Free essays on Greek mythology are academic papers that explore the stories and characters of ancient Greek mythology. These essays may cover topics such as the creation myth, the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology, heroic figures like Hercules and Achilles, and the Greek underworld. They often draw on primary sources such as classical texts, artifacts, and art, providing in-depth analysis of the content and meanings of these stories. Students and scholars studying classics, literature, art history, or ancient civilizations may find these essays useful for their research or coursework.
A Comparison of the Differences Between the Story of Perseus and the Movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The story of Perseus is quite different than the movie Percy Jackson & the Olympians The Lightning Thief. One difference is the movie is based on a book written by Rick Riordan. Riordan used parts of the Perseus myth in his book and changed some parts. Perseus and Percy are both demigods however Perseus father is Zeus and Percy's father is Poseidon. One of the myths of Perseus is he had quest to find Medusa. Perseus received weapons and advice…...
Perseus
The Fall of Man in Genesis Chapter 2-3 and in Louis Untermeyer Pandora’s Box
In Genesis chapter 2-3, and in "Pandora's Box" by Louis Untermeyer the theme "Fall of Man" occurs when the world goes from innocence and purity to evil and sin. Eve and Pandora both allow curiosity to get the best of them causing a punishment with a small amount of good; however, Pandora wasn't tempted while Eve was. Eve and Pandora both had curiosity within them and allowed it to take control. Pandora unleashes evil, sadness, and pain but also finds…...
ChristianityPandora'S BoxReligion
The Burning Rage of Achilles in the Iliad, a Poem by Homer
Throughout the Iliad, the theme is rage. Specifically, the Iliad is about the rage of Achilles, the almost-invincible hero of the Achaeans. The plot of the story follows Achilles' decisions, as he is one of the central characters and responsible for pretty much everything that happens in the story. From beginning to end, the Iliad illustrates how choices shape not only the individual who makes them, but everyone around the individual as well. The American Heritage Dictionary defines rage as…...
AchillesIliadTrojan War
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Characterization of The Hero Achilles in The Illiad by Homer
Hērōs, the Greek word for hero, is the goal for most of the ancient Greeks. Traditionally, being a hero meant great glory and remembrance for years and decades to come, even after their death. A hero is defined by the Webster Dictionary as a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. If this is defined as a hero, then why so much do people associate Achilles as the hero of one of Homer's most famous epic poems, The…...
AchillesHeroIliad
The Negative Impact of the Trojan and Persian Wars
War, without a doubt, hurts a civilization but their effects of their short period of suffering always outshines their suffering. This is proven to hold true in two major wars in the course of history, the Trojan War and the Persian Wars. Immediately after the war is over, civilizations go through a period of hardship. But after that period, the civilizations go through a strife period of fertility and great creations. Although war can hurt a civilization, the ways the…...
CivilizationGreeceTrojan War
Greek Gods in the Trojan War
In Homers The Iliad the roles of the Greek gods and goddesses in the Trojan War often involve the death and treachery of mortals. The gods usually decide who dies and who lives, and they determine the mental will of a person, but ultimately it is Fate that governs what happens to an individual. Only thinking of themselves, the immortal gods cannot relate to death or human affairs and often give little thought to the value of human life. The…...
IliadMythologyTrojan War
An Overview of the Warrior Menelaus in the Trojan War
Menelaus although a great warrior was also a great observer and thinker. Menelaus was the son of Atreus. Menelauss brother was the leader of the Trojan army, Agamemnon. Although he was not a major warrior in the war, his brother was the commander in chief of the forces against Troy (Parada, p.2). Although little is known about Menaluss life in Alexandria, other records show that he recorded astrological records. Menelaus observed the occultation of the star Beta Scorpii by the…...
LiteratureMythologyTrojan War
Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Media for Revenge
Brad Levett's "Verbal Autonomy and Verbal Self-Restraint in Medea" argues that Medea develops masculine characteristics that help her exact revenge on Jason. Levett uses the terms verbal autonomy, or the ability to resist persuasion, and verbal self-restraint, the ability to control one's own language, to explain what Medea does and how she does it in order to attain justice. Levett points out that, according to ancient Greek beliefs, because Medea is a woman, she is susceptible to persuasion and is…...
MasculinityMedeaRevenge
The Loss and Guilt of Medea From the Play Medea by Euripides
After reading the play, “Medea”, I must side with Medeai Of course this must come as a shock as she is a child killer, however, I do believe she is the person who lost the most which may be why she reacted so erratically. In Medea’s defense, she gave up her entire life for Jason. She betrayed her father and moved to Greece where she is a foreigner. Medea births two of Jason’s children and the nurse even claims Medea…...
ChildFictionMedea
Sophocles’s Oedipus and Euripides’ Medea: Gods in Greek Tragedy
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of ancient Greek culture was Greek mythology Greeks attributed most every event to the gods The gods were highly revered and respected. Two of the most infamous Greek tragedies highlighted how the gods were viewed and addressed during certain situations, Oedipus and Medea show that pride and questioning the gods’ authority will lead to destruction. However, these two tragedies also show differences in how various people may act toward the gods in different…...
MedeaMythologyReligionZeus
The Suffering of the Characters in the Play Medea by Euripides
In Euripides Medea the reader sees multiple ways in which each character suffers, However there were different degrees of suffering for these characters. Some did not experience much pain for example Green and his daughter These two, although rarely seen, both lost their lives at the hand of Medea’s rage fed by Jason's lust for a new bride. From the readers‘ point of view this may seem like a prime example of ultimate suffering but not in my opinion. Green…...
EthicsLiteratureMedeaRevenge
Relationship Between Medea and the Chorus in Euripides’ Tragedy
ln the play, Medea, a central set of characters is the Chorus, They are made up of the women of Corinth, They are used as messengers throughout a lot of the ancient plays, ln this play, they start off by feeling sorry for Medea, a woman who is about to be left by her husband, the famous Jason. They begin the play by trying to cheer up Medea, But, as the play progresses, they start to feel more sympathetic for…...
AngerFictionLiteratureMedea
Medea Are Celebrated Piece of Literature That Have Existed for Centuries
There are some literary works that are timeless and their characters, plots, and outcomes will never be forgotten. What makes these stories so memorable? Could it possibly be the author’s indication of friendship, heroism, or revenge that makes these stories relatable to the reader? Throughout the years, many playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Euripides have immortalized the escapades of men and women through renowned works of epic writings. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, The Epic of Gilgamesh,…...
Greek MythologyLiteratureMedea
Love Is the Strongest Feeling That Can Inspire or Destroy
In every relationship where love is involved, it is a strong and a wonderful thing. Then again; for others, love can be devastating and it depends, however, they decide to cope with leads to obliteration. There are so many relationships that ended unexpectedly, it causes suffering and pain and ends up in a disaster. Love is very strong and it affects thoughts and viewpoints. When lovers' parts from each other, their love for each other has a sentiment of desertion…...
MedeaPhilosophyPsychology
Zeus Powerful Gods of Ancient Greek Mythology
One of the most powerful and worshipped gods of ancient Greek mythology is Zeus. He rules over Mount Olympus as the Greek god of the sky and thunder. Zeus had many titles and epithets written about him to illustrate his influence over ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks, in honor of Zeus, would build sacred sites such as the oracle sites to commemorate Zeus, as well as, other magnificent temples and sanctuaries. There were also cult practices for the sole purpose…...
CultureGreek MythologyZeus
Revenge Is in the Blood
Background Information on Euripides: Euripides was an amazing author/dramatist, creating many great tragedies. He was born in 480 BC and died 406 BC. He had two wives, one daughter, and three sons. He wrote the famous Medea And Other Plays. He wrote all his plays and stories in Salamis Island. He had a different style to his plays, and they later became very popular throughout Greece and the rest of the world. Euripides didn't just make tragedies, he made plays…...
GreeceMedeaTragedy
Man Woman or Beast
In the play Medea, Euripides portrays Medea, the lead character, as a round character with a complex, multifaceted personality. Medea emerges as a docile, subservient woman and adheres to the feminine standard of behavior in ancient Greek culture. Alternately, she dons her armor, and takes on a masculine persona—adhering to the heroic code of pride. At other times, she appears beast-like and predatory—prompting other characters in the play to compare her to animals or beasts. Euripides steers us through an…...
MasculinityMedeaTragedy
Medea Is a Woman With a Strong Character
His power is derived from gods who are not as powerful as compared to the rule of the people. He retaliates to those who are defiant by locking them up. Jackson is seen to be pleading with Medea to have a final touch on the bodies of the children, but Medea doesn’t hear any of his cries as she considers him as an enemy and a betrayer. This betrayal can be considered to be a political motive to end Medea…...
EthicsMedeaPhilosophy
Why Hercules Was a Great Hero
When you think of a Homeric hero what types of characteristics would you consider? Would you say that they are a person of lifetime goals, a person who strives for excellence, or a complex person? I think that Hercules was a great hero. He had super human strength, was married to a princess, and died a hero. As Hercules was growing up he defended Thebes from the armies of Orchomenus. He was rewarded with Megara, the daughter of King Creon.…...
Hercules
A Comparison of Hercules and King Arthur
Hercules and King Arthur came from two different cultures; Hercules is Greek while King Arthur is Celtic. The Greek culture was created before the Celtic culture but they co-existed at one point in time and were later taken over by the Roman Empire. The Greek and Celtic cultures were once independent civilizations, but under one empire, they changed and became more in common. One thing that they had shared were some gods and goddesses. The myth of Hercules and the…...
Hercules
Hercules: A Top Greek Hero
Hercules is considered one of the greatest demigod greek heros to have ever existed, according to scholars. But why is this true? Isn't Hercules the "hero" who brutally slaughtered his beautiful wife and children as well as being an alcoholic? There are many factors other than his sad past that are the reason he is the greatest hero ever to exist within greek writings and myths Hercules is considered one of the greatest gods because of his extreme cleverity and…...
Hercules
Impulsive Actions in Midas and Hercules Myths
The life of many individuals is based on reacting without thinking of the consequences. Acting on Impulse can be destructive and can lead to the downfall of many. The myths of Midas and Hercules express the human flaw of acting based on impulse. The myths of Midas and Hercules both expresses emotion taking over the main characters sense of thought. Midas was overjoyed when he realized everything he touched turned to gold until “Midas found that when he touched his…...
Hercules
Hercules’s Thirteenth Labor
After Pandora's curiosity caused her to open the box all manner of horrors, pride, avarice, envy, wrath, sloth, lust, and gluttony were loosed upon the weak, vulnerable, pitiful masses known as people. The sorrows of these people were astounding. They suffered as no humans had suffered before. The earth was a vile black place full of disease, anger, hate, crime, and other nefarious creatures whose sole purpose is to inflict misery. Humans were in a desperate state. And so Hercules…...
Hercules
An Analysis of Hercules Brown in the Standard Oil Archive
Visual Analysis Essay Hercules Brown As I scrolled through the photos in “The Gordon Parks Foundation Archive”, I saw many compelling photographs. A lot of them are striking in their own right and beautifully shot, however, the one that really caught my eye was Hercules Brown in the Standard Oil archive. (http://www.gordonparksfoundation.org/archive/standard-oil-1944-48#8 ) The photo tells the story of a hard working store owner by the name of Hercules Brown. This photo embodied what small town oil looked like, it…...
Hercules
A Comparison Between the Story of Hercules and Oedipus
Who could forget the story of Hercules? This famous story is about a son of the gods who resides on Earth as a normal human with abnormal strength. In the story, Hercules fights various monsters and is saving his city constantly. However Hercules makes a deal with Hades, god of the underworld, to give away his strength for one day. This same day Hades sets the four titans, whom bring blizzards, rock slides, tornadoes, and volcanoes, upon the city as…...
Hercules
Friendship in Selfish Giant, Hercules & Hydra
Friendship Friendship is a term which defines the affection between two or more people. It usually rises from mutual interests and common aims. These pursuits are strengthened by the benevolent interests that sooner or later grow. The choice of friend can be important since it shows parents ways their children are trending. The trend can be important since it shows that good friends bring you up and bad friends bring you down. There are two stories about friendship which include…...
Hercules
How Hospitality Is Shown
Hospitality shows the reception and entertainment of guest, visitors, or strangers through unselfishness and goodwill. In the Greek culture hospitality is shown as a great level of respect with a massive feast and days of celebration. The Greek started using hospitality as a sign of welcoming to travelers come into their land. Hospitality is still a crucial part in life every business still takes making a guest experience the most exciting thing. Greeks believed that if they showed good respect…...
AchillesHospitalityIliad
Love and Death According to Greek Mythology
The famous psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud, used names of Greek gods Eros and Thanatos, respectively, to refer to what he considered as the basic forces that act on the human being: love and death. However, how were these themes represented in ancient times? On one hand, Greek culture is very characterized by its mythology, in which a strong bond and relationship between these two is often observed. Regarding the previous topics, in Greek myths there were several ways of interpreting and…...
Greek Mythology
Clues To One Killer
While narrowing it down to one killer, one weapon and one location each clue that was given was meant to throw you off. When looking at the first clue for the location which was, “We all have the ability to be good and bad, to be a victim and to be a killer, to be happy or sad while hiding behind Halloween.” This clue is illustrating the art of acting, relating to being something you are not. The clue is…...
MedeaSerial Killer
What is Technology, an Analysis of the Pandoras Box of Social Alienation
Has technology opened a Pandora's box of social alienation, or alternatively, is it bringing humans into a new era of prosperity and well being? In the modern world technology is all around. Automobiles, computers, nuclear power, spacecraft, and X-ray cameras are all examples of technological advances. Technology may be defined as the process by which human beings fashion tools and machines to change, manipulate, and control their environment. The increasing pace of technological change in the 20th century makes it…...
Pandora'S Box
The Trickster in The Cat in the Hat, a Book by Dr. Seuss
Mythological literary criticism looks at archetypes, allusions, and symbols regardless of time or place. These archetypes span from religious to psychological influences. The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss can be analyzed in this way by looking at the story through a Hero's Journey archetype. The boy and narrator is the hero, the Fish is the mentor (and also a Christ Symbol), the Cat in the Hat is the trickster, and Thing One and Thing Two are the threshold…...
Pandora'S Box
The Punishment for Curiosity in the Myth of Pandoras Box
Pandora's Box Allusion Pandora was the first woman on Earth; She was made by the Gods as a punishment to mankind. When Pandora was created, the Gods gave her a box containing special “gifts” that she was told never to open. Eventually, her curiosity got the best of her and she opened the box, and all the illnesses and hardships that the Gods stowed away in there were released upon the world. Seeing all this evil come out, Pandora tried…...
Pandora'S Box
An Argument Proving the Existence of Forms in Reality
I believe forms exist in reality. Here are objections to said belief. Objection #1: Nothing is “real” all of which is in the minds. Not the laws of science, not warmth, nothing. If nothing exists in reality (and only in our mind space), then, how can forms exist in reality? They cannot. (Solipsism) Objection #2: If forms did exist, then what is the universal for all forms? Forms cannot exist in reality, because they do not prove themselves. Is there…...
Pandora'S Box
Cultural Values And Myths
Heroism isn’t all about saving the day. Culture values and myths are similar because they have the same concept. Ancient Greece is more fighting dragons while American Culture is more risking your life to save others. The meaning of heroism is someone who is willing to save someone above their self. Heroism is seen a lot in American Culture by helping others and in mythology by saving the day. Heroism is seen in the books the Odyssey and Mythology in…...
HeroismMythsValues
Primal Myths and Myths
Barbara C. Sproul’s book Primal Myths, she describes that myths “...organize the way we perceive facts and understand ourselves and the world. Whether we adhere to them consciously or not, they remain pervasively influential”. Since Sproul uses an example from Genesis to give us a better understanding that humans brought into this earth can be a spinning image of God, one is able to see that she uses human beings as a replica of God. She writes that For example,…...
MythsTime
Many Mythological Theories Dating Back to Time
Every story has multiple sides, all with different viewpoints, thoughts, and conclusions. Much like a myth, there is no one good way to describe it. It is utterly impossible to establish a single definition of myth that encapsulates all the stories, as well as rightfully acknowledge their importance of. It is a continuous effort to understand what myths truly mean, and a big question we may ask ourselves is, where do myths come from? There are multiple theories of mythology,…...
MythologyMythsTime
The Importance Of Mythology in History
Mythology is a collection of tales that generally explain the past: these may have a basis in fact but are embroidered to explain the present. Many are fables, tales to demonstrate a point. History is an attempt to uncover and create a factual account of the past. Native Americans have also contributed to our history of storytelling. The study of myth began in ancient history. Rival classes of the Greek myths by Euhemerus, Plato, and Sallustius were developed by the…...
HistoryMythologyMyths
Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault Prevention
Is described as an illegal sexual activity that usually includes sexual intercourse which is forcibly executed or with the threat of injury to a person or with a person who is beneath the legal age or incapable of giving consent because of a mental illness, inebriation, unconsciousness, or deception. The approximate rate of sexual assault among United States college students is on the high end of 20-25% and the large statistic has caused a movement of developing improved sexual assault…...
AssaultMyths
The Prism Of Feminism As Regards The Myth Of Culture
Foley would most likely interpret Euripides’ Hippolytus through a feminist lens, specifically as the myth relates to culture. She tends to look at myths in such a way that explores how Greek women would engage in their communities and cultures, especially in religious practices. Foley is of the school of thought that the justifications for different societal behaviors arise from the widespread acceptance of myths within Greek culture and their application in day-to-day life. For Foley, the focus should not…...
CultureFeminismMythsPoseidon
Remember the Titans: The History of Greece and Rome
According to John Camp and Elizabeth Fisher, in the book The World of the Ancient Greeks, the Greeks used mythology to make sense of the world around them, explain the origin of humanity as well as where it was leading (in short, the meaning of life), and finally to perpetuate their history so they could keep in touch with their ancestors to never forget the places they explored and the wars they fought. Within this paper, I will talk about…...
Greek MythologyHistoryMyths
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