Characteristics Of Classical Mythology - 729 Words

Myth and Life Throughout history classical mythology has proven to express characteristics of humanity and life. Mark Morford, who is a professor of Classics at the University of Virginia, is perhaps one of the most profound contemporary authors of classical mythology today. Professor Morford has proven his creditability by taking a leading part in bringing together teachers and scholars in universities on the national level. British anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski claims that culture functions to meet the needs of individuals rather than society as a whole (MLS). Through the analysis of Morford’s publications in addition to ancient myths Heracles, Antigone, Metamorphoses, and the Iliad, Malinowski’s theory of functionalism exploits†¦show more content†¦Heracles is cursed and quickly becomes a slave to the evil goddess Hera. The episodes following the rectification of a broken family quickly become gruesome because Hera, brings â€Å"about a fit of madness in which Heracles kill[s] Megara and his children,† (Eurpides 17). The concept of a broken family is apparent in the beginning and the end of the play providing that family values and religious aspects of Rome and Greece society in this era were often challenging. Malinowski’s theory of functionalism provides a foundation that supports several other ancient authors. In Homer’s book 14 of the Iliad he writes â€Å"Zeus vigorously encourages the Greeks and the Trojans setbacks- all because of Hera’s meddling† (Homer 1). The needs of individuals on both sides of the battle field are not met throughout the Trojan war. In another myth; in Sophocles’ â€Å"Antigone† the relationship between father and son is challenged when Creon’s son Harmon asks him to spare the life of his fiancà © Antigone. Further examples of Malinowski’s argument are supported in â€Å"Antigone† when Haemon tells Creon â€Å"Father, the gods implant reason in men,† and â€Å"no treasure is so precious as thy welfare† (Sophocles 13). The â€Å"reason† the gods are implanting in men is symbolic to the need each person desires to achieve comprise, so comprise in society can be met, so that the n eeds of society are met. An individual’s welfare is followed by valuation and desirability to hold importance to one’s society. Haemon standsShow MoreRelatedCharacteristics of a Classical Hero Demonstrated in The Labours of Hercules529 Words   |  3 PagesHercules† introduces the most famous Greek hero in mythology, Hercules. He completes twelve immense tasks at an early age for killing his family while under a curse from Hera. The story of his labours contains many reasons why Hercules is classified as a classical hero. Hercules exhibits many of the traits of a classical hero, including numerous guides, hazardous journeys and several hardships and afflictions. Hercules demonstrates one trait of a classical hero by asking for or accepting assistanceRead More Mythology Retold Through Entertainment Outlets Essay1039 Words   |  5 PagesMythology Retold Through Entertainment Outlets The world of Art and Architecture has continually provided the tools to communicate many differing concepts or ideas such as political ideologies like socialism to simple folk-tales or intricate narratives. The elements of Greek Art and Architecture and its direct connection to mythology is the main focus of this essay. I will present the comparison of a new representation of a Greek Temple used in the set design of, The Clash of the Titans; toRead MoreMythology the Past and Present947 Words   |  4 PagesMythology the Past and Present Nike is the winged goddess of victory according to Greek mythology. 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Though the story comprises of Greek gods and other myth like elements, the features of a folktale seem to be much more abundant then that of a myth. I believe that the story of Eros and Psyche is a folktaleRead MoreGreek Mythology Throughout The Ages916 Words   |  4 PagesGreek Mythology throughout the Ages Greek mythology is the culmination of myths and teaching that began in Ancient Greek. These myths are diverse in the stories that they tell ranging from their gods, their heroes and the nature of the world. They also reveal much about their religious beliefs and practices during Ancient Greece. Today modern scholars study these myths in an attempt to better understand the religious and political practices of Ancient Greece and its civilization of way back whenRead MoreEssay about Monsters1570 Words   |  7 PagesIn mythology, monsters provide a challenge that humans must overcome. Heroes try to gain fame by defeating them and townspeople are afraid of them. 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