The Effect of Ancient Greek Myths on Behavior Essay Example

Since the beginning of time, civilizations have used fables and stories to create an ingrained moral code for their citizens. This is not an uncommon idea, even now stories that are read to us as children use their themes to teach us right from wrong or certain values that we should employ. Stories like the “The Tortoise and the Hare” teach us about patience or other principles of our society. In Edith Hamilton’s novel “Mythology” the myths that are retold carry subtle themes that support the values of ancient Greek culture such as Hercules, Theseus, and Atalanta which influenced the behavior of the Greek people. 

One of the most famous myths ever produced by the Greeks, Hercules, emphasized the importance of strength, courage, and remorse for your mistakes. The twelve labors were not just meaningless quests for glory or renowned fame, but a repentance for the atrocities that Hercules had committed. Furthermore, in the chapter “Hercules” of Edith Hamilton’s mythology it states that, “...Hercules embodied what the rest of Greece most valued. His qualities were those the Greeks in general honored and admired.” (225) From this quote it is obviously, the myth of Hercules was meant to embody what the ancient Greeks believed to be important qualities. Nevertheless, Hercules’s downfall also warned them of the dangers of extreme hubris. In a time where war was a common occurrence, myths that supported masculinity and strength influenced men to fight bravely for their empire. 

Moreover, Hercules was not the only renowned hero that was influential in Greek culture. Theseus and his defeat of the minotaur, though not as well-known as the labors of Hercules still inspired many citizens of ancient Greece, specifically the Athenians. Athenians valued the much more academic qualities that Theseus was said to have possessed. While Hercules inspired the Greek people with his strength and courage Theseus inspired them with his bravery, cunning, and level headedness. In the chapter “Theseus” of Edith Hamilton’s mythology he is described to have defeated multiple bandits by using their own traps against them. (209-210) He also is said to have actively joined the tributes that were brought to Crete so that he could defeat the minotaur. (212) Through the use of his intelligence Theseus was able to overcome great challenges. The people of Athens followed his example allowing them to become a cultural and academic focal point of the ancient world. Introducing ideas such as a democratic government that are still important concepts today.  

A less popular, but no less important myth is that of Atalanta. Her story, although still conforming to gender roles, pushed the boundaries of what women were thought to be capable of. In “Mythology” in the chapter “Atalanta” she writes “...Atalanta appeared among the contestants, and in the wrestling match conquered the young man who was to be the father of Achilles, the great hero Peleus."(249) She bested male heroes in physical competitions and according to some sources joined them on the Argo, a ship full of only the most capable warriors. Although she was a warrior, she did eventually marry. This was because women in ancient Greece women were expected to marry, so in the myths the one main female hero must be married. In recent times women in media to show that they do not need a man to be strong, but Atalanta subverts the stereotypical damsel in destress by having her be the dominant figure in the relationship. The only way a man was able to eventually marry her was by using enchanted apples to distract her during a footrace. Atalanta influenced the Greek population in many ways. She inspired ancient Greek women to be free thinkers and work hard. Furthermore, she influenced women in ancient Greece to marry, in accordance with ancient Greek social expectations.  

Greek myths such as the ones written in Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology” influenced Greek behavior through their themes of their myths and the qualities of their heroes. The myths of ancient Greece were not thoughtless fantasies to entertain their citizens. These myths indirectly showed the people of ancient Greece how they should act and what was expected of them. The themes of these stories could have inspired a man to join the Greek army to fight and be strong like Hercules or use his intelligence to overcome his challenges such as Theseus overcame the minotaur. The Greek myths of ancient times served many purposes, but most notably they influenced the behavior of the Greek people and shaped their culture.