Greek Myths

5 Pages 1252 Words

Greek Mythology

In order to explain certain natural events, such as earthquakes, windstorms, and thunder and lightning storms, The Greeks invented a collection of myths and characters. Just as with most modern religions, Greek Mythology bases most of it’s myths on morality and ethics issues. Unlike Egyptian Mythology, the Greeks did not focus on what was going to happen in their afterlife. They were more concerned with the here and now. There was no written special commandments in Greek Mythology. The Greeks did, however, base most of their moral and ethical ideals on the Iliad and the Odyssey, both written by Homer. In his work, Homer says that man holds his own fate in his hands. He portrays that wrath will cause much suffering, pain, and even death. Homer formed the fundamental attitude of the Greek mind. He established the foundation of excellence for all aspects of life, and the Greeks put these into their reality. Nothing was known about Homer or any part of his life, so the question arises as to whether Homer was a single individual or was he, in actuality, a collection of authors. The Greeks had a polytheistic culture. Unlike the religions of other ancient civilizations, the Greeks created the gods in their own image. They were holy deities that could make contact with humans, often in a disguise. The gods had the same desires and weaknesses as human beings and the myths often portrayed them as lustful, greedy and vengeful. There was no holy place that the Greeks went and prayed to the gods. Instead, the temples that were erected, were for the gods to come and visit. Festivals were often held to praise the gods. During these festivals, no war could be fought. The gods spoke to humans through oracles and people often went to these oracles for advise on what the gods wanted. The gods were used to explain whether humans would have great fortune or hardships. They lived at the highest point of Greece, Mount Olympus. According t...