If there is one thing the sunny country of Greece is known for, it’s not the beautiful beaches, delicious food, hospitable people, or its incredible beauty. It’s the fascinating myths and tales of ancient Greek religion and beliefs and heroes and monsters that live on even thousands of years later. Let’s take a deep dive into the intriguing world of ancient Greek mythology and the various gods and goddesses that ruled the Hellas.
What Were the Ancient Greek Religion Beliefs?
Before it became a country known for its abundance of sunny days and incredible beaches, Greece was once a land known for its democracy and fresh political views, philosophy, poetry, fundamental contributions to science and mathematics, and, of course – its beliefs in numerous gods. The Hellenic legacy of storytelling lives on even today, as you cannot find an educated person who has never heard of Socrates, Aristotle, or some basic ancient Greek religion facts and Greek mythology tales.
When talking about ancient Greece and its religion, we’re talking about the period 800-323 BCE, when it was believed that the world was ruled by the twelve Olympians – twelve almighty, immortal gods and goddesses that lived on top of Mount Olympus. Besides the pantheon of the 12 main gods, the Greeks worshiped many more subordinate gods and creatures that didn’t reside on the mountain. Each Olympian god represented a certain aspect of life or nature, and here are some of the most well-known among them (and not at all like Disney showed them in Hercules):
- Zeus – The king of all gods and the ruler of the sky, weather, and faith. He was the leader in the victorious battle against the reign of the Titans and their leader – his father, Cronus. Zeus was the most powerful god who had affairs with a large number of other goddesses as well as mortal women, resulting in many children who became either gods or demigods.
- Hera – Zeus’s wife, goddess of marriage and women, and a symbol of fertility.
- Poseidon – Zeus’s brother, god of the sea, horses, and earthquakes. His distinctive trait was his trident.
- Athena – The goddess of wisdom, courage, strategic and disciplined warfare, and mathematics. Owls and olive trees, which she gifted to the city of Athens, are Athena’s personifications and worldly symbols.
- Aphrodite – The goddess of love, passion, beauty, and desire. She was often found in the company of Cupid/Eros, the god of sex and love.
- Ares – The brutal god of bloodshed and war, chaos, and violence, the son of Zeus and Hera.
- Apollo and Artemis – Twin brother and sister and children of Zeus and Leto. Apollo was the god of light, Sun, prophecy, music, poetry, and all art forms. He was the head of the Oracle of Delphi, which remains one of the most important attractions in Greece. Artemis was the goddess of hunting, nature, and animals and a protector of women. She was always accompanied by her bow and arrow, deer, and hunting dogs.
- Hermes – The god of thieves, travelers, sports, and the guide to the Underworld. He is the son of Zeus and the nymph Maia, known for his speed and cleverness, often depicted with winged sandals.
- Dionysus – God of wine, grapes, festivity and madness.
- Hades – The god of death and the underworld, where he had lived. Upon defeating the Titans and Cronus, their father, the three brothers, Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon, took over the rulership of the world. Zeus got the sky, Poseidon the water, and Hades the underworld. Even though he was not part of the great twelve gods that lived on the Olympus, Hades was one of the most significant and feared gods.
The Tales of Greek Mythology Are Both Fascinating and Poetic
Even though we find the tales of Greek mythology to be nothing more than entertaining today, once upon a time, they were used to explain the world’s existence, basic principles of life, morals, human conditions, and timeless truths. If you follow the storyline closely, you can learn a lot about the rules and the essence of life.
All these stories have been passed down from generation to generation orally, ever since ancient times. Imagine how important they were if we still know them by heart even today. Some of these stories are a complete work of fiction (or are they?), and some are based on actual events and historical facts.
Whatever the case may be, these tales have left a significant footprint not only in Greek but the world’s cultural heritage as well. These stories managed to explain the unexplainable, and their legacy remains forever, both in people’s minds and hearts and in significant pieces of art and literature such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Dante’s Inferno. Let’s take a brief look at some of the most popular tales from this golden era and learn a bit about morality, bravery, and honor.
The Iconic Story of the Trojan Horse Is the Backbone of Greek Mythology
There is no better way to start the journey through Greek mythology than with the iconic story about the Trojan horse. Unlike many other tales, this one was based on an actual historical event – the Trojan War between Greece and the city of Troy.
According to Homer, the war began over Helen, the most beautiful woman that ever lived. After a decade of bloody siege that claimed the lives of many heroes on both sides but led nowhere, the smartest of the Greeks, Odysseus, came up with a cunning plan.
With the advice and help of Athena, the Greeks constructed a massive wooden horse and left it to the Trojans as a sign of surrender while they sailed away. The Trojans brought the horse into their city, rallying in victory, but what they didn’t know was that the best Greek warriors were hiding inside its hollow body. Upon nighttime, the Greeks emerged from the horse and destroyed Troy, ending the long war.
Have You Ever Wondered Where the Term Pandora’s Box Comes From?
Today, the term Pandora’s box is used for things that are better left unexplored. But have you ever wondered how that term came to life? Here’s the tale of Pandora and her box. It’s one of the fundamental myths that explains the origin of all bad in the world.
Pandora was the first ever woman to be put on Earth. She was beautiful, smart, and a bit too curious for her own good. She had everything she could ever wish for, but upon her birth, she also got a box from the gods, who had instructed her never to open it. The gods knew very well what was inside the box, but Pandora didn’t have a clue.
As time went by, she became more and more curious and eager to find out. One day, she decided to open the box – as soon as she did, all the evil and woes got out of the box and began destroying the Earth. People became sick, miserable, and death started lurking. As soon as she realized what she had done, Pandora quickly shut the box, leaving only hope inside it as the only thing left to rely on.
The Famous Greek Island of Mykonos Has Its Own Very Interesting Mythology
While most people only know Mykonos for its iconic nightlife, beautiful scenery, stunning beaches, and delicious Greek food, only a small number of people know that this Greek island has an incredibly rich history and takes a great part in the legendary mythology. What is now a party island where Kendal Jenner dances with champagne bottles was once a place of the biggest battle in the universe – Olympian gods vs. the Titans.
It is said that Hercules, Zeus’s half-god son, lured the Titans onto the island and fought to victory alongside the Olympians. After the war was over, it is believed that the bodies of the Titans were buried on Mykonos, in the form of rocks that are present on the Island of the Winds up till this day. Another interesting fact about Mykonian mythology is the way the island got its name. It was named after its first ruler, Mykonos – the grandson of Apollo.
Contact Us and Spend Your Summer Vacation Leaning More About Greek Mythology on the Island of the Winds
If you want to spend your summer vacation in the birthplace of some of the world’s most fascinating stories, it might be time to travel to Greece. The Island of the Winds is the perfect place for your summer getaway, as it offers both an incredible insight into the country’s history and stunning beaches you can enjoy. So, contact us, The Ace VIP team, and set up all the necessary travel arrangements.
Choose any of our Mykonos luxury villas, and experience the spirit of Greece in style. Your personal Mykonos concierge will make sure everything regarding your stay is perfect, and that all your wishes are fulfilled. Rent a car and explore the historical attractions of the island, go on a Mykonos yacht rental and search for Poseidon – the world is your oyster!
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