As you know, Ancient Greece is considered the cradle of European culture. Indeed, the images of Greek mythology, symbols and attributes of the Olympic gods permeate the entire culture of mankind, reflected in art, science and literature.
The gods of ancient Greece were humanlike and, moreover, endowed with human passions and weaknesses. Each of the gods had their own attributes, making them easily recognizable. Subsequently, these attributes became symbols of many modern arts and sciences.
Symbols of the Olympic gods
The head of the Greek Pantheon was the formidable Zeus the Thunderer. Its symbols are an eagle, a scepter and sparkling arrows of lightning. The scepter and eagle to this day remain symbols of power. Zeus's brother Poseidon was the god of water, seas and oceans. Its symbols were a trident, a horse and a dolphin.
The jealous wife of Zeus Hera was considered the patroness of conjugal love and nursing mothers. Her favorite bird was a stork. Apparently, therefore, to this day it is believed that storks bring children.
The sacred bird of the goddess of wisdom of Athena was an owl, which now symbolizes wisdom. Mandatory attributes of the patron god of the arts of Apollo were the lyre and a laurel wreath. For many centuries, laurels crowned the winners of both military and peaceful, poetic battles. To this day, Lira symbolizes service to art, it can often be seen on the emblems of creative universities. And Apollo himself has long become a symbol of masculine beauty and stature.
Shield and sword were indispensable attributes of the formidable god of war Ares. Subsequently, the shield and sword became a symbol of courage and courage. Ares's beloved was the beautiful goddess of love Aphrodite. Her symbols - a rose and a dove - are still symbols of love. And Aphrodite herself is a symbol of female beauty. The bow and arrow were attributes of the son of Aphrodite - the mischievous god of love Erot. The heart pierced by the arrow is the emblem of love now. However, Eros himself, better known under the Roman name Cupid, also symbolizes love.
Ancient Greek symbolism in modern life
Many not so significant Greek gods left their symbols to humanity, the meaning of which does not decrease with centuries. For example, the sword and scales of the goddess of justice Themis became a symbol of judgment. The wheel of Fortune, the goddess of happiness and fortune, is still considered a symbol of the inconstancy of fate. The snake encircling the staff of the god of healing Asclepius migrated to the bowl, turning into an official symbol of medicine.
Another very significant symbol arose from the broken horns of the divine goat Amalfei, who nourished Zeus himself with her milk. Zeus made him a cornucopia, and to this day he is a symbol of prosperity.
Thus, Greek mythology is still present in modern culture, filling it with its own symbolism.
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