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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?
 

Favorite Greek hero and why?

I’ve been spending more time lately reading Greek mythology, and I keep coming back to how different the heroes are from one another. Some rely on strength, others on intelligence, and some seem almost defined by their flaws as much as their accomplishments. It makes the stories feel more human than I expected.

Personally, I find characters like Odysseus interesting because of the strategy and endurance involved, but I can also see the appeal of someone like Heracles with the raw physical trials. Achilles is another one who’s hard to ignore because of the intensity and tragedy built into his story.

I’m curious which Greek hero stands out most to others and what draws you to them. Is it their personality, their achievements, or the story itself?

Apollo and Artemis Personality Contrasts

I’ve always been fascinated by Apollo and Artemis, especially the contrast between them as twins. On the surface they share so much, archery, associations with youth, strong connections to nature, but symbolically they seem almost like opposites in some ways. Apollo often represents order, reason, light, music, and prophecy, while Artemis feels more wild, instinctive, independent, and tied to the untamed natural world.

I’m curious how others interpret their relationship and balance. Do you see them as complementary forces, like civilization and wilderness, or more as two expressions of similar divine energy? And are there specific myths that you think best highlight their differences or similarities?

I’d love to hear perspectives, especially from people who study mythology more deeply or look at the symbolic meanings behind the gods.

Who were the Greek Fates?

I've been spending a lot of time reading about Greek mythology lately, and one group of figures I keep coming across are the Greek Fates. The more I read, the more fascinating they seem. From what I understand, they were responsible for determining the course of every person's life, but I'd love to learn more from people who have studied the myths in greater depth.

How were the Fates viewed by the ancient Greeks? Were even the Olympian gods subject to their decisions, or did Zeus have authority over them? I've seen different interpretations depending on the source.

I'm also curious if there are any myths where the Fates play a particularly important role that you'd recommend reading. Greek mythology is such a deep subject, and I'm always looking for new stories and perspectives to explore. I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!

Was Corfu Really Homer's Scheria?

I'm hoping to visit Corfu in late summer or early fall, so I've been reading more about the island's mythology before I go. One thing that keeps coming up is the idea that Corfu was Homer's Scheria, home of the Phaeacians in the Odyssey. The more I read, the more fascinated I become.

I know there are different theories, and not everyone agrees that Scheria was actually Corfu. Still, it's fun to imagine Odysseus washing ashore there and meeting Nausicaa before finally returning to Ithaca. It certainly adds another layer to visiting the island.

What do you all think? Do you believe Corfu really inspired Homer's Scheria, or do you think Scheria was meant to be an entirely mythical place? I'd also love recommendations for any sites on Corfu with strong connections to these myths that are worth visiting.

Which Greek myth feels most relevant to modern life?

I am curious, which Greek myths feel the most relevant to you in modern life? I’ve been thinking about this lately and I’m curious how others see it.

For me, the myth that feels most relevant right now is Narcissus. The focus on reflection, self-image, and the need for validation feels very familiar in a world shaped by social media. So much of modern life revolves around how we look, how we’re perceived, and how much attention or approval we receive.

The story feels less about vanity and more about becoming absorbed in an image and losing real connection in the process. That idea seems especially timely.

What about you? Which Greek myth feels most relevant to modern life, and what makes it stand out to you today?
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