Greek and Roman Mythology

¶ … myth in some detail, and give your evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.

The word 'myth' comes from the Greek word 'mythos' that means, "spoken or written story." A myth is essentially a story with a purpose that is usually to explain why the world is the way it is, or the relationship between the gods and human beings. Though the events within myths may sometimes appear to be far-fetched or impossible, there was usually a social issue or moral underneath it all.

This theory of a myth, I feel is probably one of the most viable as myths have lasted thousands of years. Many have been passed on from one generation to another for centuries before written documentation or a created alphabet. Myths, in this case, would be the spoken story or history of people and events relevant to that particular society.

The natural enemy to these spoken stories would be a sense of exaggeration or "Chinese Whispers" where things may get changed through the nature of retelling. Otherwise such a method would be invaluable to bringing a tribe or village together as a social event or for inspiring the youth in a culture. It would also be invaluable to get across key ethical contexts of the society and show that there were consequences (outside parental punishment, or social punishment) by a hand of a higher power.

In a way, myths were both entertaining and lessons on how to live. They taught people the relationship between certain aspects of life and Mother Nature. Myths were also a form of history, usually spoken, before written documentation could record them.

Discuss some differences and similarities between Greek and Roman deities.

It is an acknowledged aspect of the Roman deity system, where many aspects, traits and stories regarding their gods and goddesses were at some point or another, 'borrowed' from the Greek Pantheon. The Romans embellished on their gods and goddesses in numerous ways, but most evident is what they took from the Greeks.

Most Roman gods and goddesses have different names, though their appearances and traits are similar to the Greek Twelve Olympians. For example, Hermes and his Roman counterpart Mercury both have winged helmets and a staff. They are both messengers to their respective Gods. Athena and Minerva both don armor and a helmet. They were also both goddesses of wisdom.

The god Saturn, though similar to the Titan Cronus (and arguably, goddess Demeter) has his beginnings in Roman mythology and his celebration of Saturnalia was very much a Roman-based holiday.

The legend of Heracles, as well as that of Odysseus (Ulysses) managed to crossover into Roman mythology, though the Romans did have their own unique myths. Most known of these, is the story of Romulus and his twin brother Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. Romulus later became the founder of the city of Rome.

Odysseus

Of all the Greek and Roman heroes, the one that appeals to me the most must be Odysseus (Ulysses). Odysseus fought in the Trojan War for ten years, and had been warned that if he did go to Troy, he would not return to his home on the island of Ithaca for twenty years. Odysseus was the brain behind the Trojan horse - an ingenious wooden horse that the Greek forces hid inside of in order to gain entry into the fortified city of Troy.

Many of his adventures are recorded in Homer's Odyssey, which is a good description for the adventures Odysseus had in the ten years it took for him to return home. One such adventure was one that had him entering Hades (by order of Circe) to consult Tiresias. Tiresias warned Odysseus that when he returned home there would be men fighting over his goods.

When he finally did return, Odysseus disguised his appearance, only revealing himself to his son, Telemachus - after Odysseus' faithful dog Argus recognized him. Odysseus proved his identity by stringing his bow that only he could draw and killed his wife's suitors.

The story of Odysseus appeals to me, as this is a man that used his intellect to win the Trojan War, and also survive the wrath of the Gods, as well as the ten years it took for him to return home to his family. Odysseus is the epitome of a hero. He didn't complete tasks or adventures because he was told to, but because it was part of his journey home. He remained faithful to his wife and the honor of his family, and was a true warrior and leader.

Why was Heracles so highly regarded among both Greeks and Romans? Consider some of his labors and accomplishments.

Heracles (Roman name Hercules) is probably the most well-known and highly revered of Greek and Roman heroes. As a young toddler he demonstrated incredible age and it was for no good reason, because Heracles was the son of Zeus, and Alcmene. Hera, jealous of this half-mortal boy and the meaning of his birth, sent two serpents to kill him, which Heracles strangled without a second thought. Hera's jealousy would eventually lead to Heracles' most known adventures. After going mad and killing his wife (Megara) and son, he was set twelve tasks by King Eurystheus. Heracles had offered himself as a slave, but Eurytheus set the twelve impossible tasks that would rid him of his guilt and make Heracles an immortal.