Summary “Ancient Greek Myths”


There is not a single nation that does not have its own idea of ​​the universe, the gods that rule life, and also their struggle for power and influence. Myths of Ancient Greece, a brief summary of which we will consider in this article, are also special because they pay much attention to a person. Mighty heroes are of divine origin, but remain human beings – mortal and vulnerable, in need of help. And nothing human is alien to them.

What is a myth?

Before studying the myths of Ancient Greece (a summary – the more we can not get in connection with the volume of the article), it is worthwhile to understand what this is – a “myth”. In fact, this is a story that reflects people’s ideas about the world and the order in it, as well as the role of man in the universe. If you believe the ancient authors, then people were active participants, and not just a crowd that expected mercy from the immortal celestials. But first things first.

Another

feature of Greek myths is their high level of order and culture. In addition, their character changed depending on the region of the country, since in each policy they had their own, more revered gods and heroes, from whom, as the Greeks believed, the population took place. Of course, with time the traditions changed, they acquired a different meaning. But the most important thing in them is the content, which tells about the life of society in the primitive epoch not only on the territory of Greece. Researchers note that many of the stories resonate with the myths of other peoples who lived in those times, which can mean that they were created in parallel and carry the grain of truth. Myths of Ancient Greece, the brief content of which we are considering, is an attempt to explain the world around and to convey to posterity the views on morality and relations in society.

What do the ancient Greek legends tell?

We will speak very briefly about the essence of ancient traditions, since many ancient myths of Greece have reached us. A summary of them can take up a whole book. For example, Nikolai Kun,

the most famous researcher of the ancient heritage, collected, arranged and translated more than two hundred legends. Many of them are submitted in the form of cycles. We will try to divide them into several groups. It:

Myths about the origin of the world and the gods;

Stories about the titans and the battle of the gods with the Titans;

Myths about the gods who lived on Olympus;

The exploits of Hercules;

Stories about people and heroes (Perseus, Theseus, Jason); a cycle about the Trojan War, its causes, progress and completion, as well as the return of the heroes of the battle home (the main characters of the myths are Paris, Menelaus, Elena, Achilles, Odysseus, Hector, Agamemnon);

Myths about the study of peace and colonization (Argonauts).

Myths of Ancient Greece (summary). About Zeus the Thunderer

The main god of Olympus Greeks paid much attention. No wonder, because an angry Thunderbolt could have punished with lightning for disrespectful attitude or send another grief, and still turn away from the person, which was even worse. Zeus was considered the youngest son of the Titans Kronos and Rhea – time and the goddess-mother. Rhea saved him from taking over, as Kronos swallowed all his children, fearing for his power.

Angered, he overthrows his tyrant father and brings all his brothers and sisters back to life, and also distributes power among them. He himself was responsible for the wind, clouds, thunder and lightning, a storm and a hurricane. Zeus could reassure the elements or send her, help the offended and punish those who deserved it. However, he could not dispose of fate.

Zeus’ love intrigues also describe the myths of Ancient Greece, a brief summary of what we are studying. God felt a passion for beautiful girls and goddesses and in every way tempted them. From them he had many children – gods and goddesses, heroes, kings. Many of them did not like Hera, the lawful wife of the Thunderer, often pursued them and harmed them.

Instead of an epilogue

In the pantheon of the ancient Greeks there were many gods responsible for all the branches of their life – agriculture, navigation, trade, war, crafts, the other world. However, there were beings, demigods, who patronized science and art, followed justice and morality. This means that these aspects were paid great attention.

Every cultural person should know what the ancient myths of Hellas tell us, so it is worthwhile to read them at least briefly. But reading them completely allows you to plunge into an amazing world full of interesting and unusual.


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Summary “Ancient Greek Myths”