So,
Greek Mythology is supposed to explain the unexplainable and natural
occurrences. When I first started reading these stories, I thought they were so
boring and a bunch of nonsense (no offence Mrs. Whitley). But then I came to a
realization that in some way or another I know these stories are just
interpreted and told in a different way! For example, as my group and I
talked in class about the creation story and Pandora's box, I kind of made a
connection to the story of Adam and Eve from the Genesis creation story in the
bible. Pandora was given a box that was said to have "marvelous
things" inside but was told not to open it. But she did so anyway, which
let out evil into the world. Whereas Eve in the Genesis creation story was told
specifically not to eat off the tree of knowledge of good and
bad which she did by her eating this forbidden fruit she welcomed sin into
the world. The second connection to another story that I’ve read the connected
to Greek mythology was "The fisherman and the Jinnee" from 1001 nights,
I found a connection with the Greek mythology story of "how the world and mankind
were created” Prometheus wouldn’t be cruel to humans so Zeus sent an eagle to
pick at Prometheus liver for generations. I connected Prometheus to being the
fisherman because she was being merciful towards humans just like the fisher
man was merciful towards the jinee. The jinnee in a sense is like Zeus because
he wasn’t merciful and understanding towards Prometheus. Knowing these connections
has somewhat helped me in understanding Greek mythology and I have warmed up to
it a little this past week and actually found the Demeter story very
interesting. So, the moral of the story is even though you may not understand
something at first, try other ways to try and come to somewhat of an understanding
instead of giving up and saying “I didn’t understand so I didn't bother
reading".
Very good connections! I totally agree with you. Greek mythology provides us with quality information that allows us to make interesting connections with other stories we have read and even our own life experiences.
ReplyDeleteI too was not all that into it the book when we first started reading it. But once i started finding connections and relating it to what I already know i found it more interesting and easier to read.
ReplyDeleteIt's so weird because that connection with The Fisherman and the Jinee was made in our class, too, and I didn't understand it, but now, I'll look more into it. I, too, like how these stories explain natural occurrences in their own way. Greek mythology started off a bit slow, but the pace is picking up and it is getting more interesting as we read and discuss.
ReplyDeleteGreat connections Jane'a! It's really interesting how the Greeks describe the creation of mankind. Many of the things they describe gives meaning to how life is today. For example, the changing of the seasons is explain in the myth of Demeter and her daughter.
ReplyDeleteYeah it's always good to give everything a try at least once lol. I understood the importance of why we study Greek mythology but I still kinda approached it with the "we really have to know all these stories?!!!" attitude. However, a lot of these stories are sooooo interesting to me now! Like how Hera is always chasing after Zeus is so hilarious! or how Venus was jealous of Persephone but her son, Cupid, loved her. Like it all feels like one big General Hospital(soap opera) episode and I like that!
ReplyDeleteWow intersting we didn't make the connection to 1001 nights in my class.
ReplyDeleteI find the connection to "the Fisherman and the Jinee" quite interesting. I would have never thought about that if it was not for your post. I always found Greek mythology interesting and I'm glad that all of you are getting into the hang of it! :)
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