A history of mythology

Within every civilization, people have conjured fables to provide order, explain the origins of the world, and tell wild stories about the unknown. Mythology has changed since prehistoric ages and is rooted in the solace of explaining mysterious life factors.

Mythology derives from the Greek mythos, meaning legend, and logos for speech. It is a collection of myths, legends, and stories within a culture. They explore aspects of the world and human life that science cannot prove, such as the purpose of living. They may also elaborate on traditions or events in nature.

Civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Mesopotamia relied on mythology for politics, art, and religion. Higher beings are typically referenced in myths, with some of the most well-known centering around godlike figures that became objects of worship. The tales have been used to justify religious practices; however, the spiritual practices created a rise in new stories.

Zeus was the most prevalent and great god, alongside Aphrodite, Athena, Hades, Persephone, Apollo, Hermes, and many others frequently appearing in Greek myths. Different non-existent creatures may

also contribute to the narrative, although they tend to take the role of an antagonist. It is most common to see a cyclops, centaur, harpy, medusa, or Cerberus somewhere encountered in the fables.

As societies evolved and religions changed, so too did mythology. In medieval Europe, the myths of the ancient Greeks adapted by the Romans were used and transformed to fit Christian beliefs. These traditional tales or variations continue to be passed down through written texts or directly told by word of mouth.

Contemporary mythology remains an integral part of popular culture, with many books, movies, and TV shows taking inspiration from the themes and characters of old myths and legends. Likely popularized by Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson book series, Greek mythology has been reintroduced to millennials and gen Z. Additionally, scholars continue to study and analyze mythology better to understand the beliefs and practices of ancient cultures

Written by Isabella Cournyea | Graphic Designed by Isabella Cournyea

Published May 22, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature