Greek And Egyptian Mythologies Share example essay topic

"To some extent, mythology is only the most ancient history and biography. So far from being false or fabulous in the common sense, it contains only enduring and essential truth, the I and you, the here and there, the now and then, being omitted. Either time or rare wisdom writes it". - Henry David Thoreau (1849) Every culture has evolved its own mythology, defining its character and offering a way to understand the world.

Myths of every culture reveal the power of love, with it, its accompanying jealousy and anxiety; the conflict between generations, the old and new, the mischief of the trouble makers and the underlying diversity and stability of human nature. Although their gods sprang forth from diverse and distinctive cultures, the Greek and Egyptian Pantheons share many similarities and differences between one another. The oldest Greek myths can be traced to three main sources: Homer, Hesiod and The Homeric Hymns, these works date back circa 800 B.C., implying that by the time they were recorded, these works had already endured 400 years of embellishments, subtractions and alterations, to become what we now call "authentic". The Greek myths are our portal into the distant past, a view of the world that existed not only in the mind of Greek poets, but in the hearts of the unassuming and tolerant inhabitants of ancient Greece. The ancient Egyptians as well had a complex belief containing many deities and personified aspects of nature.

Ancient Egypt has always held a certain fascination and has ignited the imaginations of archaeologists as well as ordinary people. Their civilization lasted almost without change for more than 3,000 years. Their greatness began around 4,500 B.C. From early in their history, both the Greek and the Egyptians believed in the concept of life after death. Both Egyptian mythology and Greek mythology have a 'father-creator' god, a 'trickster' god, and a 'love' goddess.

While the duties of these roles are divided up differently among each set of gods, comparable gods are easily discernable. Within these myths, the 'father-creator' gods have the most in common. The Greek god Zeus and the Egyptian god Amen-Re display parallel qualities. These 'father-creator' gods were depicted as powerful, bearded, fertile men who reigned over the other gods in their mythologies.

Zeus was thought to maintain social order, and Amen-Re was considered king of the gods. These gods also have a similar weapon or symbol of power associated with them. Zeus has a lightning bolt, and Amen-Re, a scepter; both of these instruments are viewed as destructive. The myths of these gods also referred to the sky. Zeus had palaces high above the mortal world, known as Mt. Olympus, the residence of the divine family, the twelve most important ruling gods and goddesses of ancient Greece, who therefore were called the Olympians.

This palace served as meeting places for the gods, and as an observation deck. Zeus is often depicted as looking down from Mt. Olympus into the mortal world. Though he did not have a palace in the sky, Amen-Re was referred to as the 'Sun' god. Egyptians believed that Amen-Ra died with the setting of the sun each evening, only to be "reborn" each morning with the sunrise. Amen-Re differs from Zeus in that he is viewed as the actual creator of the world.

Zeus merely takes over the world in the respective mythologies, and reorganized it in a better fashion. Additionally, Amen-Re has a different relationship with the mortal world than Zeus. Amen-Re gave counsel to the king of Egypt when he prayed to his statue. He intervened strictly for the benefit of the king. Zeus on the other hand, only gave counsel to those he considered special, and it was often to his benefit. He seemed to be contented by bestowing glory and punishment to mortals and gods alike.

Another contrast and comparison of the mythologies lay in the gods, Seth and Prometheus. These gods are typified as the 'trickster gods'. These gods have negative connotations surrounding them, despite Prometheus' reputation as protector of humans. Prometheus gave the fire to man, it aided and advanced the mortal world. However, it also taught men how to steal, and women were plagued upon them. This resulted in the creation of Pandora, damning mankind and causing its permanent unhappiness.

Unfortunately, this was not enough for Zeus, who caused a flood that destroyed all of mankind. The 'trickster' gods were also quick witted. Prometheus and Seth were known to out-smart the gods. Seth, brother and enemy of the god Osiris, is regarded as the Egyptian god of evil. After tricking his brother, he kills him and has his body parts scattered throughout Egypt.

The love goddess is another commonality that Greek and Egyptian mythologies share. Egyptian goddess Hathor and Greek goddess Aphrodite are goddesses of love, beauty, and reproduction. Aphrodite and Hathor, also represent fertility. Hathor was the personification of the sky, represented as a star-studded cow or as a woman with the head of a cow.

Bibliography

1. Cavendish, Richard. Mythology: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: Barnes and Noble Inc., 1992.
2. Hodge, Jessica. Who's Who in Classical Mythology. London: Bison Books Ltd., 1995.
3. Leeming, David Adams. The World of Myth. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.
4. Osborne, Mary Pope. Favorite Norse Myths. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1996.