Rape In Ancient Greek Mythology

Why is there so much rape in Ancient Greek Mythology? The answer is complex, but not beyond understanding. The gods in particular are primarily responsible for committing this crime in a variety of these stories. There are a plethora of reasons as to why rape in Ancient Greek Mythology is portrayed as common and even acceptable. To begin with, the nature of rape in these stories is likely a consequence of Greek rape culture, which includes a focus on masculinity, power, passion, and the fantasy that one’s bloodline stems from the gods. To begin with, the gods choose to rape the women that they desire instead of courting them because courting is seen as a waste of their time. The gods are all-powerful and know that no mortal woman would …show more content…
To clarify this statement, the gods who rape tend to fall into the category of high-mating-effort-rapists. “These rapists may be characterized as aggressive, dominant, and having a high-self esteem” (McKibbin 7). In the story of Callisto, for example, Zeus portrays all of the characteristics of high-mating-effort-rapists. Zeus had spotted the virgin Callisto resting naked in a forest and decided that he would sexually assault her. He would do so by taking on the form of the goddess Diana, the goddess that favored Callisto most (Ovid 67-68). After approaching her and kissing her, Zeus’ true nature was revealed. “…he gripped her tight in his arms, and his subsequent felony gave him away…Callisto fought back; but indeed what man could a girl be a match for, let alone Jupiter?” (Ovid …show more content…
“Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. Rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety” (Rape Culture). This is clear in the myth about Zeus’ rape of Callisto. Zeus did not care that the young virgin strove to protect her virginity, nor did he care that she would be harmed socially and emotionally. Following the rape, Callisto was cast out from the sacred springs by the goddess Diana for losing her virginity. She was then blamed for the rape by Zeus’ wife, Hera (Ovid 70). All of these factors in literature; normalizing rape, isolating and rejecting the victim and blaming the victim for the attack, are characteristic of rape