The golden age in Greek mythology occurred in the lifespan of the first generation of human beings created by Zeus. The age is a period of very favorable living conditions and extremely content inhabitants. The people are extremely content in their existence and do not desire any sort of material gain. The Greek golden age ends very abruptly after the death of the first generation, which was known as the race of gold (90). Following the race of gold’s death, Zeus created a second generation which became known as the race of silver. This silver generation was much less pious and contented. This race of silver had no respect for Zeus or the other gods and so this race was punished. Zeus made life much more arduous for the race of silver and thus
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This is the generation that lost the golden age for mankind due to their lack of purity and decency. The silver generation never learned consideration or kindness and its members were plagued by selfishness and greed. A lack of companionship and instruction from other human beings was the cause of this vile behavior. “Although their bodies matured with the passage of time, the silver race remained juvenile in spirit. For one hundred years each child stayed at home with his or her mother… (91).” Living at home with limited human contact prevented the people of the silver generation from mentally maturing. This generation had a lack of respect not only for one another but also for the gods. Zeus was infuriated by this lack of respect and appeasement and so removed the golden age’s characteristics from …show more content…
Instead of everlasting springtime, temperatures ranged from blistering heat to icy cold. The change in weather created a need for clothing and shelter and so the silver generation had to comply. Food also became far less common due to the extremes in temperature. The land had to be worked fervently during the growing season and meals were no longer guaranteed. Finally, Zeus brought the lives of the silver generation to a much shorter conclusion and declared that the souls of the dead could no longer remain on Earth. Instead, the souls of the dead would be sent to the “dark, dismal Underworld” (91). These changes mark the end of the Golden Age on Earth and no prior generation has been worthy of a return to the Golden Age. In fact, the generation succeeding the race of silver were worse still. This generation was known as the race of bronze and was terribly cruel and lived only by the sword. This race chose Aries, god of war, as their patron god. Members of the bronze race died young deaths and brought disease upon themselves through their incessant violence and warfare. Their souls also were sent to the Underworld. The fourth generation created by Zeus is known as the race of heroes. This generation was the closest to being like the golden race, however, like the previous two generations, the generation of heroes partook in warfare and so fell short of deserving a return to the golden age of Earth.
This is the generation that lost the golden age for mankind due to their lack of purity and decency. The silver generation never learned consideration or kindness and its members were plagued by selfishness and greed. A lack of companionship and instruction from other human beings was the cause of this vile behavior. “Although their bodies matured with the passage of time, the silver race remained juvenile in spirit. For one hundred years each child stayed at home with his or her mother… (91).” Living at home with limited human contact prevented the people of the silver generation from mentally maturing. This generation had a lack of respect not only for one another but also for the gods. Zeus was infuriated by this lack of respect and appeasement and so removed the golden age’s characteristics from …show more content…
Instead of everlasting springtime, temperatures ranged from blistering heat to icy cold. The change in weather created a need for clothing and shelter and so the silver generation had to comply. Food also became far less common due to the extremes in temperature. The land had to be worked fervently during the growing season and meals were no longer guaranteed. Finally, Zeus brought the lives of the silver generation to a much shorter conclusion and declared that the souls of the dead could no longer remain on Earth. Instead, the souls of the dead would be sent to the “dark, dismal Underworld” (91). These changes mark the end of the Golden Age on Earth and no prior generation has been worthy of a return to the Golden Age. In fact, the generation succeeding the race of silver were worse still. This generation was known as the race of bronze and was terribly cruel and lived only by the sword. This race chose Aries, god of war, as their patron god. Members of the bronze race died young deaths and brought disease upon themselves through their incessant violence and warfare. Their souls also were sent to the Underworld. The fourth generation created by Zeus is known as the race of heroes. This generation was the closest to being like the golden race, however, like the previous two generations, the generation of heroes partook in warfare and so fell short of deserving a return to the golden age of Earth.