The Torch
Winter Edition
Why are Roman and Greek Myths Important ?
BY CAROLINA MIZE CENTRAL GUBERNATOR
Today , we read countless stories based on Roman and Greek myths . Movies such as Hunger Games and Harry Potter contain elements of the classics . Even Shakespeare wrote literature tied to the Roman myth of Pyramus and Thisbe , including Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night ’ s Dream , which later led to the musical West Side Story .
So what is it about these myths ? Why are people so interested in them ? To the Ancient Greeks , these myths weren ’ t just stories ; they were explanations and their way of understanding the world . However , they were also lessons . For example , take the story of Daedalus and Icarus , a classic example of the dangers of arrogance and the importance of acknowledging limits . Icarus flies too close to the sun , causing his wings to burn up . He plummets to his death , while his father , the designer of the wings , watches helplessly .
However , while many of these myths end in tragedy , favorable outcomes also occur . In one story , an elderly couple , Philemon and Baucis , were welcoming hosts to the disguised gods Zeus and Hermes . In turn , the couple were rewarded and turned into eternal trees . This story encourages selflessness and compassion ; it brings hope that if people do the right thing , they ’ ll be rewarded . This is why myths are so important . Their lessons are universal . They remind us why we should uphold our values .
Athena , Aililia . “ Pandora ’ s Box and Evil Origin .” 13 Jul . 2024
Meanwhile , Pandora ’ s Box warns listeners about curiosity and the potential disasters that could occur because of it . Pandora opened a jar , after being told not to , which released all horrors into the world . These stories and warnings shaped Greek culture , defining the importance of humility and obedience .
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