The Ideal
Because myths are created collectively, as they are told and retold by countless people, they evolve and change, depending on who's telling the tale and who's listening to it. Therefore, a myth reflects not only the views and ideas of a culture, but also of individuals.
Myths paint a portrait of ideal human behavior, illustrating what the people of a particular culture valued in action, thought, and deed. Myths may also explain social hierarchy, why some people have higher status than others.
Man's Shining Moment
In myths, ideal human attributes shine most brightly through the character of a hero. The hero plays an important role in classical mythology. Among all the grandiose stories of gods, goddesses, and other deities, a few humans earn praise and admiration for their feats. These human heroes became models for good and admirable behavior. (Chapter 19 presents some of the heroes of classical mythology.)
How did these men emerge from the shadows of the gods to become heroes? Why were they singled out as exemplary? What actions did their peers admire?
Good Behavior Rewarded
The ancients admired many characteristics that people today also find admirable. For example, when you think of a hero, you probably imagine adventure. In ancient times, adventure stories were highly popular. A classical hero, however, had to display certain traits to be considered heroic. A hero had to be not just brave but fearless. A hero had to be supremely confident and full of ambition that drove him to meet all challenges. Classical heroes were so confident that they might seem like egomaniacs to modern readers.
Modern readers enjoy rags-to-riches stories, in which a character triumphs over class-related or economic adversity. Classical heroes, however, were usually of high birth. They had royal or even divine blood.
Beyond confidence, the hero must show loyalty to something that keeps him grounded, such as a deity or a friend. Even when faced with the most tempting of treacheries, the hero must remain loyal to his allies or his creed. This loyalty might be to the hero's family. Classical mythology is full of adultery, and cheating on one's spouse was often seen as something beyond the hero's control. However, those few heroes who remained faithful were greatly admired.
Heroes also show mastery of a particular skill, sometimes several. It doesn't matter whether that skill was in archery, war strategy, or the art of seduction. What's important is that the hero exhibits unusual skill in some endeavor.
Classical myths also highlighted admirable qualities in women; however, women were less celebrated than their male counterparts. The most important virtue for a woman was loyalty to her family. For example, Penelope remained faithful to her husband, Odysseus, throughout his long absence, tricking the suitors who tried to convince her he was dead. Other common characteristics of a good woman were cleverness, wisdom, and hospitality.
For men and women both, these traits were held in the highest esteem. Understanding what's heroic about a hero's behavior offers insight into the cultural and social values of ancient times.
The Right to Rule
Because heroes were of royal or divine blood, myths also justified rulers' claims to power. Roman mythology, in particular, traces the succession of several kings and emperors back to the gods. This divine lineage validated the rulers' claims to power. What people wouldn't want a ruler with divine blood running through his veins? And who would dare to challenge a ruler who had family ties to a deity?
