If you’re like me, you have been exposed to Greek
mythology symbolism on a regular basis - and you didn’t even know it. Let’s
explore some connections I made while reading Mythology.
On page 67 in Mythology
by Edith Hamilton, we are introduced to the children of Mother Earth and Father
Heaven. Start from the last sentence on page 66, “Just as we believe that the earth
was once inhabited by strange gigantic creatures (Dinosaurs, anyone?), so did
the Greeks … They had the shattering, overwhelming strength of earthquake and
hurricane and volcano.”
Disclaimer: Now, remember, this is a film - a Disney film at that. They make these films to appeal to children and their plots must appeal to them, too, regardless to whether it is historically accurate or not. In the book, it is said that Zeus was the one who released The Titans. Clearly, we can see here that it is Hades who released them.
Watch an excerpt of their destruction:
Another connection I made was in the television show 30 Rock starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin. I could not help but put two and two together as I was reading the passage about Atlas, brother of Prometheus. Check out the top of page 69 where it is described what Atlas' punishment is for going against Zeus,
"Prometheus' brother Atlas suffered a still worse fate. He was condemned to bear on his back forever the cruel strength of the crushing world and the vault of the sky. Upon his shoulders the great pillar that holds apart the earth and heaven , a load not easy to be born."
So, I'm at home thinking, "I've seen something resembling that description; a man holding a globe." I tried not to get confused with the Emmy Award - which is a woman holding an atom, not a globe, I learned. There's a statue of Atlas in front of Rockefeller Center that quickly appears in the opening credits of 30 Rock.
I've made a billion connections to Greek mythology to everyday life. I have more, but these were my favorites. What do you think? How do you like Greek mythology so far?
I have seen that statue outside the Rockefeller Center several times and until I read and enjoyed your piece I have never made the connection to Mythology
ReplyDeleteI really like the connections you have made so far. Some of them I didn't even think of myself. I really like Greek Mythology so far because like you said we can make so many connections
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, the other side of 30 Rock (near the ice rink) has a statue of Prometheus. Hilda is so right - the Greeks are all around us. Their culture has leaked into so many facets of our everyday life, we've just come to accept them as our own. I challenge you to look around as we study Greek mythology and see where you kind find their influence.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made that connection to the statue in front of Rockefeller Center because I've seen it before but never realized that's what it symbolizes. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood Job Hilda ! When we found out about Greek Mythology Hercules was the first movie that came to mind and that scene in particular is my favorite. I love the connections you made! It was amazing and so true . Kudos to you !
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting post. It is true that we see the Greek influence around us in every day life! I never really made the connection about the statue in front of Rockefeller Center. I always looked at it like "Oh, that looks pretty cool", but I just never realized it was Atlas. Also, the movie Hercules popped into my mind when I was in class discussing the Greek gods and demi-gods.
ReplyDeleteGreat Job Hilda! Knowing myself , I would've thought of those connections. Especially the one with the statue of Atlas. I never been to Rockefeller Center so I would've never known that the statue was there. To answer your second question, I like Greek mythology and Hercules was my favorite show when I was a kid by the way. Hercules was the reason why I became interested in mythology.
ReplyDeleteI've never even noticed the second one! I mean, obviously the first one is more out there but I had no idea that the Atlas is in the opening credits for 30 Rock. Thanks, from now on I'll keep an eye out for more connections! ;)
ReplyDeleteNice blog post Hilda. It was so informative. And I think it's so cool how Greek mythology really does connect to our society today. Never realize the great influence it had until recently.
ReplyDeleteI think your connection were amazing!! We sometimes fail to see that things like Greek mythology is so apparent in our world. We can sometimes pass these things by and never realize that it was inspired from Greek mythology.
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