HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY
Ancient Greek Myths
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. These stories were originally passed on orally, but many were eventually written down in an attempt to preserve them for future generations.
Myths as a collection of stories, it was used from ancient Greeks, as a way to educate children. In ancient times, Greek myths were often told by parents who wanted their children to learn important lessons while they were having fun at night.
The following section presents some of the most popular myths of Greek mythology, in an attempt to comprehend the structure of the ancient Greek culture.
The myth of the Milkyway
When Hercules was born, God Hermes secretly placed him on the breast of the sleeping Hera, to breastfeed and gain immortality.
As soon as Hera woke up, she pushed the child away, and her milk spurted and traced an orbit in the sky.
This is how the Milky Way was formed according to the famous myth.
Galaxy (gala=milk in greek) is the milk of Hera as it pours into the sky and follows a semicircular way.
The myth of the snakes of Hera
When Hercules and his brother Iphicles were about eight months old, Hera sent two snakes to drown them one night.
As soon as the snakes approached their crib, Zeus sent a light that bathed the room and the children woke up.
Iphicles was frightened and cried.
Hercules, however, without any fear, grabbed the snakes by the throat and drowned them.
Everyone then understood that Hercules was not an ordinary child.
The myth of Virtue and Evil (The choice of Hercules)
The myth was saved by Xenophon, and tells us the incident when Hercules, at a very young age, sitting at a crossroads, saw two beautiful girls passing in front of him.
One showed him an easy path, wide and straight, which if he followed, he would enjoy life, but he would do a lot of bad deeds that would condemn him to the judgment of men. That was Evil. The other daughter, Areti (Virtue), showed him a difficult road, full of sharp stones and thorns, narrow and rough, which he would have a hard time walking, but would in the end win the recognition of his fellow men. So Hercules followed Virtue, preferring to suffer to cross her rough road, but to know glory and honor through his good deeds and virtue.
“One day, when Hercules was still a young man, he was sitting at a quiet crossroads, thinking about which road to take in life.
The path of struggle and giving to people or the path of fun and pleasure?
Then it seemed to him that two women approached him. One was dressed simply without any ornaments, while the other was dressed very nicely and had many ornaments. She spoke first to Hercules and said to him:
-Hercules, you are the strongest man on earth. You can grab whatever you want without ever working. If you follow me, the path of your life will be very easy and pleasant. You will effortlessly enjoy many pleasures and entertainments.
-Who are you? Hercules asked her.
-My friends call me Eftihia (Hapiness) and my enemies call me Kakia (Evil), she replied.
The other woman then approached.
-Hercules, she said to him, my name is Areti (Virtue). If you follow my path, your life will be full of hardships and struggles but good works as well. With the power that the gods have given you, you will benefit people and they will love and honour you.
Hercules decided to use his power to help people. That is why he chose the path of Virtue.”
Xenophon, Memoirs, (adaptation)
More myths coming soon...