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Greek Mythology
Greek Mythology The ancient Greeks used stories containing God’s to explain the way life was. Often times there were lessons to be learned that described human behavior. To the Greeks the myths were looked at as examples of good and bad behavior and its effects. they worshipped the Gods and tried not to offend them in any way. The story of creation is a prime example of how the Greeks viewed the heavens and the earth. Zeus was the king of the sky, earth, and men. Zeus’ son Apollo urged all Greeks to follow these words: “Nothing in excess” and “Know your limitations.” These are words that even humans today should take to heart. The Greeks believed in manlike deities as well, whom were capable of spite, favoritism, and jealousy. The only difference being their ability to perform supernatural powers and immortality. The creation of the world according to the Greeks goes as follows: In the beginning there was only chaos. Out of this void appeared Erebus, the unknowable place where death dwells, and Night (Nyx). All else was empty, silent, endless, darkness. Upon the birth of Love(Eros) brought a start of order. From Love came Light and Day. Once there was Light and Day, Gaea appeared. Gaea was the Earth goddess. Erebus then slept with Night, producing Aether and Day. Aether was the heavenly light and Day was the light of the Earth. Night solely produced Death, Doom, Dreams, Fate, Nemesis, Sleep, among others that come to man out of the darkness. Meanwhile Gaea gave birth to Uranus. Uranus was the sky god and first ruler who later became married to his creator, Gaea. Together they proceeded to have the three Cyclopes, the three Hecatoncheires, and twelve Titans. However, Uranus was a bad father and husband. He disliked the Hecatoncheires and expressed his hatred by imprisoning them into the hidden places of the earth, Gaea’s womb. This angered Gaea and she plotted against Uranus. She tried to get her children to attack Uranus. All were too afraid except, the youngest Titan, Cronus. Gaea and Cronus set up an ambush of Uranus as he lay with Gaea at night. Cronus grabbed his father and castrated him, with a sharp object, throwing the severed genitals into the ocean. After this Uranus either died, withdrew from the earth, or exiled himself to Italy. As he departed he promised that. Cronus and the Titans would be punished. From his spilt blood came the Giants, the Ash Tree Nymphs, and the Erinyes. From the sea foam where his genitals fell came Aphrodite. She arose from the sea and walked to the shore in Cyprus. She was the goddess of love, desire, and beauty. Along with her natural gifts she was able to compel whomever she desired with the use of a magical girdle. After the absence of Uranus, Cronus became the next ruler. He imprisoned the Cyclopes and the Hecatoncheires in Tartarus and married his sister Rhea. Together the Titans had many offspring while Cronus ruled for many ages. However, Gaea and Uranus both had prophesied that he would be overthrown by a son. To avoid this Cronus swallowed each of his children as they were born. Rhea was angry at the treatment of the children and plotted against Cronu... This is ONLY a preview of the article. If you would like to view the entire document, you must subscribe to Academic Library. Please register below now!
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