Keep in Mind the Happenings of Temptation and Respect

Keep in Mind the Happenings of Temptation and Respect
For thousands of years myths are passed down orally, through generations of civilizations all around the globe. Every ancient civilization tries to understand their lives through these stories that deal with gods, legendary heroes, and tales of adventure. As the civilizations developed, the people would base their beliefs around their own cultural gods, worshipping and praising them. Some fear and some despise the gods while some fall in love with them. Nevertheless, myths continue to circulate, a sign to not forget the gods and to remember what things they can do with their deadly powers. When these myths are read, countless lessons are learned and applied into the journeys life brings during numerous encounters with obstacles, stimulating growth and maturity in ways of understanding and avoiding temptation, of learning respect and manners, and of keeping in mind the consequences that actions can bring.
Everyday, wishes are made by people to have what others have and forgets the fact that temptation can lead to disaster, as shown through the Greek myths. Temptation, similar to lusting and coveting, comes from the mind, when one thinks they do not have enough and wants more. There are temptations of power, wealth, invincibility and strength, all to gain status, popularity or praise from others. This is shown most easily with the story of King Midas who tempts for more gold, though he is already a rich ruler. Bacchus grants Midas his wish and warns him, “‘But in the future, I hope you pick your wishes more carefully.’” (93) Eventually, King Midas learns his mistake but soon enough, he is tempted by the music of Apollo and Pan, leading his rule to ruin when everyone finds Apollo has given him donkey ears. “Suddenly a few notes of music drifted to him.” (96) Through King Midas’ curiosity, he wants more and more and it soon backfires. Likewise, Cronus devours his children to protect himself and to keep his powers unbeatable to any. He defeats his father with no guilt and mercy. “‘Your time as ruler has ended, Father! … I now rule over all that exists! Challenge me if you dare, but you’ll see I’m far greater!’” (6) Cronus believes he could always keep his power and rule over everything but he is punished for what he did and thrown into Tartarus. In nowadays society, people are tempted to have more money, superficial items, status, and popularity. The beauty of life is not seen as having a simple, joyful and loving life but viewed by society as the more, the better. Temptation, shown everywhere, whether at home, school, in a community and in myths, will escape consciousness and needs to be suppressed and controlled else leading to damage.
Respect and manners are learned as one grows up, providing discipline and peace. Prometheus disobeys Zeus and is punished for it. “‘You went against my will Prometheus. You gave humans a secret of the gods! For that you will be bound to this rock forever.’” (23) The Titans were also punished for their wrongs and it is learned to not offend the gods. Though the gods are almighty and powerful, they dislike getting ignored and need constant praise and worship. It is also best to not lie and trick the gods, shown with the distribution of meat to Zeus from Prometheus and in the story of Heracles. “Artemis looked into Heracles’ heart and saw he was telling the truth.” (39) The ancient civilizations respected the gods by sacrificing and offering to gods, building temples and seeking advice through prayer. “The Sibyl sacrificed the four cows… This was to be the first gift to Proserpina, the goddess of the dead.” (77) In present society, respect needs to be shown to parents, elders and peers. Without the respect that is required, chaos will wreck and people will be punished for their lack of consideration.
People, however irrational they might be, still need to keep in mind the result of their actions and what it could cost them. The actions of the gods and mortals in the myths lead them to good and bad consequences as long as they choose wisely. In the story of Prometheus, he tells Hephaestus, “‘I foresaw my fate. I knew what the outcome was to be.’” (24) In order to aid his creation, the humans, he sacrifices his freedom to help them on earth. The Titans, on the other hand, abuses their power, especially Cronus. “The Hundred-handed ones hurled Cronus and most of his fellow Titans into the pit of Tartarus. There they were chained.” (11) And there were mortals, like King Midas who did not expect things to turn out like it had. It is best to think what needs to be done first before doing it, the same goes with considering what to say before blurting it out. From the punishments gods and mortals receive in the stories, it is learned to best think before making choices.
Myths that are read and studied are able to teach many lessons that can be used during the many problems in life, teaching to avoid temptation, to be respectful and mannerly and to remember the results of actions. Temptation and greed can bring out feuds and arguments between people while respect and manners help to balance out peace in the world and rights for people. When reflections are made on what should be done, a stop to the risk of starting misinterpretations is made and can save one from bad outcomes. The twelve gods of Olympus, the Titans, monsters, mortals and their tales of venture all can show what it takes to have a better life.
Works Cited
Price, Michele and Coleman Jr., William S.E. “Retold Classic Myths.” United States of America: Perfection Learning® Corporation, 1990 Creation of the Titans. 6 and 11. Prometheus. 23 and 24. The Twelve Labors of Heracles. 39. Aeneas’ Trip to the Underworld. 77. The Follies of Midas. 93 and 96.

Cited: Price, Michele and Coleman Jr., William S.E. “Retold Classic Myths.” United States of America: Perfection Learning® Corporation, 1990 Creation of the Titans. 6 and 11. Prometheus. 23 and 24. The Twelve Labors of Heracles. 39. Aeneas’ Trip to the Underworld. 77. The Follies of Midas. 93 and 96.