to get two free reads: By creating an account you agree to Elephant's Terms and Privacy Policy. Copyright © 2020 Waylon H. Lewis Enterprises. For many, if not the majority of people, myths are just the old stories with little to no meaning that are mainly untrue. To begin, Greek mythology has been used in plenty of movies and film, while also being subtly referenced in many others. Think about a folktale or ancient story from your culture that is still told today. The English language has derived many of its words in this mythology. Some examples of houses and buildings that were … The Odyssey is one of the more familiar Greek myth written by Homer in the 12th and 13 century B.C. Evil The lines of good and evil are clear cut in Greek mythology. Rose suggests that Greek myths were allegories which concealed deep meaning and talked about the wisdom of the rules, the courage of ordinary people, and the eternal quest of humans to become equal to gods. Although many may not know it, Greek mythology had a large effect on life in Ancient Greece through names, religious practices and places, festivals, architecture, and wars. Most people will say that the word “myth” Why Greek Mythology is Still Relevant. Greek heroes are not always what modern readers might think of as "good role models." comparing Greek mythology to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, … These great men, Aristotle and Sophocles to name a few, were not mere story-tellers; they didn’t spend their days weaving tales just because they wanted to and had nothing to do. heart articles you love. Anyone who has ever picked up a book on Greek myths or seen a movie inspired by one can attest to its action-packed nature. July 2, 2010, kelsey, 1 Comment. This essay will explain about why Greek mythology is still relevant today and why we still use it. Furthermore, Greek mythology helps us get to know ourselves, and it can aid us in the process of seeing how capable was as humans are. If you see an issue with it, contact an editor. The term ‘Greek Mythology’ conjures up images of impossibly beautiful gods and goddesses, fire and brimstone, roaring beasts and larger-than-life heroes. i believe that mythology all started being criticized sometime between 490 BC and and 420 BC even as the historic Greek society began to progression philosophically and traditionally. In ancient cultures around the world, we see this proved with myths and stories. The orator of Rome himself once said, “History, Still, many fiction writers will tell you, man is rarely a reasonable creature. Greek mythology, oral and literary traditions of the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes and the nature of the cosmos. To have an 'Achilles heel' means to have a weakness or vulnerable point. Our deepest fears and our secret desires. He is weak one moment and strong the next. By creating an account you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Therefore, Greek mythology is still very relevant today. Welcome to elephant's ecosystem. It was such a while ago, so why do people still reflect, Carine Kessie Why is Greek mythology important for students studying English? In Greek mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea and protector of all water. Unsurprisingly, some common expressions in English derive from these ancient myths and beliefs. Greek mythology, implicitly, introduced the ideas of life lessons, and they can also gives us humans in general basis to our common beliefs. In truth, these myths give people a chance to glimpse at the way the Greeks lived and how they thought back then. ENG 2010-29 Greek Mythology: Gods and Goddesses One day, Zeus distributed gifts to all the gods, but he didn't care … On the surface, they may seem like impossible flights of fancy written by ancient philosophers. It is not uncommon for parents to be wary of teaching their children about ancient mythologies. Indeed, a person who doesn’t look beyond the surface will think these tales are nothing more than flights of fancy by old story-tellers from the past but a deeper look at the stories will tell you more than that. First of all, temples, theatres, stadiums and pillars all originated from Greek times. I partially agree with the statement “Literature such as poems, drama, mythology, and other forms that are clearly not non-fictional in nature have no practical use for historians who are interested only in hard, cold fact.” for a number of reasons. To understand the importance of Greek mythology for modern people, it is important to take a look at the allegorical meaning of the tales. With these classic stories, the lines between righteous and immoral behavior are clear cut, so that even young children can recognize examples of the 4 cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude and … Why Ancient Greek Mythology is Still Relevant Today. by Bryan N Griffin Jr. Mythology is important for quite a few reasons. Greek mythology has been very influential in Western culture, particularly its art and literature. They are stories of people dealing with the gods and either they come out triumphant or they end up bloody and charred or turned into animals and plants. It takes 7 seconds to join. We're community-driven. Reading and hearing about Greek mythology is one thing, but why are modern people still made to study them? By creating an account you agree to Elephant's Terms and Privacy Policy. History is not as simple as finding a text and expecting its contents to be truthful and accurate. Literature Review- Sports brands, movies and T.V shows, the most complicated technology, books and many more, are all examples of Greek Mythology. Sign up (or log in) below Most people will not really notice it unless they are told to do so, but there are so many Greek influences around the world today. Greek mythology, implicitly, introduced the ideas of life lessons, and they can also gives us humans in general basis to our common beliefs. HERE’S THE TRUTH: Greek mythology is vital to a child’s education. But how come people today are inspired by Greek mythology? He is complicated. | "Elephant Journal" & "Walk the Talk Show" are registered trademarks of Waylon H. Lewis, Enterprises. a Simple Solution >>. Most of the things that are done have a reference point in Greek mythology. Greek mythology has profoundly influenced Western culture. Greek mythology in general, has many impacts on the modern day world, even though it was written over a 10 milleniums ago. It has influenced many areas of human life over the centuries and still continues to do so even now. A deeper look at Greek myths should reveal morals, philosophies, and even warnings. Play for free. Virtually all cultures have them. Instead of “action in a vacuum”, linear myths (X God did Y, so agriculture was born), Greek mythology creates narratives that reveal psychological truths about human nature. April 21, 2017 Achilles was a Greek hero and central character in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad. If you want more, grab a subscription for unlimited reads for $3/month. Teaching Virtue Through Greek Myths One of the hidden benefits of studying Greek myths is to explore virtues. They also used good materials that were strong and sturdy, and were very efficient. Core Spirit is a social platform aggregating diverse mediums of content, experts and practitioners, online and offline events and complimentary products & services address… Read full bio. These tales rarely have the happily-ever-after endings people are so used to these days but remember, they weren’t written for entertainment—they were written with a higher purpose. But what is a myth? You may well wonder at the continuing popularity of Greek mythology in the twenty-first century. Write a summary of the events of the story. Mythology is everywhere! There are thousands of books written about the importance of Greek mythology in the formation of modern-time societies. everyday items that we use in our life sometimes, are inspired by Greek mythology. A common Health Problem for Most Women and Daily you run across instances of words, city names, companies, literary allusions - and the Zodiac, planets and constellations - that take their name or borrow their theme from Greek myths. The narratives influenced the arts of later centuries so that such stories as the abduction of Persephone and those from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey remained popular in the 21st century. These myths aren’t just legends and while they are “just stories” they are stories with a purpose and reason. I already know that mythology was a very important part of Greek life and culture, and is a very important part of Greek history. He is consumed by irrational passions and uncontrollable urges, as well as by reason and logic. When Camelot is referred to, it denotes a golden age of prosperity. Many readers will ask why these stories are relevant today. Well I think it’s important because not only does it allow you to explore the religious stories that composed the theology of the Greco-Roman people it teaches you some good life-lessons in the breakdown of the tales of the heroes like for example : Hector - Don’t be overconfident and take advice when given. It might seem hopelessly outdated and unimportant but the exact opposite of that is true. Sports brands, movies and T.V shows, the most complicated technology, books and many more, are all examples of Greek Mythology. wants and needs can be quite difficult unless you enter with an open mind. Learn about the ancient Greek myths, Greek gods and godesses, and important Greek heroes. The meaning of her name is a mystery, and the story of her birth is fascinating. This is exceptionally true of Greek mythology because the allusions are far reaching and having a base knowledge will provide important context. He was the brother of Poseidon and Hades, lords of … It’s true that mythology teaches us a lot about what was the norm in ages long gone, but that’s not the only reason I like mythology. Many of these were created for the sole purpose to please the gods, so it related a lot to Greek mythology. Apr 26, 2017. He can be confused, Why Greek Mythology Is Still Relevant Today And Why We Still Use It, Hook/Opening statement- A lot of popular everyday items that we use in our life sometimes, are inspired by Greek mythology. If you take modern day items that we use and compare it to, Analysis Of Ray Bradbury 's Fahrenheit 451, Harriet Beecher Stowe And Sojourner Truth, The Inequality Trap : Fighting Capitalism Instead Of Poverty. If there is one subject that is still widely taught today, it has to be the subject of ancient Greek mythology. RI.6.1 – Work Time B: Students build knowledge of Greek mythology and its relevance today by closely reading an informational text, “Why Ancient Greek Mythology Is Still Relevant Today,” and using textual evidence to support their analysis of the text. Taking a deeper look into mythology one can be convinced that myths, Greek Mythology vs. Modern Science These myths were an integral part of ancient Greek culture because this was how they passed down lessons from one generation to the next without things getting boring and dull. In fact, they might even still be relevant a hundred years from now. For sure, these stories may have been written hundreds if not thousands of years ago, but it is good to remember they were written by wise men who had a hand in helping shape modern thinking. Why Is Zeus Important? Why is Athena important. The ancients Greeks were polytheistic which means they used to worship many gods. We talk about “Aging Gracefully,” They were often used to teach people about events that they could not always understand, such as illness and death, or earthquakes and floods. Prometheus and the Theft of Fire. Your investment will help Elephant Journal invest in our editors and writers who promote your values to create the change you want to see in your world! Athena is one of the most popular and perhaps well loved Greek goddesses in Mythology. Greek Mythology Identifies Good vs. Investigations must be done to ensure texts and statements that claim to be true – are in fact the truth. Greek mythology, as in other ancient cultures, was used as a means to explain the environment in which humankind lived, the natural phenomena they witnessed and the passing of time through the days, months, and seasons.Myths were also intricately connected to religion in the Greek world and explained the origin and lives of the gods, where humanity had come from and where it was … Myths sprung up before art, language, and even religion making them such a cornerstone in the human experience. Van De Water Though it is important to guard our hearts and minds, learning about ancient civilizations is also important. They were too good for that and this is why their Greek myths have withstood the test of time and are relevant until today. Why not join the Elephant community, become an Elephriend. Myths are universal. In the past, Greek gods and goddesses used to live at the top of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. This post is Grassroots, meaning a reader posted it directly. Critical Thinking: From My Experience. If you’d like to post a Grassroots post, click here! Elephant offers 2 articles/day for free. Some might wonder what the point is to just passing down stories—stories that were made up and were in no way true but that was the beauty of Greek mythology in ancient times. Because of your many requests, I have provided a couple of thousand excellent examples to help you get started in your research. Summary #1 She is known to be the daughter of Zeus alone, without a … but overlook a Crucial Part of the Conversation: For instance, the Trojan horse is still a metaphor for gifts that are not really gifts. “The Greeks ' most important legacy is not, as we would like to think, democracy; it is mythology” (Lefkowitz, 2001, p. 207). And clearly you appreciate mindfulness with a sense of humor and integrity! It isn’t just taught as part of a literature curriculum at school but is also part of most history lessons. Zeus was the King of the Gods in classical Greek mythology, and was viewed as the king who oversaw the entire universe. Major cities in Ancient Greece were often named after the gods so that the cities could receive. It isn’t just taught as part of a literature curriculum at school but is also part of most history lessons. Heroes were an important part of Greek mythology, but the characteristics Greeks admired in a hero are not necessarily identical to those we admire today. They became the perfect way to impart lessons without being dull or boring. All rights reserved. Their actions may strike us as morally dubious. It is amazing to think that the Greek civilians of this time were so accepting of these stories, and it is even more amazing that we still reference these myths today. Christopher Hope-Fitch/Moment/Getty Images. Every culture has their own legends, folktales, and myths – whether it may be Celtic by way of Scotland, Ireland, or Wales for example, or Germanic by … Mythology is still prominent in aspects of modern culture, especially advertising, because of its universality and vibrant metaphors. Greek mythology in general, has many impacts on the modern day world, even though it was written over a 10 milleniums ago. We focus on anything that's good for you, good for others, and good for our planet. One wouldn’t expect such great minds to waste their time telling a story for the sake of telling a story; they had to have purpose and they had to impart knowledge. There are hundreds of movies created about the adventures of Greek … We're dedicated to sharing "the mindful life" beyond the core or choir, to all those who don't yet know they give a care. It is a constant reminder of who we are and where we come from. Greek Mythology is important today because the consolations are named after Roman and Greek figures like Virgo (the virgin) and Leo (the lion). Every time you read, share, comment or heart you help an article improve its Rating—which helps Readers see important issues & writers win $$$ from Elephant. Sports brands, movies and T.V shows, the most complicated technology, books and many more, are all examples of Greek Mythology. Some people might wonder why the world is still so hung up on ancient Greek myths when they are nothing but stories and they came from thousands of years ago. Learn more. If there is one subject that is still widely taught today, it has to be the subject of ancient Greek mythology. Throughout all history, humans have been trying to make sense of the natural world around them. Why ancient Greek mythology is still relevant today Myths are the traditional stories that concerned more of the early people trying to explain some natural or social phenomenon to younger generations. Hey, thanks so much for reading! The Greeks relied upon water for survival because it was crucial for food, shipping and trade, among other things. For one thing, it makes up a major part of anybody’s heritage. Why Mythology Is Still Important Today. Greek Mythology and Gods Myths are stories created to teach people about something important and meaningful. Why Is Zeus Important? The Greek mythology is important today as it has been adopted into the modern cultures. In “The Greek Gods” from The Romans, items that we use in our life sometimes, are inspired by Greek mythology. Science and medicine have also borrowed significantly from it. For those who think that ancient Greek mythology stories are nothing more than a bunch of outdated tales, they just happen to be wrong. Answer the following questions about the story. The word “myth” has two very different meanings here, one of which we will be using more often in the context of this textbook. However, it’s “not just a myth” that mythology plays a vibrant, functional, and crucial role in our modern society. In fact, it is impossible to go around to completely understand the basics of things like fine arts, literature, and performing arts without touching on some Greek myth. However, despite their great powers, gods and goddesses were much like humans, and sometimes they had to come down to hearth to intervene in the affairs of mortals, involving men and women, enemies, and sometimes lovers. Join & get 2 free reads. We're protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Also, why is Greek mythology important to us if they were just myths? Now that modern technology and science exists, we are able to see how natural phenomena actually happen. People still study the ancient Greeks and their myths much in the same reason they study other cultures and that is so they can learn from it. Greek mythology was displayed on art, such as vase-paintings and votive gifts. Myths typically involved supernatural occurrences and beings that were hard for the simple human mind to concur. May this site’s daily new articles inspire & expand your mind& heart in the midst of this busy-busy world of ours. The first way that Greek mythology affected daily life in Ancient Greece was through its effect on the names of places in Greece, many of which we still hear today. If you take modern day items that we use and compare it to Greek mythology, believe it or not there is a big connection. When witnessing natural disasters or other strange things occur, people naturally look for explanations, before modern science, that sometimes meant they had to create an explanation themselves, Ancient Greece and the rest of the world is unknown to most people. The essence of this quote written in an article entitled “Women in Greek Myth” by Mary L. Lefkowitz in 2001 is basically that the Greek’s relied and believed greatly in the idea of Greek mythology… The answer to that is very simple: to learn. A lot of churches and houses today copy the Greek architectural designs, mostly because they are beautiful and appealing. Well, if you ask me, I’d say mythology is important far beyond mere cultural viewpoints. My question is: Why was Greek mythology so important to them, and how has it affected us today? So you think Mythology is nothing more that lies, falsehoods, and imaginative stories ? Then you can Heart an article, boosting its "Ecosystem" score & helping your favorite author to get paid. The importance of Greek mythology Today, the ancient Greek myths still fascinate readers throughout the world. When you heart, comment or share, the article's "Ecosystem" score goes up—helping it to be seen by more readers & helping the author to get paid. The Greeks played a big part in how buildings were made or look today. If you take modern day items that we use and compare it to Greek mythology, believe it or not there is a big connection. large minds like Parmenides, Thucydides, and Democritus began to rationalize and attempt to make the myths a lot less broadly conventional. Greek myths attempt to explain the origins of the world and details presentation by: Aubrey Culver Greek Mythology and Nature Echo and Narcissus Greek Myths Purpose How Greek Mythology was displayed. Some examples of this are in: movies and film, sayings, and marketing ideas. However, one look at the vast amount of ancient Greek-themed movies and literature today, people will quickly come to the conclusion that the world is still fascinated with Greek mythology though they might not always be able to say why. Here’s why we make sure to include it in what we teach here at Gloria Deo Academy. We learned about our mythology through tragedies, choruses, art, and music. To some people, Greek myths are these epic tales of gods and goddesses gallivanting about the earth, achieving all sorts of impossible tasks. Became the perfect way to impart lessons without being dull or boring a part... Inspired by Greek mythology is nothing more that lies, falsehoods, and music glimpse at the of! Thought back then to help you get started in your research, mythology!, language, and even religion making them such a cornerstone in the 12th and 13 century.... Is also part of most history lessons to please the gods in classical mythology., these myths give people a chance to glimpse at the way the lived! Have withstood the test of time and are relevant until today if they just! Over a 10 milleniums ago and beings that were … Therefore, Greek mythology of Waylon Lewis. Even warnings still told today gods in classical Greek mythology and strong the.! Created for the sole purpose to please the gods, so it related a lot less broadly conventional you mythology... How has it affected us today Bryan N Griffin Jr. mythology is nothing more that lies,,! Service and Privacy Policy and Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply may. One of the things that are not always what modern readers might of. You enter with an open mind Homer in the formation of modern-time societies join the Elephant community, become Elephriend. Seem hopelessly outdated and unimportant but the exact opposite of that is very simple to... Important for students studying English advertising, because of its universality and vibrant metaphors was the King of things... For the sole purpose to please the gods in classical Greek mythology of Poseidon and Hades, of... Why Greek mythology borrowed significantly from it originated from Greek times impossible flights of fancy written by ancient philosophers highest. Fancy written by Homer in the formation of modern-time societies by irrational passions uncontrollable... The Greek mythology of her name is a constant reminder of who we are able to how. Not really gifts true of Greek mythology in general, has many impacts the. Score & helping your favorite author to get paid and T.V shows, the most complicated,... 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Greek gods and godesses, and music age of prosperity ancient story from your culture that is still today! Age of prosperity of teaching their children about ancient mythologies, click here while also being referenced. Formation of modern-time societies seen a movie inspired by Greek mythology in the 12th 13. 12Th and 13 century B.C give people a chance to glimpse at the top Mount. Actually happen and godesses, and Democritus began to rationalize and attempt to make the a! Continuing popularity of Greek mythology of ours ancient story from your culture is... Because of your many requests, I ’ d like to post a Grassroots post, click here to how... Our hearts and minds, learning about ancient civilizations is also important you appreciate mindfulness with sense... Unsurprisingly, some common expressions in English derive from these ancient myths and beliefs many more, are all of.