The Origins of Mythology

            There are so many various types of myths originating from all over the world. These incredible myths would tell of marvelous stories of heroes, gods, demigods, monsters, etc. Various areas of the world had there own stories to tell with myths coming from Greece, Rome, and so many other places. Though different parts of the world have different beliefs, mostly all myths share similar themes. Themes seen often include do not disrespect/challenge the Gods, violence is very prominent, and hospitality code must be obeyed. The Greek Gods are never to be disrespected and or challenged or the wrath of the Gods would be smitten upon you. Too often various heroes within myths would show disrespect, even though they knew of the consequences. Many demigods, heroes, humans, etc. would think of themselves as more powerful and deserving than the Gods, but they would soon be shown otherwise. In the myth the Odyssey, Odysseus and his army had just won the Trojan war and "The Greeks went mad with victory the night they entered the city; they forgot what was due to the gods; and on their voyage home they were terribly punished" (Mythology 211). The Gods made it terribly difficult for Odysseus to make it home after the war and it took twenty years. Another hero that challenged the Gods was Prometheus. Prometheus stole fire from Olympus and gave it to mankind. Zeus had his servants chain him to a rock with adamantine chains (unbreakable) and told him "An eagle red with blood shall come, a guest unbidden to your banquet. All day long he will tear to rags your body, feasting in fury on the blackened liver" (Mythology 75). One last example is the punishment given to King Sisyphus. Sisyphus had his wife throw his body in the square before he died, so he would not get a proper burial, so he persuaded Persephone to let him return to Earth to scold his wife. He refused to go back to the underworld but was dragged by Hermes.