While the deities of the Greek pantheon and other mythological figures which formed a cornerstone of ancient Greek society may no longer command the faith of millions or inspire the construction of splendid temples dedicated to their divine dominance, many of these mythological figures have transcended the constraints of time to become cultural archetypes in the context of modern western society. Evidence of the influence of ancient Greek mythology upon the cultural fabric of modern western society abounds in numerous arenas of both society as a whole, as well as in the lives of individuals, who oftentimes lack any formal knowledge of ancient Greek society yet evoke references to elements of ancient Greek mythology through the use of metaphors or reliance on cultural archetypes. The impact of ancient Greek mythology upon modern society can be observed in a multitude of areas which include, but are not limited to, the development of modern language, the identities of certain industries and the numerous references reflected in popular culture, such as in literature and films.
One primary example of how ancient Greek mythology has impacted the modern world can be observed in the development of the modern English Language, which contains a multitude of references to Grecian mythological figures. An example of this incorporation of ancient mythology into the context of modern discourse is the use of the phrase “Herculean task” to describe a difficult task which requires great effort, which is derived from the myth of the “Twelve legends of Hercules”( Chxartishvili). Other examples of references to ancient Greek mythology in modern English include morphine, which derives its name from the Morpheus, the Greek god for Sleep, and “aphrodisiac”, a term which refers to any substance or circumstance which elicits sexual arousal, which owes its origins to the Aphrodite, the Grecian goddess of love.(Chxartishvili) In addition to the origins and meaning of words themselves, many popular expressions also trace their origins back to the mythological context of ancient Greece, such as the expression “Achilles heel”, which is drawn from the legend of Achilles and used in modern society to indicate the presence of a singular fatal weakness.
In addition to the prominence of ancient Greek mythological figures exhibited through various expressions and conventions of modern language, symbolic references to mythological figures and legends have become enshrined as elements in a multitude of social institutions and cultural products which continue to influence the cultural context of society today. One example of how mythological symbolism has been adopted by modern social and civil institutions can be observed in the use of the snake-entwined staff as the symbol representing the medical profession in the U.S, which derives its origin from the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. Another prominent example of modern society invoking references to Greek mythology can be seen in the U.S Apollo space program, which was named after the Greek god Apollo based on his ability to always hit his mark with a bow and arrow, as well as his status as the god of light and knowledge.(greekmythologytoday.com)
There are numerous references to Greek mythology in modern society as observed through the development of modern language and symbolism employed by modern socio-cultural and economic institutions to invoke contextual meaning attributed to these symbolic references. However, one of the most prominent examples of the influence of Greek mythology on modern society can be witnessed in the widespread proliferation of mythological characters and legends in contemporary popular culture. There are countless examples of films, television series and literary works which perpetually revive and reinvent some of the most well-known legends and figures in ancient Greek mythology. Examples of this include those such as the legend of Hercules, which has been adopted into both films and television series, or more general references to the Greek pantheon portrayed in modern films such as “Clash of the Titans”. The legends and figures of ancient Greek mythology have also oftentimes be used as archetypal references for the fictional worlds portrayed in films and television series, such as “Xenia, Warrior Princess” and “Ares”.( Chxartishvili)
While the cultural fabric of Ancient Grecian society has largely been relegated to the pages of history, the legacies of prominent mythological figures and the legends associated with them have endured the test of time to establish themselves as cultural archetypes within the context of modern society. References to ancient Greek mythology are evident in a variety of aspects of modern society, such as those observed in language through both the origin of words themselves and the symbolic value associated with them. Mythological references continue to occupy a prominent position in the cultural context of modern society and the influence of their immortalized cultural value is evident in both society as a whole and the daily lives of individuals.
Works Cited
Chxartishvili, Nika. "Impact Of Greek Mythology On Western Culture." Academia.edu. Academia.edu. Web. 20 Apr. 2016. <https://www.academia.edu/6738534/Impact_Of_Greek_Mythology_On_Western_Culture
"Greek Mythology Today." Greek Mythology Today. Web. 20 Apr. 2016. <http://greekmythologytoday.com/>.
