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We are living in a world of
myths and legends. The basis of this statement stems from the fact that
myths and legends are present all around the world. Learning about these
myths and legends are so much fascinating. It gives us a glimpse of
different cultures and traditions. Look anywhere in the world and
you will find some amazing myths. There are Norse, Indian, Chinese,
Greek, British, Roman, Japanese, Native American and Egyptian
mythologies. At many places mythologies are also referred as religions.
But the perspective differs here. What is myth for one can be religion
for another and vice versa. Mythology is basically the interpretation of
various myths of a particular culture. Myths are typically very
old stories. Some of them are in existence even before writing was
invented. Myths have been passed from one generation to another in oral
fashion. Myths and legends are fascinating to hear and learn. Some of
them are plain stories whereas some other contains deeper hidden
meanings.
The reason for considering myths as somewhat closer to religion is that
myths typically involved stories of gods and supreme beings. These myths
also present facet of magical power demonstrated by the Gods. Legends
are primarily fictional stories associated with a historical place or
person. It is different from a symbolic narration. Stories related to
Robin Hood and King Arthur is considered as top legends.
These stories have been elaborated several times in the course of
history. Many myths and legends have been explained in written forms.
Unlike folk tales, that were mostly transmitted orally, Myths and
legends has literary dimension to them. Some of the most popular
Myths and legends are from Greek and Roman culture. Indian mythology is
another great source of stories. Similarly, Egyptian and British can
boast of a proud mythological culture. Myths are timeless and symbolic
in nature.
Let’s read some of the most
fascinating mythical stories and legends.
Odyssey
In the Greek mythology, Odysseus is known as the one of the greatest
Greek heroes. He was the son of Laertes and Anticlea and was protected
by the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena. Odysseus was the king of Ithica and
had a wife named Penelope and a son, Telemachus. He is considered as the
bravest warrior in the Trojan War. The Trojan War had taken place
between Trojans and the Greeks. Odysseus also had a reputation of being
an extremely brainy hero.
The Trojan War is definitely one of the greatest war stories in the
Greek Mythology. The war took place because the prince of Troy had taken
away beautiful Helen, who was the wife of king of Sparta. Helen was also
the cousin of Penelope, wife of Odysseus. It was prophesised that if
Odysseus participates in the war, he would not be able to return to his
kingdom for a long time. So to avoid this, Odysseus had decided not to
take part in the war but Palamedes came to his kingdom and caught
Odysseus who was playing tricks like a mad man. Odysseus was now
compelled to join the war though he hated Palamedes for this.
Odysseus was known as a great warrior with experience of numerous
battles and conquests. During the war, when Achilles was killed, it was
unanimously decided that arms and armour of Achilles would be given to
the bravest warrior. Odysseus was chosen for this honour. The war went
on for ten long years yet the Greeks could not capture the city of Troy.
Odysseus came up with a brilliant plan of large wooden horse to be given
as gift to the Trojans. But inside the wooden horse, 50 brave Greek
warriors would be hidden, carrying the responsibility of attacking the
Troy palace. Trojans accepted the gift and took it inside where the
hiding soldiers came out in the night and burned the entire city.
The city of Troy was conquered but Odysseus continued his battles. While
he was coming back to Ithica, he fought a one-eyed monster named Cyclops
and blinded him. Cyclops was son of Sea God, Poseidon, who did not allow
Odysseus to have a comfortable journey back home. Because of that
Odysseus was forced to travel many islands and kingdoms back and forth.
This journey went on for ten long years. This return journey is also
known as Odysseus which is considered as an epic poem written by Homer.
Abduction of
Persephone
Greek myths and legends are very fascinating. There are numerous tales
of Greek Gods and Goddesses. This story goes about the king of the Gods
Zeus and the Goddess of the crops, Demeter. They had a daughter named
Persephone. One fine day when Persephone was out in the open gathering
wild flowers, Hades, the God of the Underworld abducted her. Underworld
was the place where dead live. Demeter could not take this incident and
started to wander in search of her dear daughter.
Demeter roamed across the length of the earth looking for Persephone.
During the course of her search, she arrived in Eleusis in the disguise
of an old woman. The king and queen of Eleusis were looking for a nurse
for their son and they took Demeter in the palace. The goddess used to
place the prince in the fire every night when everyone was fast asleep.
But one night the queen peeked and saw the entire incident and got
hysterical. She snatched the baby from Demeter so the goddess had to
reveal her identity. She also disclosed that baby would have been made
immortal had queen not interfered as all the mortal parts of the prince
had been burned away.
Demeter left the palace and met Hecate, the Goddess of the Witchcraft.
Hecate suggested Demeter to ask Helios, the Sun who must have seen
Persephone during his daily course across the sky. Helios disclosed that
Hades had abducted her daughter and Demeter was left with no choice but
to complain Zeus. But Hades was also the brother of God Zeus so the
latter refused to meddle in between. Demeter could not take it and
withdrew from her role of goddess. Crops would not grow without her and
soon famine threatened to engulf the entire human race.
At last, Zeus asked Hades to let Persephone go. When Persephone came
back to her mother, Demeter asked her whether Hades had made her eat
anything. Persephone admitted to eat a pomegranate seed and because of
that she now has to spend one-third of each year in the underworld as
the wife of Hades, and rest of the two-thirds of the year with her
mother. So whenever Persephone spends her time in the underworld,
Demeter mourns and refuses to allow crops to grow until she gets her
daughter back again. The story also explains the yearly cycle of growth
and harvest.
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