Introduction
Mary Shelley, the author of the classic novel Frankenstein also known as the Modern Prometheus, provides an insightful quotation that captures the enduring influence of Greek god’s mythology, ancient values, and culture: “Learn from me…how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (Shelley et al. para 10).
Through this quote, Shelley conveys the idea that knowledge and ambition can be dangerous when taken too far (Gamble 15). Shelley implied that it is better to be content with one’s own limitations, rather than striving to be something that one is not. Shelley’s words also reflect the Greek gods’ influence on Ancient Greece values, which emphasize moderation and respect for the natural order of things. Furthermore, this quote can be applied to modern culture, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting one’s own limitations.
Mary Shelley presents evidence of the ancient Greek gods’ mythology and values in Frankenstein; Or the Modern Prometheus. When Victor Frankenstein creates his creature, for example, he arrogantly assumes the role of a god and directly challenges the natural order of things (Shelley et al. Ch. 3). This alludes to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. This incident represents Victor’s overbearing ambition and disregard for the natural order.
Furthermore, when discussing the possible consequences of his actions with his friend Henry Clerval, Victor expresses his fear of “the monster [he] had created” (Shelley et al. Ch. 5). Here, Victor recognizes that he has gone too far and is now facing the consequences of his actions. Finally, when Victor’s monster confronts him in the Alps, he pleads with him to create a female partner for himself, to which Victor angrily rejects him, saying: “Begone! I do break my promise; never will I create another like yourself, equal in deformity and wickedness”.
Role of Greek Gods in Mythology
In Greek mythology, the gods were a powerful and influential force. The gods, according to Edith Hamilton’s book Mythology, were responsible for the creation of the world as well as the establishment of order and justice (Mankey et al. 102). The gods were seen as benevolent and omnipotent, ruling over all aspects of life, from the weather to war (Hamilton 5). As a result, the gods were central to Greek mythology, and their stories were used to explain the world and its various phenomena.
Relationship Between Greek Gods and Humans
In her book of Mythology, Edith Hamilton discusses the relationship between Greek gods and humans. According to Hamilton, the gods were far above humans, but they still interacted with them and were influenced by their decisions (Hamilton 75). This relationship was largely based on the idea that the gods had the power to punish humans, while humans had the power to honor the gods through offerings and sacrifices (Hamilton 76).
The gods were all-powerful, and they had the ability to control humans and the environment in which they lived. For example, Zeus had the power to send lightning bolts to punish those who offended him, while Apollo could bring down a plague in response to humans’ actions (Hamilton 76). The gods also had a great deal of influence over the fate of humans, as they could decide whether or not to give someone good or bad fortune in life.
Overall, Edith Hamilton’s Mythology explains the Greek gods’ and humans’ relationship as one of power, respect, and mutual benefit. This relationship served both parties as the gods could accept worship and prayers and humans could be blessed with divine favors. The gods were often seen as powerful, unpredictable, and dangerous by humans, while humans were seen as humble and devoted by the gods. This relationship was a cycle of give and take, as the gods could honor humans with favors, while humans could revere the gods with offerings and prayers.
Examples of Greek Gods
The Greek gods were gods of many different aspects of life, such as agriculture, the sea, war, and love. Some of the most well-known gods include Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Athena. Greek gods are said to be the main characters in Greek mythology, according to Edith Hamilton’s book Mythology (Hamilton 1). Zeus was the king of the gods and the god of the sky and thunder. He was the most powerful of the gods, and he was known for his fiery temper. He was frequently depicted holding a thunderbolt and was married to his sister Hera. He was also the father of numerous gods, including Athena and Apollo.
Poseidon was the god of the sea and earthquakes. He was frequently portrayed as a powerful figure, frequently wielding a trident. When enraged, he was known to be extremely volatile and capable of wreaking havoc. He was the father of the Cyclopes and the horse. Apollo was the sun and the god of music. He was the god of truth and prophecy, and he was frequently depicted holding a lyre. He led the Muses and was regarded as a wise and just god. Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. She was Eros’ mother and was frequently depicted holding a dove. She was revered as a powerful goddess capable of influencing others’ emotions. Athena was the war and wisdom goddess. She was Zeus’ daughter and was frequently depicted holding an owl. She was the patron goddess of Athena and was revered as a fearsome warrior.
Influence of Greek Gods on Ancient Greek Values
The stories of the Greek gods were not only used to explain the world, but also to define and reinforce the values of the Ancient Greeks. For example, the Greek goddess Athena was seen as a symbol of wisdom and justice, and her influence was used to encourage the development of these qualities in the Ancient Greeks (Hamilton 8). Similarly, the god Zeus was regarded as a personification of power and strength, and his stories were used to inspire courage and the pursuit of greatness. In this way, the stories of the Greek gods helped to reinforce the values of Ancient Greek society.
Ancient Greek Religion
The influence of Greek Gods on Ancient Greek values is an important topic to investigate because it provides insight into the Ancient Greek people’s beliefs and values. “The gods of the Greeks were not like the God of the Old Testament, whom men could not look upon and live,” explains Edith Hamilton in her book Mythology. They shared our humanity, albeit to a greater extent. They had such human characteristics as vanity, jealousy, ambition, and love (Hamilton 2). This quote highlights the importance of the gods in Ancient Greek culture, as they were seen as having human-like traits, and were believed to be involved in everyday life.
Ancient Greek Society and Culture
The gods had a significant impact on Ancient Greek society. Mythology by Edith Hamilton explains how Greek mythology’s gods and goddesses shaped ancient Greek values. She explains that the gods were the embodiment of ancient Greek values, and that the stories of the gods and goddesses reflected these values. According to Hamilton, the gods were “personifications of Greek ideals and tendencies” (Hamilton 8). According to Hamilton, the gods represented many aspects of ancient Greek values such as courage, justice, wisdom, and strength. For example, Zeus was the god of justice, and the people of ancient Greece respected and followed his decisions.
Relevance in Modern Culture
The stories of the Greek gods have endured for centuries and continue to influence modern culture (hard 2019). For example, the story of Zeus and his lightning bolt has been used as an inspiration for many modern works of art, from comic books to movies (Solis and Michael 5). Additionally, the story of Athena has been used to inspire the development of technology, such as the Athena Project, which sought to develop the world’s first artificial intelligence (McDonald 1). Furthermore, the stories of the Greek gods have been used to explore themes such as power, justice, and wisdom, which are still relevant in today’s society.
Adaptations of Greek Myths
The gods of Ancient Greece continue to have an impact on modern culture. The gods are portrayed as powerful and wise figures who are responsible for the fate of humans in the film Clash of the Titans. As the characters are unable to control their own destinies, the film reflects the Ancient Greeks’ belief in the power of the gods. Furthermore, in modern culture, gods are used as symbols of power and strength. The Nike logo, for example, is based on the winged goddess Nike, who represents victory and strength. In addition, Greek gods are used to represent the values of justice and morality. Kratos, the protagonist of the popular video game series God of War, is a god-like figure who fights injustice and evil. This reflects the Ancient Greek belief that the gods were in charge of safeguarding justice and morality.
Influence on Modern Values
The Greek gods have been a source of inspiration and awe in Western society for centuries. From ancient Greece to modern times, the gods of Mount Olympus and their various stories, characters, and adventures have been shared and retold in literature, art, and popular culture (Mason and John 102). They have also been used to instill values and morals in readers, demonstrating how literature can be used to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. In her classic novel Frankenstein; Or the Modern Prometheus, Mary Shelley uses the myth of the Greek deity Prometheus to illustrate a cautionary tale about the dangers of playing god (Ferguson 8).
Zeus punished Prometheus, a Greek mythological titan, for stealing fire from Mount Olympus and giving it to humans. His story serves as a warning to those who, like Victor Frankenstein, attempt to dominate nature in order to gain knowledge and power, with disastrous results. Shelley’s exploration of duty, morality, and consequences through the figure of Frankenstein and his creation can be related to by modern readers.
Greek Mythology in Popular Culture
In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, allowing them to advance to the level of “civilization.” In the novel, Victor Frankenstein creates a living being out of pieces of dead bodies and is later shocked by the consequences of his efforts (Mohammad et al. 138). Shelley implies in the story that because humans have no control over the outcomes of their actions, science should not be taken at face value. In contemporary popular culture, writers, filmmakers, and artists explore the ramifications of scientific advancement, echoing this theme. In the 2015 film adaptation of Frankenstein, the protagonist creates a creature that serves as a metaphor for the dangers of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
To summarize, the stories of the Greek gods have persisted for millennia, embodying the ideals of the Ancient Greeks and providing current society with inspiration. It is evident that the tales of the Greek gods are an essential element of history through a consideration of their significance in mythology, their impact on Ancient Greek values, and their use in contemporary culture. By comprehending the Greek gods’ strength, we may better grasp their impact on the world and the significance of understanding our past in order to comprehend the present and the future. Edith Hamilton’s book Mythology discusses how literature can serve as a vehicle for social change, citing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as an example of how literature can explore moral issues and encourage readers to consider their own values.
Works Cited
Gamble, Caitlin Lee. “Don’t Look at Her, She’s Mad”: Mama and Frankenstein Reveal Modern-Day Preoccupations. 2020. Northern Illinois University, PhD dissertation.
Ferguson, John. Among the Gods: An Archaeological Exploration of Ancient Greek Religion. Routledge, 2021.
Hamilton, Edith. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. Hachette UK, 2017.
Hard, Robin. The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology. Routledge, 2019.
Mankey, Jason, et al. Modern Witchcraft with the Greek Gods: History, Insights & Magical Practice. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2022.
Mason, John Hope. The Value of Creativity: The Origins and Emergence of a Modern Belief. Routledge, 2017.
McDonald, J. “The Athena Project: Creating the World’s First AI.” The Athena Project, 2020. Web.
Mohammad, Asst Shaima Nima. “The Adverse Effect of the Scientific Quest for Knowledge in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” Journal of Language Studies 2.4, 2019, pp. 134-147.
Solis, Michael A. The Damsel in Distress: Rescuing Women from American Mythology. 2017. Rutgers University-Camden Graduate School, PhD dissertation.