Edith Hamilton Greed

692 Words3 Pages
When one thinks about gods, they think about the abilities and powers that they were given. What most people do not realize is how having powers or being called a “god” does not mean you are invincible. Despite their vast differences, humans and gods do share many aspects between them. Mythology draws these differences and connections between humanity and godliness. In Edith Hamilton’s book “Mythology,” many people are faced with godlike abilities and human problems. Humanity can be a flaw or an attribute. Overall, humanity is a flaw if one were to compare it to godliness, for they still can bleed, feel, and fear, leading them to their doom. When one is considered a god, most people think that just because they have special powers or abilities means that they do not have any…show more content…
And with these aspects come consequences. The myth of King Midas gives a view on how greed can destroy and change who one used to be. King Midas was given one wish and “whatever wish he made would come true”(Hamilton 293). Because he wanted to be a very rich man, he had wished for everything that he touched, it would turn to gold. And with that wish changed King Midas, for he was once considered a “god” or “hero”. He had become a different man, very greedy and not himself. Greed took over his body and literally starved him. Humanity can take a god or hero and make them decide or make bad choices, therefore causing bad outcomes. King Midas, for example, “[Had his ears] changed [into] those of an ass…” and embarrassed himself in front of everyone. At very few moments does humanity become an attribute when it comes to comparing it with gods and goddesses, but even with those moments does it still end in a horrible
Show More
Related

  • The Role Of Violence In The Troy Tale

    585 Words  | 3 Pages

    When people think of war, they normally imagine horrors, such as someone getting blown to pieces. War is not always physical, despite what people may think. Edith Hamilton’s Mythology is the perfect example. Sure there is a lot of spear throwing, and sword fighting, but that is not all. Three types of violence in the Troy Tale are physical, theological, and mental/emotional. To begin, physical violence plays a gigantuan role in the Troy Tale. Like most major battles, this battle contains physical

    Read More

More about Edith Hamilton Greed

Open Document