The Inner Strength of Gaia In the days of the original male Greek gods, the strong frequently imposed their wills on the weak. In layman terms the male gods believed in the ancient law “might makes right”. Originally this rule can be identified through the complex relationship between Gaia (earth) and Ouranos (sky). Hesiod’s account of the creation myth describes the relationship between the two deities as one that features sexual assault and constant physical domination. Shortly after, Gaia introduces Metis (cunning intelligence) into the world and uses her son’s (Kronos) strength as a tool to defy this unspoken law. This instance in the story highlights the fact that Gaia is a powerful deity because she can recognize and adapt to weakness, Gaia uses her ability to recognize weakness to gain an edge, which in turn showcases her power. Ironically the first weakness Gaia can recognize and adapt to is her lack of physical strength. Gaia counteracts her weakness by requesting aid from her physically stronger sons, “Quick she made the element of gray adamant, made a great sickle, and advised her sons, speaking encouragingly, while hurt in her heart” (Theog.159-163). Gaia demonstrates her cunning and ability to adapt to her own shortcomings which can be a rather powerful ability during an age that is reliant on brawn to get results. Also through this act Gaia gains a strong ally and can keep herself from playing into her weakness (physical strength) during her plan. Coincidently Gaia is able to identify and use her son Kronos’ weakness (an abundance of anger) to enact her plan. Gaia understands that many of her sons hate their father for the multiple misdeeds Ouranos has inflicted upon his children and finds Kronos as a result. Kronos demonstrates this anger through a conversation with his mother Gaia, “Mother I would undertake and do this task, since I have no respect for our father” (Theog.170-171). Gaia uses her
Through her autonomy, being unlike others and destined to live an ethereal and divine life, she demonstrates yet another goddess archetype: the virgin. She feels it is her sole destiny to go to the divine and does not fear sacrifice, but exults in her role as both conduit to the gods and a goddess herself. She has a longing to be with the gods and knows she is singular and special among the mortals of Glome. “The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing — to reach the Mountain, to the find the place where all the beauty came from —”
Clashing swords, miraculous survivals, pain of loss, and heroic sacrifice are all terrifying yet thrilling moments in a battle. The strong possibility of death and the frailty of human life add into the suspense of battle. Yet the reasons behind the wars, death, and suspense can be overlooked. The stories behind the warriors who have died will not be told again, but the stories of warriors still alive are what give the men strength to continue fighting against impossible odds. Ultimately, the reason of why a man would risk his life in battle is for someone, or something, he loves. Like in Gilgamesh and the Iliad, women help encourage and influence the protagonists to be the heroes and protectors they are meant to be.
The Greek gods were portrayed as humans, which meant that they were not perfect. That is, the gods made mistakes, felt pain (e.g. Aphrodite in love with the mortal Adonis), and succumbed to anger and their tempers (e.g.
If strong women have power over men, yet the Greeks still say that males are dominant, what does this say about Greek society?
her will to survive by responding to the negativity that surrounded the lives of females, especially the
or loyalty to Him. The gods of Hellenic texts, like in Oedipus at Colonus, the
Another instance of Hermia’s dedication to her chastity and purity as a demonstration of comes in II.
How did people revere their gods differently among three civilizations? Did they worship with the same general intent? What were gods’ role(s) in people’s lives? A brief exploration into the religions of Egypt, Greece, and the Hebrew people may bring insight to these questions. Although the main idea of higher beings remains constant throughout societies’ religion, their form of presence in people’s lives varies. I will present the relationship between the leaders and the gods, as well as resemblance to monotheism and systems of government.
and deceitful (Hera in Book XIV). We see them as an obstacle that the male hero has to overcome or resist to fulfill his heroic
“No! You were never there for me when I needed you and now I’m not going to be there for you when you need me.” Daedalus says as he slams the door, slightly regretting the decision he just made. Icarus was on the verge of tears. He didn’t know what to do or where to go. He spots a student walking by. Ever since Icarus was young he never knew why he used violence, maybe it was because he felt neglected, or jealous, or he felt he wasn’t good enough for anyone. In that moment, all of Icarus’s anger and jealousy came out and he finally snapped.
power than many men do. For instance she is able to convince Zeus, ruler of
Mortal females cause struggles among men and are portrayed as wicked in Greek Mythology. In the story of How the World and Mankind Were Created, the Father of Men and of the Gods, Zeus, swears to get revenge upon mankind because of the poor sacrifices made to the altars. Therefore, he “[makes] a great evil for men, a sweet and lovely thing to look upon… they [call] her Pandora… the first woman… who are an evil to men, with a nature to do evil… is the source of all misfortu...
Ancient Greek mythology has made its way into public conscience and knowledge. So much so that any person on the street would be able to name at least one deity from their pantheon. From this public knowledge, much is known about the religions including its stories and mythologies. But less is known about a person’s role in Ancient Greek religion and even less about a woman roles in their religion. What roles the Ancient Greek people did play can be gathered from the Greek stories and myths. But more specifically what roles did Ancient Greek women play in their religion. The Ancient Greek myths and stories tell of priestess and women who remained virgins as a way of worshipping their gods. But more questions come from these, why did these women become priestess and what rituals did they perform? Both the reasons behind these motives and the process one goes through to become a priestess must be explored to better a woman’s role in Ancient Greek religion.
... because of her beauty. And Morgan leafy while she might be an all-powerful sorcerer, she is a ultimately a manipulator and scapegoat.