The ancient Greeks have influenced us in more ways than we can imagine. They have given us democracy and drama and some important life lessons that we often forget.
The stories of Oedipus – the man who killed his father and married his mother – and of the great god Zeus – who had 92 children in total – have withstood the test of time. They teach us important life lessons that we can learn from today. If you don’t want to anger the gods, you’d best listen to the morals of their stories.
Here are six life lessons you can learn from ancient Greek mythology.
Jocasta could not outfit the prophecy that her son would kill his father and marry his mother. When she sent her son Oedipus to be killed, she couldn’t know that fate would take control, despite Jocasta’s actions.
Sometimes no matter how hard you try, a situation cannot be avoided. When all you want to do is blame yourself, remember that not everything is under your control. Sometimes all you can do is accept the situation and make the most of the circumstances.
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Icarus and Daedalus were stuck in a maze, so Daedalus fashioned some fancy wings for Icarus. His only warning was to not fly to high. What did Icarus do? He flew too close to the sun, his wings melted and he plummeted to his death.
What can we learn from Icarus, who did not listen to his elders? Your parents and grandparents have tidbits of wisdom, if only you would stop to listen to them every once in a while.
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When we think of Hercules, the tan and buff character from Disney’s “Hercules” probably come to mind. But Hercules from ancient Greek mythology wasn’t always the great hero we imagine. Hercules went into blind rages that were great for battle, but also made him easy to manipulate and Hera, who hated the powerful warrior, used this to her advantage.
Before you act on your initial anger, stop and think through the consequences of your actions. Don’t be influenced negatively by others in your life; make the right decision for yourself instead of allowing others to manipulate you into doing what they wish.
When Creon issued the order that Polyneices was not to be buried, Antigone went under the cover of darkness to bury her brother. She felt honor-bound to send him off in the proper Greek fashion, according to divine laws. And when she was caught, she does not back down from her actions, even when she was sentenced to death.
Your family is always there for you and you should defend their honor when they can’t do it themselves. It’s the highest form of love you can give them.
Narcissus was supposed to have a true love, as long as he didn’t look at his reflection. But when he did he fell so deeply in love with himself that he refused the love of anyone else. Aphrodite was angered, ruling that he could only fall in love with himself and this is a love that can never be returned.
You should be open to love from others. Your looks don’t define who you are. It’s about looking inside yourself for true love and fulfillment.
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Achilles was the best soldier in Greece and the only hope to win the Trojan War. But even he had a weakness. Anointed by the gods, Achilles died after he took an arrow to the heel.
Remember, it’s okay to not be good at everything. Nobody is perfect, even Achilles.
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