Fri, 26 Apr, 2024

Opinion

Greek Mythology and Its Influence Today

21-Jun-2021

By Richa Rajendra

Img Src: Mythopedia

To some, the words "Greek Mythology" conjure up images of unfathomably beautiful gods and goddesses, fire and brimstone, roaring beasts, and larger-than-life heroes. A person who does not look below the surface may conclude that these stories are nothing more than fancy tales recounted by old storytellers from the past, yet a closer investigation of the stories reveals much more. These myths aren't just legends, and even though they're "only stories," they have a deeper meaning and purpose. If you go further into Greek Mythology, you'll find morals, philosophies, and even warnings. In reality, these stories provide readers a glimpse into how the Greeks lived and thought throughout that time period. Although it appears to be hopelessly out of date and irrelevant, the contrary is true.
There are so many Greek influences now all throughout the world. Indeed, without encountering certain Greek myths, it is difficult to properly comprehend the principles of fine arts, literature, and performing arts. These stories were an important component of ancient Greek Civilization since they were the primary way to pass along learning from one generation to the next without things becoming monotonous. People were taught these myths to help them understand the difference between right and wrong. It taught them to be humble and to never believe in their own immortality. These stories also discuss heroes and how those who ventured achieved true greatness, while also exposing the flaws of these heroes.
The question now arises as to why modern individuals are still required to study them. The answer is simple to learn. These legends tell modern people about how people thought in the past, what they valued, and how their morals functioned, among other things. Another incentive to study Greek Mythology is that its symbolism has left an indelible effect on both ancient and modern literature. The fact that they are mythical does not negate the fact that they include essential principles and teachings that are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago. It has been suggested that simply studying or reading some of these myths can educate people on how to better manage their behaviors or, at the very least, think critically about what they do. After all, many of these stories show how human ignorance, folly, and even hubris led to catastrophe. In a way, these myths serve as a warning to people about what they should and shouldn't do. The irony is that most people continue to follow their irrational thoughts, make terrible decisions, and be arrogant. It's almost amusing how accurately these stories capture ancient human behavior that still exists now. Hence Greek mythology has had a lengthy and nuanced influence on civilization. It has influenced culture and tradition, guided political systems, and aided in problem-solving. It's safe to claim that the very foundation of modern thought can be traced back to Greek mythology and the beneficial lessons it teaches.
Many current English words, such as idol, antique, dialogue, economy, spartan, architect, microscope, telephone, and many others, are derived from the Greek language. The Greeks were the first to develop a complete alphabet system that included vowels and consonants. More than 150,000 words in the English language are thought to be borrowed from ancient Greek, according to one estimate. Allusions to Greek legendary figures can also be found in contemporary literature. Several profitable and popular films based on Greek mythology have been produced, including the popular Percy Jackson series and others such as Clash of the Titans, Wrath of the Titans, Hercules, Helen of Troy, Ulysses, and more. The larger-than-life canvas provided an extraordinary canvas for exhibiting big emotions such as joy, grief, sacrifice, love, victory, jealousy, betrayal, and loss, and most of these films went on to become hits. The magnificent graphics were complemented by a captivating unique plot based on Greek Mythology.
Greek Mythology and civilization provided some of the first astronomical knowledge. Models developed by Ancient Greeks describe the planetary movements and give us an insight into the solar system. The solar system is said to be heliocentric, with the Sun in the center around which the planets revolve and the word ‘heliocentric’ signifies that the planets turn around Helios, the Greek Sun God. The constellations and zodiac signs have been named after characters from Greek mythology, with Scorpius, Orion, Leo, and Capricorn being notable instances. The planets have also been called after the Roman equivalents of Greek gods, such as Mars, the God of War, Venus, the Goddess of Love, and so on. The names of several astral bodies are drawn from Greek Mythology.
Greek Mythology continues to fascinate audiences now as it did thousands of years ago. They are, however, much more than a collection of magical stories. The majority of them are psychological allegories that deal with the complicated, subtle, and repeating issues that humans face. Greek Mythology reflects past civilizations and provides important insights into historical events, old societies, relationships, human alliances, and much more. We internalize those teachings subconsciously while enjoying a truly compelling reading experience since they are imaginative and pleasant to read.
 

Total Views: 0