Hesiod’s Theogony: The Complicacy of Greek Mythology

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III-2 BEE

Hesiod’s Theogony: The Complicacy of Greek Mythology

 

Upon reading the Theogony, here are my sentiments, reactions, and possibly confusions that I come to solve and figured out.

Names and Characters

The complexity may start with the confusion on their names. It’s not surprising that you find the gods and goddesses’ names difficult to sort out and memorize-- there were hundreds of them! Their names’ construction, as well as pronunciations and spellings are truly Greeks. I find it good to pronounce but hard to remember, most especially that they have a complicated relationship to one another.  


                                                Family Tree of the Greek Gods

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffamily-tree-template.org%2Fgreek-mythology-family-tree%2F&psig=AOvVaw30EG9JzbrllCPkVXgWjgFe&ust=1614436470288000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCOi529fih-8CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO

Relationships

In Greek mythology, the birth of these gods is correspondingly complex. One of the reasons is maybe the incestuous entanglement that was started by Zeus and Hera, which bore many children who continued this kind of relationship. So maybe some of you had also this question same as mine: “Why are these gods have an ungodly behavior?” Apparently, these ancient deities are not our models when it comes to morality and goodness. So, I think it safe to say that Zeus’ clan is legal.

 

Detailed view, A Greek Amphora urn depicting some of the interesting sexual activities that occurred in the ancient world, via The British Museum https://www.thecollector.com/incest-ancient-greece-rome/


The Reward and Punishment Concept

Gods and goddesses were affiliated with nonfigurative powers and abstract concepts, that’s why they are known to be infallible and immortals. They could intermingle, control, and decide on lives of the mortals. What I have noticed in this concept is that if you please the gods, then they may give you a great reward. But, be ready if you offended them or disobey their rules, because they will give you a bigtime cruel punishment.

For me, this concept added to the big impact of their known powers. Gods do not only govern the mortals but also the immortals. The powers give them a thrilling and at the same time fear to one another. The power that makes the universe orderly or chaotic. The power that could create or destroy. The power that could guide or manipulate.

These circumstances are hard to be explained and understand. But reading and understanding the Greek mythology today is still of significance and essential. Aside from fascinating and amazing plots, the values, culture, and events will always be as relevant and accepted in today’s context.

                                                                                                             -by Coline Balmaceda



 

References

Forbes, M. (2020). Incest in Ancient Greece And Rome: How Was It Viewed? Retrieved from https://www.thecollector.com/incest-ancient-greece-rome/

History.com (2020). Greek mythology. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/greek-mythology

McCammon, E. (2016). The Ultimate Guide to the 28 Main Greek Gods and Goddesses. Retrieved from https://blog.prepscholar.com/greek-gods-goddesses-names-family-tree

 

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