Binalonan, Pangasinan

EL 112: Mythology and Folklore

Module 6
Greek Myths as Explanations of Natural Phenomena
Myths as Allegories

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of these weeks, the pre-service teacher (PST) should be able to:
a. discuss the stories of these myths based on the relevance with natural phenomena or as allegory to
present-day realities; and
b. analyze the relationship between the myth to its referred natural phenomena or allegory.

Greek Myths as Explanations of Natural Phenomena

Apollo and Daphne

The story of Apollo and Daphne is a well-known episode from Greek mythology, often recounted in
various forms in literature and art. The tale is primarily found in Ovid's "Metamorphoses."
In the myth, Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy, mocks the god of love, Eros (Cupid), for his
use of a bow and arrows. In retaliation, Eros shoots two arrows: one at Apollo to make him fall in love, and
another at Daphne, a nymph and daughter of the river god Peneus, to make her reject Apollo.
As a result, Apollo is consumed by an intense and unrequited love for Daphne. However, Daphne, under
the influence of Eros' arrow, wishes to remain unmarried and chaste. Apollo relentlessly pursues her, but she
runs away to escape his advances. As Apollo gets closer, Daphne prays to her father Peneus for help. In
response to her plea, Peneus transforms her into a laurel tree.
Apollo, reaching Daphne just as the transformation is completed, is left embracing the laurel tree. Despite
this, he continues to honor and cherish the laurel tree, adopting it as a sacred symbol. The laurel tree becomes
associated with Apollo, and from that point on, laurel wreaths are commonly used to crown victors in ancient
Greek competitions, such as the Olympic Games.
The myth of Apollo and Daphne is often interpreted as a representation of the eternal struggle between
love and chastity, with Daphne choosing the latter and undergoing a metamorphosis to escape the pursuit of
Apollo. The tale has been a popular theme in art, literature, and music throughout history, serving as a symbol
of the triumph of chastity over desire.

Pyramus and Thisbe

The story of Pyramus and Thisbe is another famous narrative from classical mythology, and it is often
attributed to Ovid's "Metamorphoses" as well.
Pyramus and Thisbe were young lovers who lived in the city of Babylon, separated by a wall between
their houses. Despite this physical barrier, they communicated through a crack in the wall and fell deeply in love.
However, their parents were opposed to their relationship.
The tragic turn of events begins when Pyramus and Thisbe decide to meet in secret at Ninus' tomb,
outside the city walls, under a mulberry tree. Thisbe arrives first but is frightened away by a lion with a blood-
stained mouth. In her haste to escape, she leaves behind her veil.
When Pyramus arrives and sees Thisbe's veil stained with blood, he mistakenly believes that a wild beast
has killed her. Distraught and grief-stricken, Pyramus kills himself with his own
sword. Shortly afterward, Thisbe returns to the meeting place, and upon discovering Pyramus's lifeless body,
she takes her own life with the same sword.
The gods, moved by the tragedy of the young lovers, transform the white berries of the mulberry tree into
a deep red color to commemorate their love. The tale of Pyramus and Thisbe is often considered a Romeo and
Juliet-like story of star-crossed lovers and has been retold and adapted in various forms over the centuries,
including in William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where it is presented as a play within the
play.

Cephalus and Procris

The myth of Cephalus and Procris is a story from Greek mythology and is often associated with the
broader narrative of love, trust, and tragedy. The tale is primarily found in various ancient texts, including Ovid's
"Metamorphoses."
Cephalus was a handsome mortal, and he was married to Procris, a beautiful and faithful nymph. The
couple was deeply in love, but their relationship faced challenges, including a test of trust. Eos, the goddess of
the dawn, fell in love with Cephalus and attempted to seduce him. However, Cephalus remained faithful to
Procris.
 Despite his loyalty, Cephalus decided to test Procris's fidelity. He disguised himself and approached her,
attempting to seduce her. Procris, unaware of her husband's true identity, yielded to his advances. When
Cephalus revealed himself and the deception, Procris was heartbroken.
The couple reconciled, but the seeds of mistrust had been planted. To make amends, Cephalus gave
Procris a magical javelin that never missed its mark and a hound that could catch any prey. However, these gifts
would play a role in the tragedy to come.
Procris, feeling guilty about her earlier indiscretion, decided to test the javelin's accuracy in the woods
where she believed Cephalus might be meeting another woman. While hiding in the bushes to spy on him, she
saw a rustling in the foliage and, thinking it was a wild animal, hurled the javelin, only to discover that she had
accidentally struck Cephalus.
As Cephalus lay dying, he revealed his true identity, and the couple shared a final, sorrowful
conversation. Procris blamed herself for the tragic turn of events. Before he died, Cephalus asked the gods to
forgive his wife, and Procris, consumed by grief and regret, eventually met her own end.
The myth of Cephalus and Procris explores themes of fidelity, trust, and the consequences of jealousy
and deception, serving as a cautionary tale within Greek mythology.

Juno and Her Rivals

Juno, the queen of the gods in Roman mythology (equivalent to Hera in Greek mythology), was known
for her jealousy and animosity towards the mistresses and children of her husband, Jupiter (Zeus in Greek
mythology). Several myths in both Roman and Greek traditions depict Juno's conflicts with her husband's various
consorts and their offspring. Here are a few notable instances:
1. Juno and Hercules (Heracles): One of the most famous conflicts involves Hercules, the son of Jupiter
and Alcmena. Hercules was not born from Juno, and she took every opportunity to make his life difficult.
She sent snakes to attack him in his crib, and throughout his life, she orchestrated numerous trials and
challenges for him, trying to prevent his rise to glory.
2. Juno and Io: In Greek mythology, Io was a priestess of Hera whom Jupiter transformed into a heifer to
hide his affair. Juno discovered this deception and placed Io under the watchful eye of the hundred-eyed
giant Argus. Eventually, Io was freed by Hermes (Mercury in Roman mythology), but Juno continued to
harass her.
3. Juno and Callisto: Callisto was another nymph associated with Jupiter. Juno, discovering Jupiter's
involvement with Callisto, turned the nymph into a bear. Callisto's son, Arcas, was later born and almost
killed his mother in bear form. However, the gods intervened, transforming Arcas into a bear and placing
them both in the sky as the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
These myths highlight Juno's role as a goddess of marriage and protector of the sanctity of wedlock. Her
conflicts with the offspring of Jupiter's affairs were often driven by her desire to maintain her status and uphold
the sanctity of marriage. The stories also illustrate the complex and often tumultuous relationships within the
pantheon of Roman and Greek mythology.

Echo, Narcissus, and Clytie

Echo, Narcissus, and Clytie are characters from Greek mythology, each associated with a particular
myth. These myths explore themes such as unrequited love, the consequences of excessive self-love, and
enduring devotion. They have inspired various works of art, literature, and psychology throughout history.
1. Echo - was a nymph in Greek mythology known for her loquaciousness. However, her ability to speak
was cursed by the goddess Hera. Echo fell in love with the beautiful youth Narcissus but was unable to
express her feelings due to the curse. She could only repeat the last words spoken by others. The story
of Echo is often connected with the myth of Narcissus.
2. Narcissus - was a handsome youth who was known for his exceptional beauty. He was the son of the
river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. Narcissus, however, fell in love with his own reflection in a
pool of water, not realizing it was merely an image. He became so enamored with his reflection that he
couldn't leave it, eventually wasting away and transforming into the narcissus flower, which is named
after him.
3. Clytie - was a water nymph and a character in Greek mythology who was in love with the sun god Apollo.
In some versions of the myth, Clytie's love for Apollo was unrequited, and she pined away, eventually
turning into a heliotrope (sunflower), always following the sun across the sky. Her transformation into a
sunflower is symbolic of eternal devotion.

Ceyx and Alcyone

The story of Ceyx and Alcyone is a tragic tale from Greek mythology, and it is most famously recounted
in Ovid's "Metamorphoses."
Ceyx, the king of Thessaly, and Alcyone, the daughter of the wind god Aeolus, were a happily married
couple deeply in love with each other. Ceyx decided to embark on a perilous sea voyage to consult the Oracle
of Apollo at Delphi. Alcyone was distraught at the thought of her husband facing such dangers, and despite her
pleas, Ceyx set sail.
 Tragically, a storm brewed at sea, and the ship of Ceyx was wrecked. Ceyx, unable to survive the
tempest, drowned. Meanwhile, back at home, Alcyone was tormented by terrible dreams and a sense of
foreboding. In her sleep, she saw the lifeless body of her husband.
The goddess Juno, taking pity on the grieving Alcyone, sent her messenger, Iris, to deliver the sad news
of Ceyx's fate. Alcyone, devastated by the loss of her husband, rushed to the seashore, hoping to find some
trace of him. Instead, she discovered his lifeless body washed ashore.
Overwhelmed with grief, Alcyone could not bear the thought of living without her beloved husband. In her
despair, the gods took pity on the couple's tragic fate. They transformed Ceyx and Alcyone into birds, specifically
halcyon birds, often identified with kingfishers. According to mythology, these birds nest on the open sea during
a period known as the "halcyon days," a time when the wind and waves remain calm. The gods granted them
this peaceful period so that the birds could safely build their nests and raise their chicks.
The story of Ceyx and Alcyone is a poignant narrative of love, loss, and the compassion of the gods in
the face of human tragedy.

Persephone

The myth of Persephone is a well-known story from Greek mythology, explaining the changing of
seasons. Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and harvest, and Zeus, the king of
the gods.
Hades, the god of the underworld, fell in love with Persephone and decided to abduct her. One day, while
Persephone was gathering flowers in a meadow, Hades emerged from the underworld in his chariot and
abducted her to be his wife. The earth split open, and Hades took Persephone down to the underworld against
her will. Demeter, the grieving mother, was devastated by the disappearance of her daughter. In her grief, she
neglected her duties as the goddess of agriculture, causing crops to wither and die. Famine spread across the
land, and the world turned barren.
Zeus, concerned about the suffering on Earth, intervened. He sent Hermes, the messenger of the gods,
to the underworld to negotiate with Hades. After some negotiations, it was agreed that Persephone could return
to the world above but with a condition: if she had consumed any food in the underworld, she must return for a
portion of each year.
During her time in the underworld, Persephone had eaten a few pomegranate seeds. As a result, she
was bound to spend a portion of each year in the underworld with Hades. This period corresponds to the winter
months when Demeter mourns the absence of her daughter, and vegetation goes dormant. When Persephone
returns to the world above, spring and summer flourish.
The myth of Persephone is often seen as a metaphor for the changing seasons, the cycle of life, death,
and rebirth. It is also a powerful narrative about the love between a mother and daughter, the consequences of
abduction, and the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Myths as Allegories

Pygmalion and Galatea

The myth of Pygmalion and Galatea is a narrative from Greek mythology, and it is most notably retold
by the Roman poet Ovid in his work "Metamorphoses."
Pygmalion was a talented sculptor and a king of Cyprus. He was a skilled artist but was disenchanted
with the flaws he saw in real women. Instead, he dedicated himself to his art and created a beautiful ivory statue
that he named Galatea. The statue was so lifelike and exquisite that Pygmalion fell deeply in love with it.
During the festival of Venus (Aphrodite), Pygmalion made offerings and prayed fervently to the goddess
of love. He asked Venus to give him a wife as beautiful as his ivory creation. In response to his prayers, Venus
was moved and decided to grant his wish. When Pygmalion returned home, he kissed the ivory statue, and to
his amazement, he felt it warm and soft. The statue came to life, and Galatea, now a living woman, stood before
him.
Pygmalion and Galatea were overjoyed by their union and celebrated their love. The story emphasizes
the transformative power of love and the fulfillment of Pygmalion's desire for an ideal companion. The myth has
inspired various works of art and literature, and the theme of a sculptor falling in love with his creation has been
revisited in different cultural contexts over the centuries.

Adonis and Aphrodite

The myth of Adonis and Aphrodite is a tale from Greek mythology that revolves around the themes of
love, beauty, and tragedy. The story has several variations, but one of the most well-known versions is found in
Ovid's "Metamorphoses."
Adonis was a strikingly handsome youth, born of the incestuous union between King Cinyras of Cyprus
and his daughter Myrrha. Myrrha's story is tragic in its own right, involving her transformation into a myrrh tree
after she is turned away by the gods in shame.
After the transformation of Myrrha, Adonis emerged from the tree. Aphrodite, the goddess of love and
beauty, was captivated by his extraordinary beauty. In some versions of the myth, both Aphrodite and
Persephone, the queen of the underworld, fell in love with Adonis. To resolve their dispute, Zeus decreed that
Adonis would spend one-third of the year with Aphrodite, one-third with Persephone, and the remaining third
wherever he chose. Adonis chose to spend two-thirds of the year with Aphrodite, which angered Persephone.
In retaliation, Persephone plotted against Adonis when he was with Aphrodite. According to Ovid, she sent a
fierce boar to attack him during a hunting expedition. The boar gored Adonis, causing a fatal wound.
Aphrodite rushed to Adonis's side, but it was too late to save him. As he lay dying, the blood of Adonis
transformed into the anemone flower. In some versions of the myth, Aphrodite mourns his death, and in others,
she requests that Adonis be allowed to spend part of the year in the underworld and part on Earth, symbolizing
the changing seasons. The myth of Adonis and Aphrodite explores themes of love, desire, and the transience
of beauty. It has been a popular subject in art and literature throughout history, symbolizing the cycle of life,
death, and rebirth.

Cupid and Psyche

The tale of Cupid and Psyche is a well-known story from ancient Roman mythology, and it is often
recounted in Apuleius' "Metamorphoses," also known as "The Golden Ass."
Psyche was a mortal princess renowned for her extraordinary beauty, so much so that people began to
worship her instead of Venus (Aphrodite), the goddess of love and beauty. Enraged by the humans' neglect of
her worship, Venus instructed her son Cupid (Eros) to make Psyche fall in love with a hideous creature. However,
Cupid accidentally pricked himself with his own arrow and fell deeply in love with Psyche.
As Psyche struggled to find a suitable husband, her parents consulted an oracle, which declared that
she was destined to marry a monster. Psyche was then left alone on a mountain, where Zephyr, the west wind,
carried her to a magnificent palace. This palace was the home of Cupid, who visited Psyche under the cover of
darkness to conceal his true identity.
Although Psyche was content in the palace and received divine treatment, she was never allowed to see
her mysterious husband. Eventually, persuaded by her jealous sisters who suggested that her husband might
be a monster, Psyche tried to uncover Cupid's true identity by using a lamp to see him while he slept. In doing
so, she accidentally woke Cupid, and he fled. Psyche, determined to reunite with Cupid, embarked on a series
of challenging tasks given to her by Venus. With the help of various supernatural beings, she successfully
completed these tasks, demonstrating her strength, resilience, and devotion to Cupid.
Impressed by Psyche's efforts, Jupiter (Zeus) intervened and allowed Psyche and Cupid to be reunited.
Psyche was granted immortality, and she and Cupid were married in the presence of the gods. The story of
Cupid and Psyche is often interpreted as an allegory of the soul's journey toward love and self-discovery. It
explores themes of trust, perseverance, and the transformative power of love. The tale has inspired numerous
works of art and literature throughout the centuries.

Perseus and Medusa

The myth of Perseus and Medusa is a well-known story from Greek mythology, and it is often recounted
in various ancient texts, including Ovid's "Metamorphoses." The myth of Perseus and Medusa is a classic hero's
journey, showcasing courage, divine assistance, and the triumph over monstrous adversaries. It has been a
popular subject in art and literature throughout history.
Perseus was the son of Danae, a mortal princess, and Zeus, the king of the gods. A prophecy foretold
that Danae's son would one day kill her father, Acrisius, so Acrisius imprisoned Danae and her son in a chest
and cast them into the sea. The chest eventually washed ashore on the island of Seriphos, where Perseus grew
up. The story of Perseus and Medusa is intertwined with a series of heroic deeds.
King Polydectes, the ruler of Seriphos, became infatuated with Danae, and Perseus, eager to protect his
mother, agreed to fulfill a seemingly impossible request. Polydectes asked for the head of the Gorgon Medusa,
one of three monstrous sisters with snakes for hair, whose gaze turned people to stone.
Perseus received aid from the gods to undertake this perilous quest. Hermes gave him winged sandals,
Athena provided a reflective shield, and Hades (or sometimes Hermes and Athena) gave him a helm of darkness
that made him invisible.
Before facing Medusa, Perseus encountered the Graeae, three old women who shared a single eye and
tooth. He stole their eye and tooth, using them as bargaining tools to learn the location of the nymphs who
possessed valuable information about the Gorgons.
Armed with divine gifts, Perseus located the Gorgon sisters and, using the reflective shield to avoid direct
eye contact, beheaded Medusa while she slept. The winged horse Pegasus and the warrior Chrysaor emerged
from her blood.
On his way back home, Perseus came across the princess Andromeda, who was chained to a rock as a
sacrifice to a sea monster. Perseus rescued her by using Medusa's head to turn the monster to stone. Perseus
returned to Seriphos and used Medusa's head to turn Polydectes and his court to stone, fulfilling the prophecy.
Later, he visited his grandfather Acrisius, and during a sports competition, accidentally fulfilled the prophecy by
throwing a discus that struck and killed Acrisius.
Meleager and Atalanta

The story of Meleager and Atalanta is a tragic tale from Greek mythology, and it is primarily recounted in
Ovid's "Metamorphoses" and other ancient sources. Meleager was a hero and a prince of Calydon, and Atalanta
was a skilled huntress and a virgin princess. The tale revolves around the Calydonian Boar Hunt, a great hunt
organized to rid the land of a monstrous boar sent by the goddess Artemis in response to a slight against her
worship.
Atalanta was the first to wound the boar, and Meleager, impressed by her bravery and beauty, fell deeply
in love with her. Meleager managed to land the final blow that killed the boar, but he decided to give the boar's
hide to Atalanta as a token of his affection.
This gesture of generosity did not sit well with Meleager's uncles, who believed that the hide rightfully
belonged to them. A quarrel ensued, and Meleager killed his uncles in defense of Atalanta. This act angered
Meleager's mother, Althaea, who had cursed her son at birth. She retrieved the magical log on which Meleager's
life depended and threw it into the fire.
As the log burned, Meleager, unaware of his mother's actions, succumbed to mortal wounds inflicted by
the Fates when he killed his uncles. When Althaea realized what she had done, she too was overcome with grief
and took her own life.
Atalanta, who had unintentionally become the catalyst for these tragic events, mourned Meleager deeply.
The myth underscores themes of love, tragedy, and the consequences of family conflict. It also serves as a
cautionary tale about the delicate balance between love and familial loyalty in Greek mythology.

Hercules, Hebe, and Ganymede

1. Hercules is one of the most famous and celebrated heroes in Greek mythology. He was the son of Zeus
and Alcmena, a mortal woman. Hercules is best known for his incredible strength and his Twelve Labors,
a series of tasks imposed on him as punishment for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness induced
by Hera, the wife of Zeus. The Twelve Labors include tasks like slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the
Golden Hind, and cleaning the Augean stables. Hercules is often depicted as a symbol of strength,
courage, and perseverance.
2. Hebe was the goddess of youth and the cupbearer of the gods. She was the daughter of Zeus and Hera.
Hebe served nectar and ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods, at the banquets of the gods on Mount
Olympus. In some accounts, Hebe was married to Heracles after his apotheosis, and together they had
children.
3. Ganymede was a beautiful Trojan youth who caught the eye of Zeus. Zeus, enchanted by Ganymede's
beauty, transformed into an eagle and abducted him to serve as the cupbearer of the gods. Ganymede
thus became immortal and lived among the gods on Mount Olympus, serving them ambrosia and nectar.
Ganymede's story is often associated with the theme of divine beauty and the relationships between
gods and mortals.
Hercules, Hebe, and Ganymede are characters in Greek mythology, each with their own distinct stories.
While Hercules is a hero known for his strength and courage, Hebe and Ganymede are associated with the
divine realm, serving the gods in different capacities. Each character contributes to the rich tapestry of Greek
mythology, exploring various aspects of heroism, beauty, and the relationships between gods and mortals.

Arachne and Athena

Arachne and Athena are characters from Greek mythology, and their story is associated with the origins
of the skill of weaving and the consequences of challenging the gods. Arachne was a mortal woman, and she
was renowned for her incredible skill in weaving. She was so talented that she claimed to be superior even to
the goddess Athena, who was the patroness of crafts, particularly weaving. Arachne's confidence turned into
hubris, and she challenged Athena to a weaving contest to prove her superiority. Athena, the goddess of wisdom,
crafts, and war, accepted Arachne's challenge. In some versions of the myth, Athena took on the guise of an old
woman to test Arachne's character. The contest took place, and both Arachne and Athena wove stunning
tapestries. However, Arachne's tapestry depicted the failings and transgressions of the gods in a mocking
manner.
The outcome of the contest varies in different versions of the myth, but in most, Athena, angered by
Arachne's audacity and the content of her tapestry, transformed Arachne into a spider as a punishment. This
transformation reflected Athena's sense of justice but also served as a warning about the consequences of
challenging the gods.
The myth of Arachne and Athena explores themes of hubris, the consequences of challenging divine
authority, and the importance of humility in the face of extraordinary talent. It also offers an explanation for the
origin of spiders, as Arachne was transformed into a spider and continued her weaving in the form of a web.

Bacchus and Ariadne

Bacchus and Ariadne are figures from Greek and Roman mythology, and their stories are often
associated with love, transformation, and divine intervention. Bacchus (Dionysus in Greek mythology) - Bacchus
is the Roman name for Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and revelry in Greek mythology. He is often depicted
as a joyful and carefree deity, associated with the celebration of life, theater, and the grape harvest. Bacchus is
known for his followers, the Maenads, and his ability to inspire madness and ecstasy. Ariadne was a princess
in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos of Crete. She is best known for her involvement with the hero
Theseus and the Minotaur. Ariadne helped Theseus navigate the Labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur by providing
him with a ball of thread (Ariadne's thread) to find his way back. After Theseus abandoned her on the island of
Naxos, she encountered and later married Dionysus.
The most famous episode involving Bacchus and Ariadne occurs after Theseus abandons Ariadne on
the island of Naxos. Dionysus, who happened to be passing by, saw Ariadne, fell in love with her, and married
her. In some versions of the myth, Dionysus presented Ariadne with a crown of stars, which later became the
constellation Corona Borealis.
The union of Bacchus and Ariadne is often portrayed as a symbol of the transformative power of love
and the divine intervention in mortal affairs. The story emphasizes the themes of abandonment, redemption, and
the elevation of a mortal to divine status through marriage to a god. The myth of Bacchus and Ariadne has been
a popular subject in art and literature, with various interpretations and adaptations across different cultures and
time periods.

Orpheus and Eurydice

The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the most famous and tragic tales in Greek mythology, known
for its themes of love, loss, and the consequences of human weakness. Orpheus was a legendary musician,
poet, and prophet in Greek mythology. He was the son of Muse Calliope and either the god Apollo or the
Thracian king Oeagrus. Orpheus was gifted with a lyre and possessed unparalleled musical talent. His music
was so enchanting that it could charm even inanimate objects and wild beasts. Eurydice was a nymph and the
wife of Orpheus. In different versions of the myth, she met a tragic end, often due to a snake bite on their wedding
day.
The most well-known version of the myth tells of Orpheus and Eurydice's deep love for each other. After
Eurydice dies, Orpheus, grief-stricken, decides to descend into the Underworld to plead with Hades, the god of
the dead, to allow Eurydice to return to the land of the living.
Orpheus's music is so moving that it persuades Hades and Persephone to grant him a chance. They
agree to let Eurydice leave the Underworld with him, but with one condition: Orpheus must walk in front, and
Eurydice must follow, and he must not look back until they both have reached the upper world. Tragically, just
as Orpheus and Eurydice are about to reach the surface, Orpheus, unable to resist the urge to ensure Eurydice
is behind him, looks back. At that moment, Eurydice is pulled back into the Underworld, and Orpheus loses her
forever.
The myth explores themes of love, trust, and the fragility of human resolve. Orpheus's journey becomes
a cautionary tale about the consequences of doubt and the importance of faith. The story has inspired numerous
works of art, literature, and music throughout history.

Assessment: Objective Test and Subjective Test