Greek Mythology Research Paper

Words: 1250
Pages: 5

From creation to the apocalypse, gods to deities, and heroes to epic battles, myths have transcended throughout all of time, religion and culture. This begs the question, what purpose do these myths serve society? Furthermore, what significance do these myths hold that they are still being passed down from generation to generation? As defined by Joseph Campbell, the four basic functions of myth are mystical, cosmological, sociological, and pedagogical.
The mystical function of myth explores stories that go beyond the realm of what would be considered normal or ordinary. These include tales of the supernatural, as well as urban legends. The importance in the mystical function of myth comes from the reality that the universe is complex, awe-inspiring,
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Before scientific and religious beliefs were adopted, myths provided an explanation to everything from physical properties or characteristics to the different languages spoken around the globe. Perhaps the central theme that fulfills the cosmological function in almost all sectors of mythology is creation. Creation is the driving force, the heart, of all cultures and is exemplified by each one possessing its own tale of creation within their mythology. For example, in Norse mythology, the first human beings, Embla and Ask, were created by Odin, Vili, and Ve from an alder and ash tree. Nevertheless, in Greek mythology, Prometheus is attributed with creating man out of clay. Because there are still so many questions left unanswered on the broad subject of creation and existence, this cosmological function still holds some significance in the modern world. Even the Big Bang Theory, although scientifically substantiated, can be considered a “myth” that fulfills an explanation to the natural …show more content…
Although Ingres considered himself to be a Neoclassical painter, in line with his mentor David, Ingres’ later works of art depict a style that teeters the line between Neoclassicism and Romanticism. A recurrent aspect of Ingres’ paintings is the female nude. His artistic choice of an elongated, voluptuous, and almost sinuous female form garnered disapproval from the Neoclassicism community and Ingres’ popularity saw a decline until the rise of Romanticism. In reference to La Grande Odalisque, Lisa Kent states the notable anatomical flaws, yet provides an analysis and reasoning to his