From the Paper
"Herakles, or Hercules from the Roman period, was a Greek demi-god who is depicted in a variety of works, many of which tell stories from his life as embodied in Greek mythology. Several depictions of Herakles are found in the collection of the Getty Museum, among them the statue known as the Landsdowne Herakles, and the painted vase known as the Perseus Vase.

"Herakles, or Hercules, was a mortal and a bastard son of Zeus. In the temple of Apollo, there is a frieze that runs all round the chamber and that depicts the fight of Herakles with the Amazons and a battle against the Centaurs with a new leading motif, that of Apollo and Artemis as they appear driving a team of stags and bringing help while the bride flees to the old-fashioned statue of the god. An Amphora from about 485 B.C. shows Herakles and Athena pouring a libation, with Herakles..."

Abstract
The paper discusses the Greek heroes who were an integral part of Greek society and relates that they were held in esteem just below the gods and demi-gods of the Greek pantheon. The paper states that they were considered progeny of the gods, and as such, were favored by them as the gods and demi-gods who protected them. The paper specifically examines the nature of the heroism of three Greek heroes, Heracles, Theseus, and Odysseus.

From the Paper
"Another characteristic that ties mythological heroes together is their encounter with a femme fatale. Aside from the various monsters encountered along the quest, this femme fatale adds to the difficulties by attempting to attract the hero romantically and detract them from their quest. Odysseus had Circes and Calypso, who caused a considerable delay in his return home (Stewart, "Odysseus"). Theseus had Ariadne who cause delay in his return home when she was kidnapped (Plutarch, online version). Sometimes the femme fatale is hostile, as with Circes and Calypso. Other times the femme fatale is benevolent, as with Ariadne. Either way, the femme fatale causes the hero to stray off schedule and delay his quest."

Tags:Greek, demi-gods, Greek, pantheon, methology

Abstract
This paper examines the ancient Greek gods and goddesses and compares the ancient view of them with the modern view.

Tags:greek, gods

Abstract
This paper discusses the main character and plot line of a three-chapter section of the sixteenth century Chinese novel "The Romance of the Gods." It describes the simultaneous childishness and aggression of Ne-zha, a Daoist holy figure born into a mortal family in order to eventually help achieve the Zhou dynasty's goal of rule. Ne-zha quickly estranges himself from his mortal father, and their relationship provides some of the conflict in the text.

From the Paper
" ' The Romance of the Gods' (Feng-shen yan-yi) is a sixteenth-century historical and fantasty novel written about the actions leading to the end of the Shang Dynasty and the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty in ancient China, likely by Xu Zhong-lin. While based loosely on historical events, the balance of The Romance of the Gods is based on an elaborate fictional world of humans, gods, spirits, and Daoist practitioners who have become immortal through their study of the teachings of the Way, which, in part, expresses an integration of all things heavenly and earthly. Included in..."

Tags:china, novel, gods

Abstract
This essay examines Herodotus' use of the gods in his "The Histories," and questions the extent to which he believes in their influence. It weighs up the importance of the competing powers, fate and chance, and looks at whether Herodotus uses these themes as literary tools.

From the Paper
"Although frequently mentioned and certainly key figures in Herodotus' text, the gods do not have the influence one might expect. They are neither all-powerful nor flawless, and are often susceptible to human emotions such as anger and jealousy. More importantly, they are not responsible for the actions of humans. Through oracles and dreams certain courses of action are recommended or advised against, and it is up to the human to interpret. However, humans bring misfortune upon themselves; the gods merely ensure that the "rules" are obeyed. Herodotus indicates the nature of these rules; his narrative is largely based on "reciprocal action"."

Tags:chance, fate, gods, greece, greek, herodotus, histories, oracle, literature, dreams

Abstract
This paper discusses how the Gods of Ancient Egypt were not only deities to their worshipers, but also served as a creative manifestation that collectively expressed the different facets of life in Egypt and how the scope of this effect varies from the appearance of each god representing what their responsibilities as a god might be to the human-like qualities and quirks of each god that gave them a more human aesthetic than the Greek and Roman Gods. In particular, the paper looks at how the "Egyptian Myths" is no exception to this rule and spans the breadth of Egyptian life as it touches upon the Egyptians love of beer, the emotions of the gods, the origin of the Egyptian people, the political responsibilities and relations among the gods, the relations of Egypt's gods and people to the land, and the relations of the gods to the people of Egypt.

From the Paper
"In the "Myth of Cataclysm," the gods display overwhelmingly human-like qualities. The most evident of these is emotion and more specifically, emotions related to power. Re's vengeful streak is made apparent as he addresses Nun, the primeval source of life. "In his statement he mentions how mankind emerged from the tears of his eyes... and how they are conspiring against him. He wants to know Nun's opinion before he kills the entire human race." Essentially, Re, the Sun God and the Ruler of Egypt, is considering the punishment of the human race for daring to rebel against him. This kind of retaliatory streak among gods is often perceived as wrath, but what defines this particular instance as vengeance is the emotional context. Re appears to feel betrayed by the humans as he states that they were created from his tears before he asks Nun whether he should kill them or not. The fact that Re consulted Nun about killing the human race also plays to the human qualities of the Egyptian gods. It suggests that Re has doubts about destroying his creation while also hinting that, while he is the King of Egypt and the God of the Sun, he feels indebted to the source of his own genesis, Nun. This same doubt is evident when he rescinds his desire for the destruction of the human race and sends his messenger to warn the humans about another goddess coming to destroy them while offering them a plan so that they might survive. "

Tags:Re, Nun, Pharaohs

Abstract
This paper discusses the gods Odin, Thor and Loki, and the parts that they played in Norse mythology. The writer explains how Odin, the most important figure and the creator in the Norse pantheon, became known as the Almighty or All-Father, and the wisest of all the gods. Thor, the god of thunder, and his magic hammer and goats, are also described. The writer explains how Loki, originally from a different race, acquired godhood by becoming Odin's blood brother, and eventually caused the downfall of the Aesir gods through his malicious acts. Ragnarokk, the day of reckoning for the gods, is also described.

Outline:
Introduction
Aesir Gods
Thor - The God of Thunder
Loki - The God of the Jotun Race
Ragnarokk - Destiny of the Gods
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In Asgard the land of the gods Thor was good natured, kind and had a beautiful wife named Sif who ripened seeds after Thor's thunder showers. They also had two sons Magni and Modi who were almost as strong as their father. Thor was the strongest of all the gods and also the protector of the gods and also the people on Midgard, he ruled over all the wars on Midgard and chose who would be the winner in each war. He protected the gods and humans by smashing jotuns and trolls with his magic hammer. He also had an iron mitt to protect his hand and a magic belt that made him twice as strong."

Tags:Yggdrasil, Jotun, Midgard, wisdom, runic, sepent

Abstract
In this article the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the poem "The Odyssey" by Homer. Specifically, the writer discusses the various ways Homer made use of gods and goddesses in the story, and how they intervened in the lives of the mortals. Throughout this epic journey, Homer uses gods and goddesses to reward Odysseus for his bravery, loyalty, and belief in the gods and goddesses. Homer also uses gods and goddesses to illustrate that even the strongest mortals are no match for the gods when it comes to everything from epic battles to choosing when to return home. The writer concludes that Homer's use of the gods and goddesses in "The Odyssey" is a tribute to the belief systems of the time, and the ideas that the gods and goddesses have complete and absolute power over mortal men.

From the Paper
"The gods are constantly interfering with Odysseus during his journey back home, as well. Poseidon wrecks his ship out of anger, but often, it is his men and their lack of belief that gets in the way of his journey. For example, the men open the bag of wind that Aeolus, the god of winds, has given Odysseus to ensure his safe journey home, which ends up driving the ships far from their destination. Later, the men ignore the gods' warning and slaughter cattle belonging to the sun god Helios, and this leads to the shipwreck where all of them die. Homer is illustrating what happens when you do not listen to and appreciate the power of the gods. Odysseus does not question their wisdom or authority, and so, he survives. His men are constantly questioning and challenging the gods' authority, and they pay with their lives. This is a lesson for all mortals who read the story and do not accept the power and glory of the gods."

Tags:Odysseus, Greek, hero, mortals

Abstract
This paper describes the contradictions and errors philosopher Thomas Hobbes made in his famous work "Leviathan". The paper argues that hidden within the many principles that Hobbes sets forth in "Leviathan" are intricate paradoxes and contradictions that void the very foundation that the book is written on. Hobbes' purpose in "Leviathan" is to demonstrate that an absolute sovereign is needed to emerge from the state of nature. In analyzing the transition out of the state of nature and looking at the powers granted to a sovereign, the paper argues that both the emergence is flawed, as is the necessary absoluteness of sovereignty.

From the Paper
"While these concepts sound feasible, even under Hobbes's rules they cannot take place. Hobbes says of traits in the state of nature "and which is worst of all, continuall feare, and danger of violent death (89)." By definition, the state of nature is one where this paranoia and fear runs rampant and no one trusts anyone else. With that simple premise in place, it would be impossible for any of these people to abandon their rights to someone else, because doing so would make them helpless! Existing in a state of constant fear would render trust impossible, thereby eliminating the ability for one man to prove himself to another man."

Tags:demi-God, Soveraigne, commonwealth

Abstract
This paper describes the ways that Alexander the Great led one of the world's first professional armies on a campaign from Greece, throughout Asia Minor and Persia and into India without losing a single battle. The author points out his military genius, which combines infantry and cavalry tactics on the battlefield with intelligence, logistics and artillery, and his natural charisma and leadership. The paper relates his vision, which led him to attempting to conquer the world so that he could spread the Hellenistic culture.

From the Paper
"After Philip's death, the control of the Greek and Macedonian armies passed to Alexander, along with the responsibility of leading an invasion of Asia Minor and Persia. The Persian Empire, controlled by Darius III had attempted to conquer Greece and the invasion King Philip had planned had been designed to punish the Asian empire. Alexander acted quickly, needing to keep his allies solidly behind them before they could use the excuse of Philip's death to back out."

Tags:conquests, charisma, vision, demi-god, death