Understanding The Importance

Our present is a direct result from our past, and our past is influenced by all the conditions that led to our existence. Therefore, myths make part of our past, and are even present in our current culture. We use them to describe conditions similar to those that happen on the myths, giving them Greek names to make connections. An example being the myth of Oedipus, who kills his own father, and marries the woman that gave him birth. Presently, the condition of having a romantic relationship or romantic feelings toward ones mother is called Oedipus complex. This term was directly derived from the Greek myth that describes a man in these conditions, even though he didn’t intend to be in that position. A movie titled “Edipo Alcalde” was filmed based on the ideas represented in the myth, considering different cultures and time periods. Another term used currently derived from ancient Greeks is the term “Bellerophontic letters”. “He brought letters from Prœtus, the son-in-law of Iobates, recommending Bellerophon in the warmest terms as an unconquerable hero, but added at the close a request to his father-in-law to put him to death.” This term is used to describe the case in which a person is the messenger of news that contains information prejudicial to him/her. The news Bellerophon carried was meant to be a death sentence, but the aid from the gods helped him overcome the sentence and become the successor of the throne, a merry life until he crossed the limit and confused the help of the gods with his own power. Our culture is a mixture of many ancient influences, which helps explain why we are able to identify ourselves with so many ancient cultures and civilizations. Knowledge is the greatest of human treasures. Knowledge must be kept safe and must be transmitted continually on from generation to generation to keep it alive. Myths are knowledge, and behind them we could even identify history, people, beliefs, and much more. Myths have been part of our lives since they were though and will continue to be remembered as long as we have a sense of preservation. This is why we should value our heritage, including myths and their messages.