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Importance of myths to society
Essay on hermes
Importance of myth in the present era
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In the Homeric Hymn to Hermes we learn many things, but this myth serves primarily as a ritual myth. Hermes is known for many of his acts of trickery, but before he ever performed one of these acts he created a lyre. This creation would have a bigger influence on society than possibly any of his other acts. It would aid Hermes in acquiring more divine right than possibly any other feats that he performed. Hermes helps us understand how and why hymns of praise were traded to the gods in exchange for favor, gifts, and privilege.
Many different factors contribute to this theory as found in the Homeric Hymn to Hermes. We will focus on three particular instances and passages found in this hymn. The first instance we will discuss is Hermes’ dialogue with his mother Maia. This first point will then lead us into the description of Hermes singing for Apollon whilst playing his lyre and the resulting trade that commences. The third and final topic we will discuss is Hermes’ invention of the pipes and the ensuing discussion that occurs between him and Apollon. All of these issues will help bring the reader to understand the reason for the Greek’s emphasis on music and Hermes’ influence on this religious custom.
Hermes began in a situation that many can relate to. He was born to a mother out-of-wedlock and as for possessions- he had none. Although Hermes was born to two immortals, thus giving him this same characteristic, he still began at the very bottom. He had nothing when he was born. Hermes’ dialogue with Maia at the surface is him stating that he wants to steal Apollon’s cattle. If we take a closer and more meaningful look into this monologue we will find a deeper tone to Hermes’ words. Hermes states, “But I shall be ma...
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...y indicate an increase in power. At the beginning of this myth Hermes believed stealing would bring him all the fortune he desired, but the true reason he received his many rewards was because of the music he created.
Although Hermes is an immortal, we can easily see how he is identifiable with any human. He began with nothing in a society where others seemed to have everything. Throughout this myth we found Hermes striving to become something more. The way he eventually achieved this was by trading Apollon music for gifts and favor. Any Greek or human hearing this myth would find hope. A hope that if they strive to perform and create music pleasing to the gods that they, like Hermes, would receive recognition, gifts, and fame. In essence, this myth gives a full explanation as to where praising the gods through music and receiving favor in turn comes from.
The theater of Dionysus stands at the foot of the acropolis and its date originates back to the 6th Century, B.C.. Its originally wood seats rise in tiers above one another against the slope of the acropolis, creating a natural setting for the plays (D'ooge, 231). The Greek Theater was built to house a drama which, during the festivals of Dionysus, had evolved from the long tradition of choral hymns which were presented each year. As Greek culture changed and flourished, entertainment transformed from being a series of choral chanting and dancing to placing an emphasis on the actor. As the actors' importance grew, there became a need for a stage from which they could be seen by each of the fourteen thousand spectators the theater housed. The chorus was still a very active part of the entertainment and they resided in the orchestra (Norwich, 64). The orchestra was the oldest part of the Greek theater and thus, when the actor was given
Hermes, although apart of the Greek gods, is not held in such a high regard to the Greeks as juxtaposed to the function of the role Coyote plays within Native American myths. For Native Americans, a majority of their culture sees Coyote as the sole figure and leading god, since he is seen as the creator and example-setter, regardless if it is for something good or bad. Hermes, on the other hand, does not have as much of an impacting influence on Greek myths as the god Zeus does, who is the main Greek mythological figure. That being said, that is not intended to deem Hermes is insignificant; it merely defines the functioning mythological systems and values of the different cultures. One could assume that both cultures isolate and individualize the trickster characters, not quite accepting either as a “normal” or common member of society, despite their impact they place on the culture as a
Hermes is the messenger of the gods, swift and graceful, but also very cunning and lucky. An allusion to Hermes by an author could be the author trying to emphasize that the character is a traveler and doesn’t stay in one place
In ancient times, the Greeks had absolute and undeniable respect for their gods. They demonstrated their admiration by putting in place many rituals and celebrations to reverence the gods that they loved and feared in order to ensure harmony with them. In particular, the focus will be on the religious beliefs of the Greeks, including prayer and sacrifice, as well as on festivals and the arts, such as the ancient Olympic games and theatre. These aspects of their culture made a significant contribution to their quality of life. Moreover, these topics will be examined in relation to the twelve Olympian gods and their associates.
Odysseus, against Eurylochus’ advice, goes to Circe’s house. There, he meets Hermes, who has taken the form of a young man. Hermes tells Odysseus what will happen inside Circe’s house. He gives Odysseus instructions and an herb called moly, a talisman that will protect him from Circe’s drugs.
In Greek myths, in the stories of the kings and Greek heroes, there is one category of characters that is seemingly insignificant but is explicitly important and indispensable to the heroes and kings in the stories; the character is the bard. He is the singer of tales, of famous wars, actions of great heroes, ruins of kingdoms, gains of famous kings; not only a source of entertainment, but also a source of information, and a method of preservation. In ‘The Odyssey ', at the hall of the Phaeacians, Odysseus adopts the work of the bard in the significant feasting event. He reveals and preserves his story, and simultaneously reveals the values of Greek society to the readers.
In the beginning of the story, Hermes plots to steal his half-brother’s cattle. He carries out his deed, working carefully to conceal the identity of the thief. When he got home, he climbed into his cradle and acted like a feeble baby. His mother, Maia, saw the young child and let him know that she knew he had been up to no good. Hermes assured her that he was to be the God of thievery and that he would win honor and riches for them both among the Olympian gods. Apollo, after figuring out who the true thief was accused Hermes of the crime. Since Hermes would not admit to it, Apollo sought justice from their father Zeus. He took the child before the great god and enlightened him of his side of the story. Zeus then asked the infant what he had to say and the young one again lied about his involvement of the case. Zeus satisfies Apollo by telling Hermes to lead them to the cattle. Hermes was pleased because it appeared that he had escaped punishment from the great God.
... from Greeks’ custom. Furthermore in Book Six, the Greeks were invited by the Paphlagonians to a banquet. In there, Xenophon depicted many different cultures’ dance and song. It is an unusual scene in Anabasis to have all the barbarians zealously sharing their own culture.
Hermes might have more to do with the human race’s everyday life than most people think. Hermes was the messenger of the gods, and the god of travel, business, and sports. He traveled with his winged sandals and winged hat. The god of helped and protected many mortals. On jobs he and his men could make anyone fall asleep instantly if a problem occurred. Hermes might have invented some things in the human race’s everyday lives. Hermes was an essential god in ancient Greek culture.
Hercules is held as a social outcast in the town, due to his abnormal strength and clumsiness. Hercules begins to wonder where he’s from and what his greater goal is. Hercules foster parents give him the necklace he had been wearing when they found him, which sets him on a journey to find answers. Hercules travels to the statue of Zeus for answers, which reanimates, and informs him that he is the son of Zeus and Hera. Zeus also tells Hercules that in order to become a god, he must be a true hero. Hercules decides that he will become a true hero in order to become a god, so Zeus returns Pegasus and instructs him to find the satyr, Phil, so he can be
The God Hermes, son of Zeus and Maia (nymph), was known as the messenger of the Gods and was a guide of souls to the Underworld. Hermes was a very impressive baby, the day he was born he founded and empty tortoise shells and created an instrument out of it called a Lyre. Hermes then had a sudden hunger for meat Hermes discovered the herd very soon. One by one, he started pulling the hoofs out of the cows’ feet and re-attaching them in the reverse order to confuse anyone looking at the tracks. Hermes then did the same to his own sandals. He then took the herd, and hid the them inside a cave.
Apollo is known as one of the most important and revered gods of Ancient Greece. Apollo is called as the god of music, prophecy, sun, plague and also has two other names which are Phoebus and Apollon (Greek Mythology). The Greek God Zeus, and Goddess Leto were the parents of Apollo, and Artemis was his twin sister (Greek Mythology). When Apollo was young, “he slayed a giant snake called Python, and killed him with a silver bow and arrows (Britannica).” A influential symbol which Apollo is known for is a lyre, an instrument with strings, which was given to him in exchange for cow by the god Hermes (Greek Mythology). Apollo is thought to be of one of the most influential gods of Ancient Greek because of his multiple roles, and because of his “divine birth” (Greek Mythology).
There are many factors in the story of Hermes that make him such a popular god. Hermes is one of the most well-known gods in Greek mythology. Some would claim that this is primarily due to him being in every Greek story playing the main role as mailman for the gods. According to Carter F. Philips, Hermes is best known as the “clever god” who “sends messages” across the world on behalf of the gods. Although he is first and foremost thought of as the messenger there is surprisingly much more to him that helps give him the title of a popular god. After all, with so many Greek gods and goddesses there would have to be something to make him stick out for him to be classified as one of the most popular gods. One might argue that it is his signature look that makes him so popular. Hermes can easily be identified in his signature “winged sandals”(GreekMythology). However, like mentioned before, there is much more to Hermes then him just being a handsome mailman.
In answering this question, I will look at the question in two ways. Firstly, I will look at the role of the chorus objectively, examining the basic role of the chorus in the play, and looking at the role of the Chorus as Sophocles would have intended the role of the Chorus to be understood. However, I will then look at how I think the Greek audience would have perceived the role of the Chorus and then how the role of the Chorus is perceived today by a 20th century and examine the key differences in the two different sets of perceptions. Finally, I will look at the importance of the role of the Chorus to a 20th century audience and a Greek audience respectively.