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Lesson Classical Mythology Common Literary Allusions

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29 views

Lesson Classical Mythology Common Literary Allusions

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c58s4v6qqq
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Classical

Mythology
Common Literary
Allusions
classical Mythology
Classical mythology refers specifically to myths from ancient
Greece and Rome. The myths center around many gods and
goddesses interacting with mortals. Some of the topics explored
are abstract concepts (love, war, wisdom) as well as natural
forces (lighting, floods, volcanic eruptions). These stories
entertained Greeks and Romans and taught them about the
human experience.
Literary Allusions
and Classical Mythology
Literary allusions are references to other well-
known works. Allusions can be references to
plots, characters, or symbols. Authors use
allusions to create depth to their writing and
connect their writing to a larger literary tradition.

Classical mythology is commonly referenced in western literature.


Because of this, it is important for readers to have general knowledge
about these myths to recognize their cultural significance and better
understand an author's meaning.
Commonly-references Myths
Achilles Heel The Iliad

Cupid Pandora's Box

Hercules Prometheus

Midas Touch Pygmalion and Galatea

Echo and Narcissus Trojan Horse


the iliad
by homer
Achilles Heel
In this Greek myth, Achilles received a prophecy that
he would become the best warrior but die young.
After hearing this, his mother, Thetis, dipped him in
the River Styx to make his body invulnerable. She
held him by the heel, making that the only part of his
body not protected. A During the Trojan War, Achilles
did become one of the strongest and most-feared
warriors, but he was hit by a poisoned arrow in the
heel and died.
The meaning of this myth shows that everyone has a
vulnerability, even if it does not seem like it. To say
someone has an Achilles heel means they have a flaw
or weakness that could bring about their downfall.
Cupid
In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of love and desire.
When people are hit by his arrow, it causes them to fall
deeply in love. Cupid is often referenced on Valentine's
Day and is called Eros in Greek mythology.

When someone is called Cupid that means they are a


messenger of love or a matchmaker. If someone is said
to be a victim of Cupid, that means they are helplessly in
love with someone.
Hercules
Hercules is the Roman version of Heracles. Hercules
is the more commonly-known name. He was the son
of Zeus and a mortal woman. He is known for his
god-like strength, although he was not one. He also
completed twelve tasks called the Labors of Heracles.

Often references to Hercules are to comment on


someone completing a task that is difficult or seems
to exceed human capabilities, sometimes called a
"Herculean" effort or accomplishment.
Midas Touch
In Greek mythology, King Midas was granted a wish by
Dionysus. Midas wished that everything he touched turned to
gold. He soon realized that he could no longer eat or drink. He
could not even hug his daughter without her turning to gold.
King Midas asked to get rid of the golden touch and was
instructed to wash away in the river Pactolus, which he did.

Although the story is a lesson about greed, having the Midas


touch typically implies the person has an ability to succeed in
everything they attempt.
echo and narcissus
Echo, a nymph, is cursed to only repeat the words of
others, and Narcissus is cursed to fall in love with his
own reflection. Their intertwined stories emphasize the
themes of reflection, self-obsession, and the echoing
sounds of nature.
echo and narcissus
In a modern interpretation of the Echo and Narcissus myth, their
story could symbolize the challenges of communication and self-
identity in the digital age. Echo, representing the voice of social
media and online communication, endlessly repeats the thoughts
and opinions of others, struggling to find her own voice amidst the
constant noise. Meanwhile, Narcissus could be seen as the
quintessential selfie-taker, obsessively capturing and curating his
own image for validation and attention, but losing touch with his
true self in the process. This contemporary twist on the myth
highlights the issues of authenticity, self-obsession, and the impact
of technology on human relationships and self-esteem in the
modern world.
Orpheus and eurydice
Orpheus, a gifted musician, fell deeply in love with
Eurydice. When she died from a snake bite, Orpheus
ventured into the Underworld to plead for her return.
Hades, moved by his music, allowed Eurydice to follow
Orpheus back to the world of the living under one
condition: he must not look back at her until they had
both reached the surface. Tragically, Orpheus couldn't
resist looking back, and Eurydice was lost forever.
Prometheus
Prometheus is one of the most notable names from Greek mythology. He stole
fire from the gods and gave it to humans, leading to civilization. This angered
Zeus, who punished Prometheus with eternal torture.

Some myths credit Prometheus for creating


mankind with clay. Both of these stories relate to
humanity and their striving for knowledge and
progress. Allusions to Prometheus often highlight
the consequence of creation and progress.
Pandora's Box
Pandora is from Greek mythology. She was made by Zeus to be a wife
for Epimethius. Zeus presented Pandora with a sealed box and told her
not to open it. Pandora did not realize that Zeus had filled the box with
curses that would harm mankind once freed. When Pandora opened
the box, she unleashed death, illness, and other evils.

Allusions to Pandora's box relates to inviting


unforeseen trouble. It can also be a comment on
the dangers of curiosity or a curse disguised as a
gift.
pygmalion and galatea
Pygmalion is a skilled sculptor who creates a stunningly beautiful ivory
statue named Galatea. He becomes so enamored with his creation that he
prays to the goddess Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology) for a living
companion just like her. Moved by his devotion, Aphrodite brings Galatea
to life, and Pygmalion's beloved statue becomes a real woman.

In a modern context, the myth of


Pygmalion and Galatea can be interpreted
as a representation of the idea of creating
an ideal partner or relationship through
artificial means.
Trojan Horse
During the Trojan War, Odysseus devised a plan
to build a wooden horse and hide the best
warriors inside. The Trojans were tricked into
thinking it was a gift and wheeled it into their
city. The Greeks broke out of the horse,
destroyed the city, and won the war.

Allusions to the Trojan horse often implies a


trick or trap created by an enemy.
PYRAMUS AND THISBE
Pyramus and Thisbe are two lovers in the city of
Babylon who occupy connected houses. Their
respective parents, driven by rivalry, forbid
them to wed. Through a crack in one of the
walls they whisper their love for each other.

True love beats everything else. Pyramus and


Thisbe really loved each other and they wanted
to stay together forever.
PYRAMUS AND THISBE

Shakespeare was inspired by Pyramus and


Thisbe because the two plays are closely similar
to each other.
Understanding allusions to
classical myths will help you
analyze literature in a more
in-depth way as well as
provide you with cultural
literary that can be applied
many different situations
and disciplines.
Works Cited
Hesiod. Theogony. Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; New
York :Oxford
University Press,
1988.
Homer. The Iliad & The Odyssey. Translated by Samuel
Butler,
Fingerprint! Publishing Classics,
2018.

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