies and T.V shows, the most complicated technology, books and many more, are all examples of Greek Mythology. If you take modern day items that we use and compare it to Greek mythology, believe it or not there is a big connection. This essay will explain about why Greek mythology is still relevant today and why we still use it. Literature Review- Summary #1 In â€Å"The Greek Gods† from The Romans Anne Millard and Susan Peach describes that the Greeks hadRead MoreGreek Mythology : Greek And Roman Mythology885 Words   |  4 Pagesculture. (Rosenberg) With Greek and Roman Mythology we learn or are introduced to the idea of how the universe is formed, we learn about love and of course we learn about tragedy. Greek and Roman mythology has a strong influence on our culture today. The Greek culture affects our everyday way of life. They created democracy, the alphabet, libraries, the Olympics, math, science, architecture, and even lighthouses. (Unknown) Greek and Roman mythology go hand in hand with gods and heroes, the significanceRead MoreDivine intervention dealing with Greek myths, especially The Odyssey and The Iliad.1474 Words   |  6 PagesDivine intervention is a feature of ancient Greek literature. One is amazed and even dumbfounded by the magical myths so frequently referred to. In Greek literature, the gods play an immen se role in the lives and fates of the mortal dwellers of the earth. As one examines the gods throughout the myths and epic poems of the Greeks, one recieves a strong impression that the gods play with and manipulate mortals and each other. One goddess who exemplifies this is the great goddess Athena. This daughter