Existentialism started as a movement in the 19th century. It deals with the nature of being, however, so its beliefs can still be applied to Greek mythology. Direct links to existentialism cannot be found within myths, so existentialism must instead be applied to it. Existentialism does play a prominent role through prophecies, the fighting of prophecy, and the control the Fates have over the universe. The most prominent way existentialism is involved in Greek mythology is how it is not. Existentialism revolves around free-will, but prophecies in Greek myths show that’s not possible. Every word an oracle utters is set in stone. Nothing a god or human can do will change this. Even when a hero like Jason is sent to his death, or the inexperienced gods face the all-powerful Titans, what the prophecies say will happen. Nonetheless, characters within mythology attempted to fight anyways.
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They may seem to, on the surface, but somewhere on the inside, underneath it all, they sense it, and they resent it.”-Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys. Greek may not have control over fate, but they do have free thought. This presents an interesting dilemma, asking if one can exist without the other. Greek myths prove it can. Some heroes are dragged along into their destiny. Hercules was not a cruel man, but Hera intervened to turn him into a murderer of his family. Perseus was not a great hero on his own, but Hermes, Athena, the Gray Women, the nymphs, and Zeus all helped him slay Medusa. Some Greeks outright fought prophecies. King Acrisius locked his daughter Danaë in a tower to prevent a prophecy of his downfall from coming true. Pelias sent Jason away to the Golden Fleece in an attempt to hold power. However, no matter what each Greek did, the prophecies could not be
They may seem to, on the surface, but somewhere on the inside, underneath it all, they sense it, and they resent it.”-Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys. Greek may not have control over fate, but they do have free thought. This presents an interesting dilemma, asking if one can exist without the other. Greek myths prove it can. Some heroes are dragged along into their destiny. Hercules was not a cruel man, but Hera intervened to turn him into a murderer of his family. Perseus was not a great hero on his own, but Hermes, Athena, the Gray Women, the nymphs, and Zeus all helped him slay Medusa. Some Greeks outright fought prophecies. King Acrisius locked his daughter Danaë in a tower to prevent a prophecy of his downfall from coming true. Pelias sent Jason away to the Golden Fleece in an attempt to hold power. However, no matter what each Greek did, the prophecies could not be