Why Is Ancient Greek Mythology Important In Today's Culture

A critical reason why ancient Greek mythology has remained recognizable in today’s culture lies in battlefield of the Trojan War. Although many scholars question whether or not the Trojan War actually happened as Homer described it in his infamous epic poem the Illiad, archeological excavations of the city of Troy in Turkey have uncovered that the city was indeed destroyed by a war in 1180 B.C. (Korfmann). Evidence that a war did in fact take place around the city of Troy, which was an affluent city in its prime, continues to accumulate. With this being said, for argumentative purposes, one can regard the Trojan War as a historical event. More important than the actual Trojan War was the epic poem Illiad by Homer, which earned the Trojan War …show more content…
Remnants of ancient Greek mythology remain prevalent in language; even the name for a collection of maps (Atlas) stems from the titan who held the weight of the world on his massive shoulders (Green 202). The people of myths are still utilized as adjectives as well. For example, a man of extreme beauty is still referred to as an “Adonis”, who was so aesthetically pleasing that even the goddess of love, Aphrodite, could not resist his charm. The people of modern-day society also continue to model their actions after the figures of myths. Many wives strive to be as pious and faithful as Penelope, the wife of Odysseus who fought off suitors while her husband fought in the Trojan War (Green 206). Another important aspect of ancient Greek mythology that remains a vital part of the modern world is the Olympic games. Architects also mimic the ornamented temples of ancient Greece through the use of marble columns and sculptures. Although the religious aspect of ancient Greek mythology no longer exists, it is imperative to recognize the abundance of mythology present in all aspects of society. The acknowledgement of ancient Greek mythology in western culture is crucial in order to preserve the rich history and customs taken from a glorious time in world history. Ancient Greek mythology remains an eminent part of today’s society. Merely recognizing this fact allows one to begin to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the customs in place currently. Through the analysis of ancient Greek mythology, one will ultimately conclude that the gods and goddesses of the time live today through our everyday