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amygdalE

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or that they exist
 
I can't weigh in either way but I have been studying mythology lately and what has been on my mind is - the people who brought these stories to life (the Ancient Greeks) believed that the gods and goddesses exist. So... it has changed my perspective while reading about them!
 
If you are interested in learning about an alternative perspective on the gods, visit geographicalimagesofthegods.org. There I show how the ancients interpreted geographical imagery to create gods and myths.
 
If you are interested in learning about an alternative perspective on the gods, visit geographicalimagesofthegods.org. There I show how the ancients interpreted geographical imagery to create gods and myths.

I have already replied...... Sorry again; your perspective does not prove or disprove the existence of gods,
 
or that they exist
The question whether they exist or not is a philosophical question , which applies a fortiori [all the more] to the belief in one GOD, whether it is called ZEUS or simply THEOS. Update: Theodosius banished polytheism and, unwittingly, any theism. The Christian iconoclasts did the same. Why should we be concerned at all? [Sorry, if I am going beyond the bounderies of THIS mythology forum.]
 
I can't weigh in either way but I have been studying mythology lately and what has been on my mind is - the people who brought these stories to life (the Ancient Greeks) believed that the gods and goddesses exist. So... it has changed my perspective while reading about them!
they believed in deities for some reasons! they, i think, were not irrational believers.... i asked these questions to hear from contemporary Greek philosophers/thinkers -- you and you [reader]
 
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Recently I learned that some modern Greeks tried to revive some ancient Gr. religion, e.g., the 2005 ELLINAIS [q.vide in WIKIPEDIA]. Maybe some of you know more about it: Do the members actually believe in some ancient gods, or are they lovers and commemorators of Hellenismos? // I love my recent internet discovery, the ruins of the temple of the Olympian Zeus in Athens.
 
I bet you these people can answer your questions. They look like they are setting up for an ancient ceremony. This was snapped on Filopapou hill on a full moon day.

Filopapou Hill Ceremony 2019s.jpg
 
I bet you these people can answer your questions. They look like they are setting up for an ancient ceremony. This was snapped on Filopapou hill on a full moon day.

View attachment 1168
Wow, that must have been a fascinating moment to witness!
 
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I can't weigh in either way but I have been studying mythology lately and what has been on my mind is - the people who brought these stories to life (the Ancient Greeks) believed that the gods and goddesses exist. So... it has changed my perspective while reading about them!
The fact of belief does not imply that they exist and, as far as I know, nobody has ever constructed proofs. Timaeus, Aristotle, et al,
I can't weigh in either way but I have been studying mythology lately and what has been on my mind is - the people who brought these stories to life (the Ancient Greeks) believed that the gods and goddesses exist. So... it has changed my perspective while reading about them!
Belief is not proof..... Timaeus, Aristotle, et al., argued for some supreme god, unrelated to any ethnic god, for an abstract monotheism. THIS went well with Christian monotheism, which arose from blundering translators of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis-1 posits, as in the Cananite Ugarit, the ELOHIM [= GODS] , who decided to produce Man in their own image -- one male and one female; whereas Genesis-2 posits one male god, YAHWEH, who produced ADAM out of clay and breathed life into it. The translators used THEOS for both the Elohim and Yahveh -- a linguistic monism.


















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I love my recent internet discovery, the ruins of the temple of the Olympian Zeus in Athens.
I was lucky enough one year to have my room upgraded at the Royal Olympic Hotel to a massive room with a view to the temple of Olympian Zeus. Every morning I would wake up and open my curtain to this view (also, small tip, go to google maps and hover your cursor over the icon of the temple of Zeus to see a 360 view):

Temple of Zeus small.JPG
 
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While it may be impossible to prove the gods have never existed, if geographicalimagesofthegods.org demonstrates that many myths concerning the gods are based on the interpretation of geographical imagery, what might that tell us about the gods?
 

Information about Chaos from Greek Mythology?

I’m currently delving into Greek mythology and have become particularly fascinated with the concept of Chaos. From what I understand, Chaos is often described as the primeval void or the initial state of the universe before the creation of the cosmos. However, I’m looking for more detailed information on this topic.

Could anyone provide insights or resources on the following?
  • What are the origins of Chaos in Greek mythology, and what role does it play in the creation myths?
  • Are there specific ancient texts or authors that provide the most comprehensive descriptions of Chaos?
  • How is Chaos symbolically represented in Greek mythology, and what does it signify in the broader context of ancient Greek culture and philosophy?
  • Resources that you can recommend so I can dive in...
Thanks so much!

Halcyon Days December 14-28.

The ancient Greeks called the seven days preceding and the seven days following the Winter Solstice the "Halcyon Days." According to one legend, the halcyon bird, or kingfisher, nested during this period. Because she built her nest on the water, the gods granted her a respite from storms and high seas so that she could hatch and rear her young.
But Greek mythology has it that Halcyone (or Alcyone), Ceyx's wife and one of Aeolus's daughters, drowned herself when she learned her husband had drowned. The gods took pity on her and transformed them both into kingfishers, and Zeus commanded the seas to be still during these days. Thus it was considered a period when sailors could navigate in safety.
Today, the expression "halcyon days" has come to mean a period of tranquillity, often used as a nostalgic reference to times past.
Fascinating isn't it!....I see Kingfishers every day, ferocious speed for diving into the sea and sweeping the fish away, gorgeous colours too, normally I see 2 different types.... Yasou apo mena from Thailand!❤️🤣

Insights Into the Hero's Journey in Greek Mythology

I'm currently exploring the concept of the Hero's Journey in Greek mythology and would love to hear insights from others who are familiar with this theme. The Hero's Journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell, seems to be a recurring motif in many mythological stories, and I'm particularly interested in how this framework applies to Greek myths.

For example, the journeys of heroes like Odysseus, Perseus, and Heracles all seem to follow this archetypal pattern of departure, initiation, and return. But I’m curious to know which specific Greek myths you think best exemplify the Hero's Journey and why.

Are there any particular stories or heroes that you feel align more closely with this narrative structure? Additionally, how do these myths differ from or add to Campbell’s traditional model?

Exploring the Myth of How Winter Began

Have you ever wondered how winter came to be, according to Greek mythology? One of the most beautiful and bittersweet stories from ancient Greece explains the changing seasons and the origin of winter through the myth of Demeter and Persephone.

The story goes that Hades, god of the underworld, abducted Persephone, the beloved daughter of Demeter, goddess of agriculture. In her grief, Demeter caused the earth to wither and grow barren, plunging the world into a harsh, cold season. Zeus eventually intervened, and a compromise was reached: Persephone would spend part of the year with her mother and the rest in the underworld as Hades’ queen.

When Persephone returns to Demeter, the earth blossoms into spring and summer. But when she descends to the underworld, Demeter mourns, and winter grips the land. This myth beautifully intertwines natural cycles with divine emotions. What are your thoughts on this story?

Modernized Greek Mythology Stories?

Hi everyone! I’m fascinated by Greek mythology and love seeing how these ancient stories are reimagined in modern literature, film, and TV shows. I’m looking for recommendations on modern adaptations of Greek myths—whether it’s novels, movies, series, or even graphic novels. I’m particularly interested in unique takes that put a fresh spin on the classic tales, like retellings from different perspectives or set in contemporary times.

For example, I’ve enjoyed books like Circe by Madeline Miller and shows like Percy Jackson, but I’d love to explore more titles that dive into Greek mythology with a modern twist. What are your favorite modern retellings or adaptations? Are there any lesser-known works or new releases I should check out? Also, I’m curious about how these adaptations stay true to or diverge from the original myths. Thanks for your suggestions!
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