Power Structures in Greco-Roman Myth

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Nikhil Anjuri CAMS 045 PSU ID: 930117336 Power Structures in Greco-Roman Myth The Ancient mythologies have been well stocked in cultures, gods, human characters and traditions. There has been a common pattern in the way these gods, mortal humans associate themselves in a variety of events that demonstrates their behavioral and power relations in the Greek and Roman myths. Power, without any hesitation, can be termed as a driving force for humans as well as gods. Power as an expression of control over people, state, and finances have always been something of a center of aspirations but is however, usually abused. The most interesting part of these myths has been the dynamic relationship and power sharing. It would also be unbiased to say, that in Greco-Roman myths, mortal and immortal women symbolize female subordination and unassertiveness to male power, and female rage as a fight against the existing power and the social order in the society. Philosophers and scholars, who are invariably the authors, show the predominant power of gods over the mortals by using already widespread myths to create fear in the minds of the people. Greco-Roman literature often defines power structures. Be it between general Men and Women, Husband and Wife or Kings and Gods. Firstly, discussing the power structure between king and god, in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Tyrannus” the king Oedipus says, “I would be no true man if did not perform all that the god reveals.” But earlier, he also tells his citizens “Your pain comes on each of you for himself alone, and for no other, but my soul is in pain at once for the city, for myself, and for you.” Here, the author is trying to proclaim that Oedipus is an exceptional king by showing us the two qualities of a great ruler, which are, obeying gods and taking care of his citizens. Moreover, in Euripides’ Bacchae, a play that showcases God
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