Classical Greek Myths Issues - Essay Example

Some people may confuse myths with legends and folktales, though they are closely related they have different meanings to the history of the world. They are not considered true or sacred by the communities that tell them (D’Ooge, 14). Similar to myths, legends are stories that are conventionally considered true, but are set in present time. Legends typically feature human beings as their main characters, whereas myths usually center on exceptional characters (Powell, 165).

In this case, modern scholars have made it clear that myths are of different types, and they have come up with different theories on how myths came to be. To echo this Powell in his book has given various examples. One theory alleges that myths are unsure accounts of real chronological proceedings. According to this theory, tellers of tales constantly detailed upon past accounts that made these individuals raised to gods standards. For example, allegory of the wind-god Aeolus developed from a chronological account of a ruler who trained his people to use sails and understand the winds (Martell, Hazel, and Kuhtz, 18). This theory is known as Euhemerism. The second example is the allegory in this theory. It is claimed that the myths began as allegories for ordinary occurrences: Apollo symbolizes fire while Poseidon signifies water. Another theory stipulates that myths were initially allegories for idealistic or spiritual perceptions: Athena represents intelligent ruling, Aphrodite correspond to wish and desire (Peradotto, 59).

In conclusion, this does not reflect reality, but it gives an account of developments that have taken place in the world through the centuries. Through the study of myths, the current world understands how the prehistoric times were, and how they have led to the development of the current world (Donnelly, 52).