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?
