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greek_ggirl

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What is the story behind Zeus?? How did be become so powerful?
 
Zeus has always been one of my favorites!

Here is a ton of information about the king of gods within Greek mythology:
 
Zeus has always been one of my favorites!

Here is a ton of information about the king of gods within Greek mythology:
The Greekboston article does a good job in re-telling myths about Zeus and seems to answer the question by referring to the choice by lot between him, Poseidon, and Hades, but I see that the mythographer already knew the 3 brothers as lords of the 3 kingdoms. So, we should inquire why, for the original myth-makers, Zeus was most powerful. Their power is measured by their deeds. Well, since the gods are not observable anthropomorphic realities, there are no deeds available for consideration: we must look for natural events (that affect humans), such as storms, volcanic fires, violent winds, etc., that some humans called Theoi or by some other name. Later, such nature-forces were personified and resulted in the mythic pantheon we are familiar with. As personified, Zeus used to gather clouds, to be the arbiter of wars, etc. ,but to begin with, Zeus was a hurricane or the like, whereas his brothers are minor forces (which we may have even difficulty idenifying). Anyway, the gods -- such gods -- are the most evident, conspicuous, realities in the world; there is no need to prove their existence by argumentation....
 
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The Greekboston article does a good job in re-telling myths about Zeus and seems to answer the question by referring to the choice by lot between him, Poseidon, and Hades, but I see that the mythographer already knew the 3 brothers as lords of the 3 kingdoms. So, we should inquire why, for the original myth-makers, Zeus was most powerful. Their power is measured by their deeds. Well, since the gods are not observable anthropomorphic realities, there are no deeds available for consideration: we must look for natural events (that affect humans), such as storms, volcanic fires, violent winds, etc., that some humans called Theoi or by some other name. Later, such nature-forces were personified and resulted in the mythic pantheon we are familiar with. As personified, Zeus used to gather clouds, to be the arbiter of wars, etc. ,but to begin with, Zeus was a harricane or the like, whereas his brothers are minor forces (which we may have even difficulty idenifying). Anyway, the gods are the most evident, conspicuous, realities in the world; there is no need to prove their existence....
An addition to my above reply: As we already know, "Hades" was the name of a god as well as of his abode, namely the dark and quiet underworld. So, I presume that our experiential basis of the god is some cave which was dangerous, menacing, such as a cave/cavern with wild animals. We have a clue for this in the fact that Kerberos and some other monsters were [in myths] guardians of the entrance and, in other myths or suppositions, guards to prevent the escape of the dead. The interior of some such caves had streams of waters or rivers, wherefore Orphics who died were warned not to drink from the Lethe river (and thus obliterate their memory or consciousness_). [For instance, this warning was written down on gold-leaf tablets which have been discovered at Thourioi, a city in Greek-colonized southern Italy, from which refugees founded my native town some miles away around 204 B.C.] Example: A cave with such an interior existed also in S. Italy, near Naples/Neapolis and Kymae (where there was the oracle of the Cumaean sibyl). // What could be the natural basis of Poseidon? He was also known as the god of fresh waters -- rivers and springs. Hence I suppose that harmful floodings, of rivers and of the sea, begot the idea of a god close in nature or power to Zeus and Hades.
 
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The Greekboston article does a good job in re-telling myths about Zeus and seems to answer the question by referring to the choice by lot between him, Poseidon, and Hades, but I see that the mythographer already knew the 3 brothers as lords of the 3 kingdoms. So, we should inquire why, for the original myth-makers, Zeus was most powerful. Their power is measured by their deeds. Well, since the gods are not observable anthropomorphic realities, there are no deeds available for consideration: we must look for natural events (that affect humans), such as storms, volcanic fires, violent winds, etc., that some humans called Theoi or by some other name. Later, such nature-forces were personified and resulted in the mythic pantheon we are familiar with. As personified, Zeus used to gather clouds, to be the arbiter of wars, etc. ,but to begin with, Zeus was a harricane or the like, whereas his brothers are minor forces (which we may have even difficulty idenifying). Anyway, the gods are the most evident, conspicuous, realities in the world; there is no need to prove their existence....
So what you're saying is that because he had control over hurricanes (most affect on humans) he was the most powerful?
 
So what you're saying is that because he had control over hurricanes (most affect on humans) he was the most powerful?
You see, I do not believe that the gods are products of the human imagination; I think that some events and some things around us are very powerful and, so to speak, awakened human consciousness and we named them. So, originally, hurricanes, volcanic fires, typhoons, etc., were what we call gods. Later on, humans thought of them as persons and developed the myths we are familiar with. Zeus, otherwise called Za and Deus [in Aeolic and in Latin], was originally a devastating storm. (Unlike Hesiod, the 7h cent. B.C. organizer of myths or theogonist, I do aetiology of gods: I seek the experienced causes/bases of their emergence.) //Inspired by Vico's "New Science" (18th Century), I venture to say, "en archE logos" -- in the beginning [of mankind] was the word, the names of the gods. Don't be offended for my use of your evangelical words, O John of Ephesus, who anyway walked on the footsteps of Heracleitos of the same city.
Zeus has always been one of my favorites!

Here is a ton of information about the king of gods within Greek mythology:

The Greekboston article does a good job in re-telling myths about Zeus and seems to answer the question by referring to the choice by lot between him, Poseidon, and Hades, but I see that the mythographer already knew the 3 brothers as lords of the 3 kingdoms. So, we should inquire why, for the original myth-makers, Zeus was most powerful. Their power is measured by their deeds. Well, since the gods are not observable anthropomorphic realities, there are no deeds available for consideration: we must look for natural events (that affect humans), such as storms, volcanic fires, violent winds, etc., that some humans called Theoi or by some other name. Later, such nature-forces were personified and resulted in the mythic pantheon we are familiar with. As personified, Zeus used to gather clouds, to be the arbiter of wars, etc. ,but to begin with, Zeus was a harricane or the like, whereas his brothers are minor forces (which we may have even difficulty idenifying). Anyway, the gods are the most evident, conspicuous, realities in the world; there is no need to prove their existence....
 
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You see, I do not believe that the gods are products of the human imagination; I think that some events and some things around us are very powerful and, so to speak, awakened human consciousness and we named them. So, originally, hurricanes, volcanic fires, typhoons, etc., were what we call gods. Later on, humans thought of them as persons and developed the myths we are familiar with. Zeus, otherwise called Za and Deus [in Aeolic and in Latin], was originally a devastating storm. (Unlike Hesiod, the 7h cent. B.C. organizer of myths or theogonist, I do aetiology of gods: I seek the experienced causes/bases of their emergence.) //Inspired by Vico's "New Science" (18th Century), I venture to say, "en archE logos" -- in the beginning [of mankind] was the word, the names of the gods. Don't be offended for my use of your evangelical words, O John of Ephesus, who anyway walked on the footsteps of Heracleitos of the same city.
Very interesting theory, I like to think that that's what the Ancient Greeks believed :)
 
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Mythological Roots of the Olympic Games

I've recently found myself deeply fascinated with how ancient myths and legends have influenced modern traditions and events, particularly those with a global following. Among these, the Olympic Games stand out as a prime example of ancient traditions influencing contemporary world culture. I'm eager to learn more about the mythological roots of the Olympic Games and thought this would be the perfect community to turn to for insights.

From what I understand, the origins of the Olympics are deeply intertwined with Greek mythology. The games were held in Olympia, a sanctuary site for Greek gods, and featured various competitions and rituals dedicated to Zeus, the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion. However, my knowledge of how these mythological aspects directly influenced the establishment and evolution of the Olympic Games feels quite superficial.

Different Gods and Goddesses in Different Parts of Greece?

I had thought that the pantheon of gods and goddesses was a standardized concept throughout Greece, but it appears as if that might be incorrect thinking on my part.

In learning about the different Greek islands and regions of Greece, I see that there might be regional myths, gods, and goddesses that might not be present in other parts of Greece.

I can't think of specific examples. I am just writing this post to confirm to you guys whether this is true or not... For example, I get the feeling that some of the stories on Crete may not have been part of the stories in other places in Greece - like the Minotaur - was that Crete specific?

Maybe there's no way to really know....?

Hestia Greek Goddess Information

We don't talk about Hestia much... but I just remembered that my yiayia did! I wondered why, so I researched her. Here is what I found... I think it has something to do with the fact that she was a housewife and she loved her family.. Looking at what she represents, it kind of makes sense. Here's what I found about her:

The Greek goddess Hestia was revered as the goddess of the hearth and home. In ancient Greek mythology, she was known to be a benevolent deity, who brought warmth and comfort to the home. Through her presence, she blessed the family and provided them with a sense of safety and security.

Hestia was the first-born child of Cronus and Rhea, and she was the sister of other Olympian gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Unlike her brothers and sisters, she did not engage in any power struggles or battles. She preferred to remain neutral and instead focused her attention on her household duties. Hestia was considered one of the most important deities, as the hearth represented the heart of the home. People would light a fire in her honor and worship her by placing offerings of food and drink on their hearth.

In ancient Greek culture, a hearth was often considered the most important part of the home. It was where food was cooked, and family members gathered to eat, share stories, and bond. Hestia's role in domestic life was crucial, and she was responsible for creating the warmth and sense of security felt within the home. Her presence was believed to bring good luck and happiness to the family.

Important Places of Greek Mythology?

I was just thinking about the Greek mythos and legends and how in some of them, location appears to be important.

For example, Mount Olympus is a real mountain in Greece. The Archeron River, one of the five rivers of Hades, really exists. The story of the Minotaur has a backdrop of the Knossos Palace (I think). There was the Oracle of Delphi in the stories, and Delphi really exists.

Can you think of anything else? I find this stuff interesting.

Aphrodite - Greek Goddess of Love

Ahead of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some things that I thought were interesting about Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love:

1. Aphrodite Was Born from Sea Foam.
In Greek mythology, it's said that Aphrodite was born from the sea foam that formed when Cronus cut off Uranus's genitals and threw them into the ocean. As the spirit of desire and physical attraction, Aphrodite's birth story reflects the power of nature and the irresistible force of passion.

2. She Was Married to Hephaestus.
Despite her reputation as the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite had a less-than-romantic marriage with Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and volcanoes. Hephaestus was unattractive and had a limp, and Aphrodite had several affairs with other gods and mortals. To me, this seem like an unlikely match.

3. She Possessed a Magic Girdle.
To make herself even more desirable and seductive, Aphrodite had a magic girdle that could make anyone fall in love with her. It's said that she used this girdle to win the hearts of both gods and mortals and cause conflicts and jealousy among them.

4. She Had Children with Several Gods and Mortals.
Aphrodite was famous for her many love affairs, and she had children with several gods and mortals. Her most famous son was Eros, the god of love and passion, who was sometimes depicted as her lover as well.

5. She Was Worshiped throughout Ancient Greece.
As the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite was a popular deity throughout ancient Greece and was worshiped in many cities and temples. She was also associated with fertility, sexuality, and even war, as seen in her role as a protector of soldiers and sailor.

6. Her Symbols Included Doves, Roses, and Mirrors.
Like most deities, Aphrodite had several symbols that represented her qualities and powers. Her most common symbols were doves, roses, and mirrors, which reflected her beauty, love, and vanity.
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