Echoes of Eternity: A Comparative Study of Greek and Roman Mythology
Parichita Saha
B.A.(H), B.Ed student, Kolkata Teacher’s Training College, Panpur,
Kankinara-743126
Keywords: Greek Mythology, Roman Mythology, Gods and Goddesses, Epic Narratives, Cultural Exchange, Influence on Western Culture.
Abstract:
Greek and Roman mythologies serve as cornerstones of Western thought, art, and culture. Greek myths are chronicled in works like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, contrast with Roman myths centred around Romulus and Remus and immortalised in Virgil’s Aeneid. Both mythologies feature gods and goddesses embodying human attributes, with Greek deities often personifying traits and Roman gods representing societal roles. Epic poems like the Iliad and the Aeneid reflect the intricate cultural exchange between these civilizations. This interchange extends to language, art, and philosophy, highlighting the profound interconnectedness and enduring legacy of Greek and Roman cultures on Western civilization.
Introduction:
Myths are not mere stories; they are the bedrock of civilizations, offering insight into human condition and the cosmos. Both Greek and Roman mythologies have profoundly influenced Western thought, art and culture. Greek mythology, rooted in a rich oral tradition, was eventually chronicled in texts like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Hesiod’s Theogony. Conversely, Roman mythology centres around the birth of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome and is immortalised in Virgil’s epic, The Aeneid. Thus, Greek and Roman mythology stand as two pillars of ancient storytelling, shaping beliefs, values and cultural identities of their respective civilization. Despite originating from distinct societies, separated by time and geography, the parallels between these mythologies are striking. From their gods and goddesses to epic narrative of heroism and tragedy, Greek and Roman mythology share a profound interconnectedness that reflects the intricate relation between these ancient civilizations.
Pantheon of God and Goddesses:
As the central figures of mythology, the ancient Greek and Roman gods and goddesses embodied an array of human attributes, from fortitude to folly. They were worshipped in temples and exalted in myths recounted by people living ordinary lives. When Rome conquered Greece in the 2nd century B.C.E, many Greek deities were absorbed into the Roman pantheon, often under new names but retaining similar roles and characteristics.
For instance, Jupiter, the Roman sky-god overseeing all aspects of life, originated from the Greek god Zeus, ruler of Mount Olympus and god of thunder and lightning, as well as law and order. Juno, Jupiter’s wife and sister mirrored the Greek goddess and Hera by closely overseeing women and all aspects of their lives. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, known of her strategic prowess and symbolised by the owl, was transformed into Minerva, who retained these attributes. Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, horses and earthquakes, wielding a trident, became Neptune in Roman mythology, depicted similarly with a trident chariot drawn by sea creatures. Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility, who presided over the harvest, was represented in Roman mythology by Ceres, also depicted with symbols of agriculture like barley and wheat. Demeter also presided over the fertility of the earth and the natural cycle of life and death.
Greek gods were often personifications of human personality traits and emotion, such as love, hate, honour and dignity. Their myths were shaped by these traits, making them relatable to human experiences. In contrast, Roman gods were more abstract, often embodying objects or actions that were represented in a way that emphasised their roles within Roman society and state religion.
This direct comparison highlights the deep interconnectedness yet distinct adaptations between Greek and Roman deities, showcasing how Rome Incorporated and reinterpreted Greek mythology to suit their cultural societal contexts.
Epic Narrative:
The stories of these gods and goddesses, along with mortal heroes, came to life in the form of epic poems. Epic, derived from the Greek word ‘Epos’, meaning word or speech. An epic is a long poem, usually composed of lines with six rhythmic measures. Epic poems of Greece throughout antiquity, the most prestigious literary form, the apex of the hierarchy of genres. Through it they articulated their conceptions of war, empire, mortality, religion, gender, the natural order, psychology and cultural identity. Homer, the legendary author of both the Iliad and the Odyssey, is often credited with pioneering this literary form. When Rome began translating Greek works in the 200s B.C., they adopted the epic tradition, infusing it with their own historical narratives. The Greek epics, such the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer and Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes, were mythological epics, inspired by Greece’s legendary past. While Roman epics were modelled on these Greek epics, Roman epics also included stories from recent history. Ancient Roman and Greek literature, while sharing some similarities due to the Roman culture being heavily influenced by Greek culture, also have distinct differences. Greek literature often focused on mythology, philosophy, and the human experience. Roman literature, on the other hand, often emphasised practicality, politics, and historical narratives. Greek literature is known for its development of literary forms such as epic poetry, tragedy, comedy, and lyric poetry but Roman literature, while also including epic poetry (e.g., Virgil’s Aeneid) and drama, is particularly noted for its development of the genre of satire. Thus, epic poetry became a bridge connecting Greek philosophical musing and Roman practically, illustrating the cultural dialogue between these great civilizations.
Cultural Exchange and Adaptation:
This cultural dialogue extended beyond literature and into every facet of life as the Romans absorbed and adapted Greek culture. The Greek civilization, flourishing much earlier than the Roman, laid the groundwork for many of the art, philosophy and architectural advancements that the Romans later embraced. In the Mycenaean era (1500 to 1100 B.C.) the Macedonian Wars (roughly 214 to 168 BCE) resulted in the Roman Empire conquering and absorbing Greece. Greek culture, however, superseded Roman culture. Romans were enthralled by Greek culture and highly influenced by it, especially in areas of art and philosophy. Although Greek culture heavily influenced Roman culture, especially in art. These two civilizations, though distinct in their political structures and societal norms, were deeply intertwined through cultural exchanges that occurred over centuries. This cultural exchange helped the Romans advance in their community to become one of the greatest empires of that time. One of the most significant areas of cultural exchange was language . The Romans adopted the Greek alphabet and many Greek words into their language, resulting in a significant linguistic influence. We know the Romans for their beautiful art, their outstanding architecture. Roman fascination with Greek culture is clearly evident in many Roman works of art, which appropriate heavily from Greek artistic canon. Many surviving statues of Greek origin in museums today are actually Roman copies of the Greek original. Greek statues were typically made of bronze, which, in later centuries, were typically made of bronze, which, in later centuries, were often melted down to make weapons or destroyed by other cultures who saw them as pagan. Marble Roman statues, on the other hand, have mostly survived. Some Roman statues are unique in design, but many others are exact or partial copies of Greek statues. The influence of Greek art also can be seen in Roman temples, theatres, and public buildings, with iconic features such as the use of columns, pediments. As well as art, Greek ideas of philosophy spread to Rome, where they grew and developed as they became popular with the people. For example, stoicism originated in Greece, but became immensely popular and was further developed in Rome. Stoicism is an originally Greek philosophical system founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE in Cyprus; it was introduced to Rome in the second century BCE where it quickly became a popular philosophy among a wide variety of people.
Greek philosophy had a profound impact on Roman intellectual thought. Roman elites were educated in Greek philosophy with Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Neoplatonism gaining popularity among the Roman intelligentsia. Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle were studied and revered in Roman intellectual circles, influencing Roman ethical, metaphysical, and political thought. The enduring legacy of Greek culture in Roman civilization speaks to the richness and complexity of the ancient Mediterranean world, where cultural interchange played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. Since literature is known to reflect the overview of the socio-economic structure of an era, chronological relevance is evident even in two mostly similar mythological literary patterns. Greek mythology observed more intricate philosophical thinking in character building, whereas Roman mythology celebrated materialistic practicality and historical narratives.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Greek and Roman mythologies have numerous similarities that show their intertwined cultural and religious histories. Both myths feature a pantheon of gods who rule over various aspects of nature and people’s lives, sometimes with human weaknesses and emotions. The Romans inherited several gods of the Greeks, but were given different names and occasionally modified features as a sign of respect for Greek culture and a desire to take in their strengths. Myths from both traditions serve as foundational stories that explain natural phenomena, human behaviour, and social customs, highlighting the values and beliefs of their respective societies. Furthermore, these mythologies have had an indelible impact on Western literature, art, philosophy which has left an indelible mark in hearts ever since. Studying what they share among them contributes much not only to the better understanding of ancient civilizations but also helps us see how humans seek to interpret the world through narrative discourse. The legacy of shared heritage of Greek and Roman culture endures, a testament to the power of myth to shape and inspire, resonating in our hearts and minds ever since.
References:
Graf, F. (1993). Greek Mythology: An Introduction. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Hard, R. (2004). The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology: Based on H.J. Rose’s “Handbook of Greek Mythology”. Routledge.
Leeming, D. A. (2005). The Oxford Companion to World Mythology. Oxford University Press.
Wiseman, T. P. (2004). The Myths of Rome. University of Exeter Press.
Resilient Rising
In planning where present and future mix,
Sustainable aspirations with tomorrow’s fix.
We crave for harmony by nature’s grace,
May progress prevail in every place!
From lofty woods to oceans wide,
Sustainable goals will be our guide.
Development must thrive keeping in mind,
A sustainable sacred path we need to find.
Renewable energies like sunbeam gleams,
We can cherish with sustainable dreams.
Let innovation flourish, let prudence guide,
For coming generations yet to stride.
In the symphony of civilization, let’s play our part,
In sustainable development, a majestic art.
Communities prosper through restored balance,
Man and nature persist with great reverence.
Eco-conscious minds allow innovative buds to bloom,
Treasures that we cherish for years are sustainable tombs.
Every intricate steps we make in this grand ballet,
Enables us removing darkness and arriving to a golden day.
Our beacon of hope is ‘sustainable development.’
Bright future guided by this brilliant advent.
All the resources we have, are pretty scarce.
Green Energies are the tools, solution we searce.
In the core of progress, a whispered creed,
“Sustainable development, our urgent need.”
Raquel Bianca Barbeito is a student of Animal Biology at The University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. She is also a painter and has done commissioned work for clients that want custom animal portrait creations. She works on canvas with acrylic paints.
Thaalith Abubakar Gimba is poetaster. He hails from Minna, a home of monumental writers. Some of his poems have featured in Cón-scíó and Synchronized Chaos Magazine. When he takes break from writing, Thaalith loves to watch anime in his leisure hours. He tweets @abudardapoet and can be reached on Instagram @thaalithsusu.
Life is an unchosen gift which we should try to make the most of. In our ignorance, we generally waste most of our time. By the time we realize its importance, much of it has been wasted. It is a pity we do not carry forward knowledge from our previous incarnations and we have to start afresh. Life remains a process of learning only. Life can be best spent if we understand in the beginning that we are not the masters of the game. We are passive participants. We have been dealt some cards and we are expected to play the game to the best of our wits.
The important thing is that we should play a fair game. Those who underplay or overplay it, soon come to grief after a brief period of exuberance. We can instill meaning into our lives by being good at heart, being helpful to others, and not harboring ill will against anyone. It is good if we can forgive the people who have played false with us. The most important thing in our life is not wealth, nor possessions, but peace of mind and happiness. And we should not disturb others’ happiness, nor let others destroy ours.
Death
We erroneously think that death comes at the end of life. And it is a nightmarish experience. Yes, death is a bridge between life and eternity. Nobody has looked beyond what lies at the other side of the bridge. Death is a lingering phenomenon, which shadows our life. Every moment that we live, actually dies. So, all the day, the process of dying is on. Moments which we have lived are dead now, and they are becoming past. It should be remembered that there is no life without death, and no death without life. Inanimate things do not die. For a living thing, it is a privilege to decline as time passes, and finally die, giving space to the new. It is better we learn to understand that where there is life, there is death.
Birth
Birth, marriage and death are three occasions in life which are considered most important. When we come to life, we have no options. We do not know who places the order for us, and who delivers us on to the earth. Mother is there, but she too is a passive agency. The decision for a person to be born in a particular family is taken at the highest level. The person is not consulted where he will be born, when he will be born, and what will be his colour, his religion, and his stature. Things are just given to him like gifts in one stroke and he is made to move. Now, it is in our hands how to understand this life. The entire life sometimes passes and still we are unaware of our destiny. Why a man has come to this earth? This question we must ask ourselves. We have not come simply to earn money and eat and drink and make merry. There are other reasons, some higher reasons, which bring us to this earth. In the absence of that knowledge, for most of he people, it is a blind trudge only.
Marriage/Family
A man has to raise a family for the purposes of reproduction, and our society wants him to marry. Everybody marries, everybody has one or two kids, and people know the kids have to be given education, and when they grow up, married off. But the task is very tough. The most basic issue for the couple is to stay together even if they do not understand each other. Kids too when grow up, no one knows what they will be in their lives, even if they are given equal nourishment.
The essential issue here is: Should every one marry? Those who cannot compromise with others, must not marry. If you marry, then be ready to share your time with someone whom you don’t know. It is better people who marry know each other for at least six months. Once kids are there, no couple should be allowed to separate so long as the kids are below the age of 5 years. It is easy to break a family, and it is very difficult to stay together. It is better if we try to stay in marriage. Breakage can destroy the lives of the kids. Family is the smallest unit of the society. It must have harmony. We should see there is compatibility between the partners. And there is love too. Otherwise, it is a picnic party which ends in brick bats.
Children
People these days are so fed up with their lives, and careerism, that they do not want kids. But in view of the modern wisdom, they go for women who are in service. They have to postpone childing under pressures of the work. Then, they do not have quality time for their infant kids. We are not fair. Because, this is what the kids will visit upon us when they grow up, and we grow down.
It is essential we allow the kids to grow, and acquire the qualifications they wish to get, join the stream of life which best suits them, and then, separate them from the main family unit, and let them run their own family. Distance is a great healer. It is a must if we want to see peace between the MIL and the DIL. [Mother-in-law and the Daugher-in-Law].
Author:
Dr Jernail Singh Anand, President of the International Academy of Ethics, is author of 167 books in English poetry, fiction, non-fiction, philosophy and spirituality. He was awarded Charter of Morava, the great Award by Serbian Writers Association, Belgrade and his name was engraved on the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. The Academy of Arts and philosophical Sciences of Bari [Italy] honoured him with the award of an Honourable Academic. Recently, he was awarded Doctor of Philosophy [Honoris Causa] by the University of Engg and Management, Jaipur. Recently, he organized an International Conference on Contemporary Ethics at Chandigarh. His most phenomenal book is Lustus: The Prince of Darkness [first epic of the Mahkaal Trilogy]. [Email: anandjs55@yahoo.com Mobile: 919876652401[Whatsapp] [ethicsacademy.co.in]
