Ancient Greek gods: a deep meaning of myths

The original books of Russian authors about the Greek gods are only two. All subsequent editions are compiled on the information provided in these two sources. But the mythology of the Greeks is so diverse that the information from a couple of books is enough for a lot of glossy gift editions. What is so special about the ancient Greek gods?

The fact is that the ancient mythology of Greece penetrated into all spheres of our existence, many words are related to the names of the gods (morphine, panic). In culture, there are a lot of hints of ancient myths, and how many films were shot on the Greek legends ... Of course, the writers of such films are very free to use the story, but the main conflicts are conveyed very accurately.

Ironically, the ancient Greek gods allow us to better understand universal values. Mythology of the Greeks - applied conflictology, mainly family relations. No wonder that Freud chose Oedipus and Electra for the name of the well-known complexes. This proves only that the myths collected the most typical for people, and it turned out that not only for the Greek nation.

Here is the mother's inclination to reflect her father's dissatisfaction with children (Medea), and the image of impeccable fidelity (Penelope), and jealousy of children from other marriages (Hera and Hercules).

Ancient Greek mythology is complex. The gods are connected with each other and with mortal complex relationships. Take, for example, the legend of the most beautiful woman in the world. Yes, Elena Troyan. Its origin is covered with a secret. Formally, she is the daughter of Agamemnon and Leda, in "popular" books she is called the daughter of Zeus and Leda. But in-depth studies say that she was the daughter of Zeus and the deity of Nemesis (the goddess of retribution). One is illogical - she should have been a goddess in this situation. However, she did not take offense after death - she became the wife of Achilles in the ancient Greek paradise behind the coffin.

Ancient Greek gods and goddesses are very similar to humans. They suffer, are jealous, revenge. These are not ideals. And their relationship with each other is far from exemplary. Aphrodite betrays her husband, because she married him without much desire. Zeus can not live without having to enter into a relationship with the numerous mortal beauties, and does not disdain the goddesses. As a result, he has many illegitimate children and he is considered the father of many gods. And he himself is far from the ideal son. Because he overthrows his father's throne. And we see that the same fate would have waited for Zeus, do not reconcile it in time with Prometheus.

The subjects are extremely rich, here is the punishment of the gods (the necklace of Harmony), and the rebellion (Prometheus against Zeus), and the punished pride (Semele). There are almost no aspects of life that would not have been reflected in the Greek encyclopedia of relations.

How to read these myths? Necessarily with a pencil in hands. You will mark, in what ties are the ancient Greek gods - it will be easier to understand why one woman disliked the children of another and did everything to get rid of the latter.

Personally, I liked the beautiful myth of Psyche most of all. Eros loved the mortal Psyche and appeared to her in the dark. To become a goddess and his lawful wife, the curious girl passed many tests, arranged by the mother of Eros, Aphrodite. Here is the typical dislike of the mother-in-law for the daughter-in-law. The plot is common.

In the myths of Greece there is nothing everyday, there is always emotional tension, in the world of gods and mortals there are serious passions. True to his Penelope remains Odysseus (although he got the wanderer who killed him later illegitimate son of Telegon), returning to her for many years from a difficult trip to Troy. Heroes and gods sympathize, understanding that their problems are close to human everyday. These are not gloomy and majestic gods of Egypt, these are understandable and "democratic." Books about mythology can be given to children, so that they learn typical stories from an early age. It is very useful in the adult world for understanding many realities of culture.