Mythic Lessons

[Earthcup]

We've all read that one should look for lessons and deeper meanings in myths but have you ever had a myth basically whack you upside the head with a lesson?

I've been reading Orpheus and Eurydice over and over today because it contains a key lesson about relationships and trust for me. It just whacked me on the head with common sense....:D

Anyone else have a myth do that to them? :huh:

Story time! :D

[flar7]

oooh, where to start? There are so many?:eek:

[Mnemosyne]

I really love the Eurydice and Orpheus myth. I think that it is so sad though. :( All the myths teach us a lesson, since that is one of the purposes of mythology. I really like the Pygmalion story. Oh, I can't forget the myth about King Midas. It teaches me not to be greedy. Of course, I really like the Persephone and Demeter myth on why Persephone has to spend time in the underworld with Hades. That myth teaches me to appreciate what we have while we have it, because that love may disappear at any time. I can be on here forever talking about my favorite myths.

[Earthcup]

Persephone always reminds me that there is a season for everything, sadness, joy, spring, fall...

Orpheus and Eurydice had a big impact on me today because it's about trust. You have to have faith and trust for a relationship to work out, you can't micromanage love.

Diarmud and Grainné is another one I like. It reminds me to be careful of promises for the heart can be a fickle thing.

I also like the Origin of Strawberries from Cherokee legend. Here's a very nice version of it...

http://www.geocities.com/finis_stellae/ng/lng/draseleq/dc_strawberries.html

[flar7]

most greek myths teach you to avoid ANY interaction with the
gods whatsoever! Some of their rewards are as bad as punishment!

[Rick]

Originally posted by flar7
most greek myths teach you to avoid ANY interaction with the
gods whatsoever! Some of their rewards are as bad as punishment!
Hehehe... for a second there, I thought you said geek myths...

"In the Beginning, there was the Pocket Protector..."

[Earthcup]

and behold the pocket protector gave birth to two sons, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, the battling twins... :lol:

[Mnemosyne]

Oh the poor geeks, I mean Greeks. True, many of the Greek myths teach mortals to avoid contact with the gods, since mortals often receive punishment from jealous spouses or simply love gone wrong. However, Psyche sure locked out with Cupid. But then again, she was absolutely gorgeous. I kind of like that the gods have problems. We, mortals, sure can relate more to these gods since they have to cope with similar problems.

[flar7]

well, there is the old couple that Zeus saves from the flood in
reward for their showing hospitality to him. Then as final reward,
after water recedes(and they have kids?) he turns them into trees!

[flar7]

Greek gods are portrayed the most human with huge exagerrations
in character flaws... to teach the greeks, all things in moderation.

[Twig]

Sorry, don't read. Hurts my brain!

Peace
twig
:elf:

[xjsjaglvr]

The reasons that myths always seem to have some underlying meaning is because that's what they were created for. Long before the widespread written word was available cultures taught their next generation morals and lifes lessons through the use of storytelling. Easily remembered stories which conveyed one simple lesson, much like advertising today. The concept is the same. The classics are called that simply because they convey lessons which are timeless.
Jag

[Earthcup]

*Slacker Hellene takes a boxing stance*

I know you ain't dissin my Gods!!:mad: :eek: :lol:

Zeus keeps order and balance, balance sometimes means death and destruction.

The Gods are working with a different set of rules and we can't second guess their motives.

How about Inanna's descent? Anyone have a special connection to that story?

[Epona44]

For example, I recall the story of Narcisuss and Echo whenever I see my teenage daughter looking far too long at her face in the mirror.

My favorite myth is the story of Yggdrasil, the world tree where Odin hung himself for nine days to learn wisdom. He left when he came up with writing, the Runes.

[Azure]

Funny you should mention the Inanna story right now Earthcup, as it seems to be resonating in my life in huge ways.

You have seen the Cocteau movie Orphée, right?

Odin on the tree is also pretty relevant for me right now - all the suffering to gain knowledge, wisdom and insight stuff.

I think myths and archetypes are crucial for our understanding of life. . . I try to use those metaphors in the theatre work I do as well. As you're auditioning, think about mythic figures that resonate to you with regard to the role(s) you want to play. That will help you even more as you read for them :)

[Euphoria]

:)

[Earthcup]

Haven't seen the film but I'll look for it. I've been hearing about Cocteau a lot lately but I've never really paid any attention to his stuff...

I started reading Orpheus and Eurydice feeling slightly smug only to be shocked at my own behaviour at the end. I'm now patching up things with someone I hurt. Hephaestus' and the Origin of Strawberries stories only emphasised the lesson.

Anyway, things are turning out well and it's all thanks to a couple of myths! :D Quite remarkable!

[Euphoria]

glad things are turning out !

[Epona44]

:cool:

The movie "Oh, Brother Where Art Thou?"

It's based on the myth of Odysseus.

[*~*Chary*~*]

ooooo ooooo i luv that

[Earthcup]

I love that movie and even have the soundtrack. What could be funnier than John Tuturro yodeling? :D

The Polar Bear King was based on Psyche and Eros... good kids film!

[*~*Chary*~*]

good aint it

[tempest69]

Originally posted by Earthcup
and behold the pocket protector gave birth to two sons, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, the battling twins... :lol:


...and these twins helped to give rise to a new generation: the MW Generation :rotfl: :crylaugh:

[Earthcup]

:rotfl:

and the world hasn't been the same since.....:2G: :eek: :lol: