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xmelissaa

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I love to research Greek mythology. Because it is Valentine's Day, the day of love, I thought I would research Eros, which, from what I understand, is the Greek God of love (and kind of similar in concept to the Roman cupid).

Here's some info I found from the Eros wikipedia entry:

Eros appears in ancient Greek sources under several different guises. In the earliest sources, he is one of the primordial gods involved in the coming into being of the cosmos. In later sources, however, Eros is represented as the son of Aphrodite, whose mischievous interventions in the affairs of gods and mortals cause bonds of love to form, often illicitly. Ultimately, in the later satirical poets, he is represented as a blindfolded child, the precursor to the chubby Renaissance Cupid, whereas in early Greek poetry and art, Eros was depicted as a young adult male who embodies sexual power, and a profound artist.

Interesting!
 
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I love to research Greek mythology. Because it is Valentine's Day, the day of love, I thought I would research Eros, which, from what I understand, is the Greek God of love (and kind of similar in concept to the Roman cupid).

Here's some info I found from the Eros wikipedia entry:

Eros appears in ancient Greek sources under several different guises. In the earliest sources, he is one of the primordial gods involved in the coming into being of the cosmos. In later sources, however, Eros is represented as the son of Aphrodite, whose mischievous interventions in the affairs of gods and mortals cause bonds of love to form, often illicitly. Ultimately, in the later satirical poets, he is represented as a blindfolded child, the precursor to the chubby Renaissance Cupid, whereas in early Greek poetry and art, Eros was depicted as a young adult male who embodies sexual power, and a profound artist.

Interesting!
Going from the Age of Myths to the Age of Reason: Plato sees that eros is a man's DESIRE for the other half -- obviously referring to the ancient myth that "Anthropos" [grammatically either masculine of feminine -- ho/hE -- in classical Greek] was split into two parts. Sorry, this myth has to be researched. Which god was involved in this?
a find: https://allthatsinteresting.com/plato-symposium
 
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Going from the Age of Myths to the Age of Reason: Plato sees that eros is a man's DESIRE for the other half -- obviously referring to the ancient myth that "Anthropos" [grammatically either masculine of feminine -- ho/hE -- in classical Greek] was split into two parts. Sorry, this myth has to be researched. Which god was involved in this?
a find: https://allthatsinteresting.com/plato-symposium
The link doesn't work!

Plato discussed eros as a philosophical concept. The Eros (God) of mythology isn't the same as Plato's eros (a concept). Eros (God) is a child of Aphrodite and Ares.
 
The link doesn't work!

Plato discussed eros as a philosophical concept. The Eros (God) of mythology isn't the same as Plato's eros (a concept). Eros (God) is a child of Aphrodite and Ares.
Well, yes and no.... IF a male seeks his other half, eros is a driving force. This is the inevitable concept of it, which has been called also LOVE. I am reminded of the words in La Traviata: ...di quell'AMOR ch'e` palpito dell'universo intero: ...of that LOVE which is the palpitation [pulsation] of the entire universe. // Indeed, in one myth, Eros is the son of A. and A. , but who are they? She is the personification of beauty [that which is loved]; Ares is the powerful lover. // Other myths....
 
Well, yes and no.... IF a male seeks his other half, eros is a driving force. This is the inevitable concept of it, which has been called also LOVE. I am reminded of the words in La Traviata: ...di quell'AMOR ch'e` palpito dell'universo intero: ...of that LOVE which is the palpitation [pulsation] of the entire universe. // Indeed, in one myth, Eros is the son of A. and A. , but who are they? She is the personification of beauty [that which is loved]; Ares is the powerful lover. // Other myths....
To add: Even though Plato was not a physicist, in his Symposium he dealt with human love in the context of Love/Eros as the cosmic principle of attraction, which was recognized by the elementarists [Empedocles etc.].
 
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xmelissa, it's not just you; it's a very old tradition to SPEAK in this manner: the god OF love, the father OF the Olympians, etc. Thus it seems that love and the god are distinct. No, EROS = love, but as personified, it is called a god. As a drive, Socrates called it a Daimon. Chronos = time/Time. Philosophers are still struggling to define time.......
 

Are there influences of Greek mythology in our modern culture?

I've been deeply fascinated by Greek mythology for as long as I can remember—its epic tales, deities, and heroes that have influenced countless aspects of Western culture. Recently, I've started to ponder more deeply about its presence and influence in our contemporary life and culture. From literature and movies to expressions and brands, it seems Greek mythology has woven itself into the very fabric of our daily experiences.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts and observations on this topic. Have you noticed any interesting or surprising ways Greek mythology manifests in today's society? Perhaps in ways we might not even immediately recognize due to how integrated they are?

Sad and Interesting Story of Prometheus

I find the story of Prometheseus to be sad and interesting and I wanted to share. Yes, I like to study Greek mythology - I find it so fascinating!

Prometheus, a Titan in Greek mythology, occupies a unique space in the pantheon of myths due to his intelligence and his profound impact on human civilization. His tale is one marked by valor, insubordination, and enduring punishment, a narrative that has fascinated scholars and enthusiasts for ages.

Prometheus, whose name aptly means "forethought", was known for his wisdom and for being a champion of mankind. Unwilling to see humans suffer, he committed a daring act of defiance against Zeus, the king of the gods, which would forever alter the course of human history.

The most famous aspect of Prometheus’ story involves him stealing fire from the gods and gifting it to humanity. Fire, in Greek mythology, represents more than just a means to warm food or fend off the darkness; it symbolizes knowledge, technology, and enlightenment—tools that would empower humanity to shape their world, for better or worse.

Zeus, infuriated by Prometheus' transgression, sentenced him to a severe and enduring punishment. Prometheus was bound to a rock, where each day an eagle, the emblem of Zeus, was sent to eat his liver, which would then regrow overnight, only for the torment to repeat ad infinitum. It was an eternal punishment for a being who, in many accounts, acted out of compassion and foresight.

I find it sad that he did something so beneficial to humanity but then got punished for it.

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.

About My Favorite Greek Goddess Aphrodite

I have been researching Aphrodite, one of my favorite goddesses. I put this together based on my research.

Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality. She was regarded as the most beautiful and desired goddess in all of Greek mythology. (I think that might be why she fascinates me!)

Aphrodite's origin story is interesting. It's said that she was born from the sea foam created when the Titan Cronus cut off the genitals of his father Ouranos. She was the goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality, with her appearance at times described as pure beauty itself. She is often depicted with a flowing garment that barely covers her curves, and barefooted standing on a pedestal, highlighting her goddess-like beauty.

According to Greek legends, Aphrodite fell in love with many gods, mortals, and even animals, which often resulted in chaotic and tragic events. It is said that she helped cause the Trojan War by causing the love triangle between Paris, the Prince of Troy, and Helen, who was the wife of the Menelaus of Sparta. The story proved her power's influence and the chaos that follows her love.

Aphrodite was also a patron of love and marriage, and apparently married to the god Hephaestus, who fell in love with her beauty alongside all the Greek gods. This marriage was a politically motivated decision of Hera, whose husband Zeus had numerous affairs and that caused constant jealousy between their married life. Needless to say, Aphrodite was having none of it, with her notable lovers being Ares, Adonis, and Anchises.

Aphrodite's influence can be seen even today with countless works of art inspired by her beauty. That is why I love lear about her. She seemed to embody the feminine spirit.

goddess-aphrodite.jpg

List of fun Greek mythology topics

I really love Greek Mythology. I thought I would share with you all some of my favorite topics:

  1. Birth of the Olympians and how they came to power
  2. Different heroes of Greek mythology
  3. 12 Labors of Hercules
  4. Trojan War
  5. Iliad and the Odyssey and all the stories in them
  6. The story of Persephone
  7. Pandora's box
  8. Different creatures - like the Minotaur and Hydra
What are yours?
Share and discuss Greek mythology!

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