Table of ContentsIntroductionSources of Greek MythsGreek Myths AnalyzedConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionGreek mythology is a collection of legends and myths that were used by the ancient Greeks to explain the nature of world and of the world. origins of their rituals and religious practices. These myths were also an integral part of their religion. Today, scholars refer to these myths to better understand the political and religious institutions of ancient Greece and to understand the practice of mythmaking. Greek mythology is found in stories and figurative arts, offering explanations for the creation of the world and the lives of gods and heroes (Powell 1996). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Sources of Greek Myths Mythical narration plays an important role in various genres of Greek literature. The Pseudo-Apollodorus Library is the only comprehensive mythographic manual of ancient Greece, which brings together different accounts of poets to present an overview of Greek mythology and heroic legends (Rouse 1937). The epic poems, the Odyssey and the Iliad, are the oldest known literary sources of Greek mythology. Archaeological evidence also contributes to our understanding of Greek mythology, with heroes and gods depicted on many artifacts. The Theogony, written by Homer, provides a detailed explanation of the origins of Greek myths and the creation of the world. Other literary sources include Hesiod's “Titans and Giants” and “Works and Days” (Rouse 1937). Greek Myths Analyzed The Greek gods are often considered frivolous, capricious and sometimes immoral. However, this perspective does not capture the full complexity of these gods. Unlike the Judeo-Christian perspective, where God is seen as all-powerful and the foundation of moral decency, the Greeks viewed their gods as more knowledgeable and insightful, but not significantly more powerful than humans. The defining characteristic of the Greek gods is their power, not their goodness. Each god represents a specific force or action, such as Aphrodite symbolizing love and lust, Ares representing battle, and Zeus embodying both empathy and lightning. Although the behavior of the Greek gods may resemble that of humans, they possess immortality and do not experience the physical limitations of humans (Vernant 1991). Additionally, Greek gods often interact with humans, both hindering and helping them. They were described as having relationships with humans, blurring the line between gods and mortals. Humans, on the other hand, are limited by their mortality and are expected to respect certain limits. Excessive behavior in humans can lead to pride and arrogance, while mocking the gods is considered a fault. Although the gods do not face death, they are subject to a specific type of fate (Vernant 1991). Conclusion The Greeks viewed life as insignificant and fragile, accepting that failure is inevitable even with the best intentions. They did not consider religion, destiny and the afterlife as sources of optimism. Instead, they believed that life could only be improved if they adopted the behaviors and characteristics of the gods. The strange behaviors of the Greek gods may seem peculiar to us, but the Greeks accepted and adapted them, demonstrating their firm belief in Greek mythology (Campbell 1964). Keep in mind: this is just one, 1964.