The Greeks and Their Gods

Paper Summary:

The writer explains that the ancient Greek gods were personified natural agents or beings that used specific areas of nature for their own purposes and that they visualized the gods as being similar to men in their emotions and embodiment, but differing from men in that they were immortal and more powerful than men. The paper shows how the ancient Greeks used the gods to explain natural phenomena, for example, thunderbolts were used as a form of punishment by Zeus. In conclusion, the writer states that the gods generally left men to their own fate but they were infinitely more powerful than men and this enabled them to override the actions of men and alter their fate according to their own will.

From the Paper:

"Sophocles dealt with the question of why a man could selflessly serve the gods and still come to a horrible end by stating that the ways of the gods are not man's ways and such unmerited suffering exists although it is inexplicable by human standards. He maintains his faith that men can withstand terrible agonies and still retain their humanity. The unfortunate Oedipus, who unwittingly fulfills the prophecy to kill his father and marry his mother is finally given a special dispensation from the gods. Throughout his ordeals he has been bold, resourceful and intelligent and he even accepts the responsibility for the sins he committed in innocence by blinding himself. In the end he emerges purified through his suffering. "The underlying motif in the dramas of Sophocles is that man is ultimately responsible for his own actions, if not for his fate, which is in the hands of the gods. His philosophy is that man must live a virtuous life despite evil influence for the sake of his own humanity. Honor demanded this. "

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