24 April 2013 World History Museum Project: Greek Mythology.

Greek mythology was a big part in ancient Greek culture. Except for them it wasn't mythology but a religion just like Christianity or Judaism is to some of us. They believed it was real, to them their everyday life revolved around their religion and customs just like some people live today. Their stories taught them morals and ethics, they were meant to help them choose right from wrong, and to be a better person. For Example, one of their stories talked about a young man named narcissus who was exceptionally vain and selfish. The goddess Nemesis saw this and decided to lead him to a pool of water. When he saw his reflection in the water he was so captured by his own beauty he fell madly in-love with it, although at the time he didn't know it was just his reflection. Some versions of the story say he was so mesmerized by it he wouldn't move in fear that his beloved would disappear and leave him forever. He never moved not even to eat, he eventually starved himself to death. Other versions say he realized it was indeed just his own reflection, and was so devastated he stabbed him self in despair. Either way the story of Narcissus was made to show people that it wasn't good to be selfish and egoistic. Although it sounds like Greek mythology was just important in ancient Greece it also plays an important roll in today's society. Not only does it help us understand our ancestors and their customs it also gives us creative ways to entertain ourselves and others with movies, plays, paintings and books related to some Greek myth's; like the Trojan War, The Odyssey, Hercules and many others.

Not only do their myths help us with entertainment but they have also helped us in our language. Some of the words we hear and say everyday come from their stories. Ironically, for example, we got the word narcissism (which is used to describe someone who's proud and

selfish) from the story of Narcissus, the self-loving fool who died for falling in love with his reflection. We also get the word nemesis from the revengeful Greek Goddess, Nemesis. Like many other words like echo,tantalizing, phobia and many others. Also many brands and business names have come from Greek myths like Amazon, a race of warrior woman to an online retail store, Nike the goddess of victory to a worldwide known sports company, and Trojan from the Trojan wars to famous condom and birth controll products manufacturer. So you see, Greek mythology has helped shape our world in many different ways. From morals, to language, to entertainment and creative ways to name our dogs or businesses. So if something that happened thousands of years ago has any influence of what you choose the name of your business to be today, I definitely think it has made some major impact in the world.

Works Cited Buxton, R. G. A. The complete world of Greek mythology. London: Thames & Hudson, 2004.

"Greek Mythology." History.com. A&E Television Networks. 24 Apr. 2013 <http://www.history.com/topics/greek-mythology>. "Narcissus (Greek mythology)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. 24 Apr. 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/403458/Narcissus>