The Divine Birth scene proclaimed Hatshepsut’s relationship with the god-Amun as daughter and father. On the relief, the god Amun took form of Thutmose II. As a pharaoh, he was wearing royal regalia- the crown and false beard. Amun held an ankh- symbol of eternal life to queen Ahmose’s nose so she could breathe in and conceive Hatshepsut, and below them are the gods who supported the pregnancy. This is an example of religious propaganda and helped to legitimise Hatshepsut's claim to the throne as it showed that she was the divine conception of Amun, who was the highest god. The Divine Birth story would influence the people of Egypt into supporting Hatshepsut because of her proven divine birth.…
In the ruling classes of Mesopotamia, female members held high positions as priestesses, queen consorts, and in some cases even queens. This urban development can be based on the myth of “The Descent of Ishtar,” where Ishtar, the goddess of sex, fertility, and war, must go to the underworld to rescue her lover Dumuzi. When she is in the underworld, all sexual…
Thousands of years ago, the Goddess was viewed as an autonomous entity worthy of respect from men and women alike. Because of societal changes caused by Eastern influence, a patriarchical system conquered all aspects of life including religion. Today, the loss of a strong female presence in Judeo-Christian beliefs has prompted believers to look to other sources that celebrate the role of women. Goddess religion and feminist spirituality have increasingly been embraced by men and women as an alternative to the patriarchy found in traditional biblical religion.…
While some goddesses are credited for having strength, both mental and physical, and having strong manipulative powers over men, many more are held as mere vessels for carrying the kin of the gods. While Hesiod is describing Zeus’ wives, mistresses and children, it seems that he continues to impregnate numerous goddesses as though he is searching for the perfect genes to make the perfect child, or merely to populate the heavens with his children, all of whom have a different purpose or power. The majority of the text relays the feeling of women being inferior to men; however, their power is still recognized and almost feared.…
- Explain why it is important to observe an individuals reactions when communicating with them.…
Artemis, the ancient Greek goddess of the moon, childbirth, and, most importantly, the hunt, was one of the first heroines in western mythology. She fits well into the mold for archetypal female characters. To start, her origin story is a strange one by modern standards but is relatively normal as far as the Greeks go. Her mother, Leto, had had an affair with Zeus and been impregnated with the twins, Artemis and Apollo. Leto was constantly on the run from Hera, Zeus’ wife, for obvious reasons, and no city would grant her asylum in fear of Hera’s deadly retribution. After finding a small island, Leto birthed Artemis who then proceeded to act as midwife for the birth of her twin, Apollo. Zeus then granted Artemis’ wishes which were as follows:…
1. Considering the historical record (events/periods), demonstrate how periods of gain for women have been offset by losses using two or more examples from the text.…
Sacred and Profane Love (also known as Venus and The Bride) is a famous painting done by an idolized artist during the 1500s named, Titian. When taking a quick glance at this masterpiece, it’s simply two women sitting on a rock with a baby in-between. After looking deeper into the painting and its meanings, it is clear that there are various iconographical pieces and stories in the painting. This exquisite work of art is a prime example of high renaissance. Although there are many stories and symbolism behind the different aspects of this painting, the real meaning will forever be unknown.…
The ancient Egyptian engaged in beastility often, even though it was highly illegal and punishable. Some animals they would have sex with included cows, dogs, and even crocodiles. On the other end of the spectrum, they also performed acts of necrophilia. The idea of necrophilia is connect to the gods through the story of Seth and Osiris. Seth murdered Osiris and proceed to dismember him. Isis and Nephthys picked up the dismember parts, put Osiris back together, but the only part they could not find was his penis. Isis made him a new penis, then she had sex with Osiris resulting in Horus being conceived (2014). This myth resulted in the Egyptian people believing that they have sexual power even after death. If the deceased did not have sex soon…
Agathon is the host of the party of which the entirety of the setting of the Symposium takes place. The party is being held to honor his victory in the drama competition that occurred the day prior. When it is Agathon’s turn to speak, he starts his speech by pointing out: “All the previous speakers seem to me have dwelt upon the happiness of humanity in being endowed by the god himself; no one has said what sort of being he is who has conferred these gifts.” (Symposium, lines 194e). Here Agathon is referring to the facts that the previous discussed the benefits humanity has gained from Love, but none of them have discussed what the god of Love is like himself. Agathon goes on the discuss the very nature and virtues of god of Love. He starts…
In most mythological stories, the divine play a significant role in the events of the narrative. While the actions of the hero drive the story, the gods are a powerful force that effortlessly refines the narrative. The gods of mythology conclusively control the fate of all mortal characters within stories.They hold complete power over the health of characters, the setting and even the very lives of protagonists. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Oedipus The King both hold exemplary instances of this concept.…
“In myth, there were essentially two main courses of female existence: celibacy or involvement with males and (inevitably) childbearing.” For women who are mortal, the second kind was more frequently seen and probably provide a more promising alternative, because only to goddesses like Athena and Artemis, the world offered them, since they had the power to defend themselves and by definition they would not grow old as…
From as far as we can remember there have been myths about Gods and Goddesses that have been passed from generation to generation. These myths were derived within several different cultures and places yet many are very similar. Although there are some similarities in these myths there are also differences as well. Therefore a thorough discussion of both the similarities and differences of Gods and Goddesses myths will allow you to identify with the history surrounding them. Also knowing the elements and functions of these myths will give you a better understanding.…
Recently I read an excerpt from The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck called The Myth of Romantic Love. It was about the lies involving romantic love, that are passed through generations via stories and movies. The author of this article said"This illusion is fostered in our culture by the commonly held myth of romantic love,which has its origins in our favorite childhood fairy tales,wherein the prince and princess once united,live happily ever after". The author believes that these "lies" we have been told our entire childhood, are the cause of our misconception regarding romantic love. However,the author brings up another interesting point when he says "Perhaps it is a necessary lie in that it ensures the survival of the species by its…
Love is of great concern not only for the young but for all people. As Khalil Gibran said that “Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit”. Indeed, love appears everywhere and at any moment, it always exists in the depth of each person. “True love doesn't happen right away; it's an ever-growing process. It develops after you've gone through many ups and downs, when you've suffered together, cried together, laughed together” (Ricardo Montalban). As a typical example, love between Jim and Della in “The gift of the Magi” written by O. Henry is worth thinking about. It is love of deep understanding and great sacrifice for each other.…