Greece was always known for its philosophy, yet add to that the myths that deliver some lessons or have a symbolic significance
Pandora was not actually evil, no. Yet, she was inquisitive and defiant. Pandora was taught not to open the vessel which was offered to her as her marriage dowry to Epimetheus, yet she could not desist from lifting the lid, she opened the vessel and then all evils come out to torture man in eternity. So, Zeus revenged on humans for the present of fire that her brother-in-law, Prometheus brought to them in spite of the banning imposed by the king of gods.
9 Heracles
Heracles is the Greek name of the hero and it factually means “the glory of Hera.” The legend goes that Hera, godly wife of Zeus, was very envious of her consort’s matter which caused the birth of Herakles, and took revenge herself by making life fed-up for the demi-god.
Besides Jason and his Argonaut friends, a nomad of the seas could be present in the Greek mythology. Odysseus, the mariner par excellence, seizes a main part in ancient Greek literature – and has inspired a lot of artists, from Antiquity till these days.
Orpheus was a renowned musician, poet and prophet of ancient Greece. In line with ancient Greek poet Simonides, Orpheus’ music and singing could appeal the birds, fish and wild beasts, persuade the trees and rocks into dance, and redirect the course of rivers.
Thebes was established by Cadmus, Phoenician prince brother of Europa and the great-grandson of Egyptian king Epaphus, at 14th century BC. You should remember that the famous city of ancient Egypt, which rose to capital rank under the 18th dynasty had the same name.
Theseus was a superman of the House of Athens, long before Pericles commemorated the city’s power by erecting traditional Parthenon and the other huge monuments on Acropolis. In fact, Theseus preceded by a generation the Trojan war where his two sons, Acamas and Demophon, wrestled along under the final command of king Agamemnon.
4 The myth of Pygmalion and Galatea
It is probably one of the most famous stories in Greek Mythology. The myth of Pygmalion and Galatea is also one of the most significant and inspiring ancient Greek myths, and turned to be the main theme for theatrical plays, as well as artistic paintings. Pygmalion was a gifted Greek sculptor from Cyprus. After being disgusted by some local prostitutes, he hated women and avoided their company totally. So he crafted his dream woman.
3 The Myth of Halcyon – The Halcyon Days
The ancient Greek myth of Halcyon is a loving story of love and promise, which clarifies the Halcyon sunny days of calm seas as well as winds. The Halcyon days come into view in mid January every year. Halcyon is a sort of kingfisher bird that nests by the sea where sea-delightful winds blow, so that its eggs are defended during the nesting period. The phrase Halcyon days today also means prosperity, joy, liberation and stillness.
2 Myth of King Midas and the Gold
King Midas is one of the most famous and contentious persons in the Greek Mythology. King of Phrygia, Midas, was recognized for his wisdom but also his gluttony. Although one of the most famous kings of his time, a extreme lover of the Arts and Culture, inventor of a gorgeous rose garden, Midas was famous to be very greedy, trying to build up the biggest amount of money and prosperity in the known world.
1 Jason and The Argonauts – The Myth
Jason had won the support of the goddesses Hera and Athena. With their help Jason constructed the fabled ship Argo, which owned 50 oars. He employed 50 extraordinary people named the Argonauts. They included one woman, Atalanta, and Hercules, the toughest man who lived ever. Orpheus, the poet from Thrace, who could sing more pleasantly than the Sirens, and Castor and Polydeukis, the brothers of Helen of Troy, were also members in the team of the Argonauts.
