myth we now call something fantastic, fictional, so that was not in the actual historical reality.Our word "myth" comes from the Greek word "myuthos."The ancient Greeks, and the Greeks as they called themselves, it means "word, speech or conversation, intent, proverbs, hearing, statement, story, translation, the bike, the content of the story."Therefore, the word was of greater importance than modern "myth."When we want to say that in fact confirmed by documents in the history of something was not, then we use the adjective "mythical."For example, the famous Heracles (or Hercules, as the Romans called it) - a mythical person, the hero of many ancient myths.There is the word "mythology" (also of Greek origin).We call them as a collection of myths of a people, and field of knowledge, the science that studies the myths.
relationship with the myths of Ancient Greece
Almost all people with the traditions of ancient times are stored, which is intertwined with historical fictional reality with fantasy.These stories are not only among the people but also amazing creatures - the fruits of creativity.It is the immortal gods and demigods, unseen creatures.Amazing miracles happen.In ancient times, people perceived myths as authentic stories about what it was before.But were a century and they are gradually transformed into common old wives' tale.Even a small children believe in their reality.Legends started interpreted not in the literal and figurative sense.Myths were incarnations of human dreams.For example, in the work of "Daedalus and Icarus" clearly it reflects the desire to fly.However, there is, and its morality.Myth "Daedalus and Icarus" teaches that even unattainable heights can be subvert down.
myths as the basis of ancient Greek culture
In ancient Greece (or Hellas) myths have been the basis of sculpture, literature, painting, theater.They evolved long before it spread to the letter - the Greek alphabet.The same tale about a hero or god could exist in different versions and interpretations: local time (occurred at different times) and copyright (all depended on who invented or told).No exception, and the product of "Daedalus and Icarus".Similar myths were from different tribes and peoples.It is not only that one tribe could borrow another one or another legend.This usually occurs when different people were at a similar stage of development, living in similar conditions.Sometimes the similarity of myths is explained by the different tribes original kinship, common origin of these communities, such as the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Germans, Slavs, Iranians, Indians.Very interesting is the ancient Greek legend of "Daedalus and Icarus".Pictures and sculptures dedicated to him, as well as a summary of it can be found in this article.
Greek Pantheon
between younger gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hero, Hestia, Demeter, and others) and senior - Titans - there was a terrible decade of war.Finally, with the help of the first released from the underworld and storukih Cyclops won the last and settled on Mount Olympus.There were many myths about the exploits of the gods - useful and sometimes harmful to mortal men.They are like people with their strengths and weaknesses.
Mythical Creatures
Most myths are fantastic creatures - monsters.For example, the ancient Greek myth of "Daedalus and Icarus" says along with the storyline, and the terrible Minotaur - beast of King Minos.Fantasy ancient Greeks created a centaur - demi-half horses, terrible Gorgon with snakes instead of hair, seven-headed hydra (the myth of Hercules), the three-headed dog Cerberus guarded the underworld Hades, and so on. D.
Myths and astronomy
names of almost all the constellationsone way or another connected with the Greek myths.Constellation Andromeda brings to our memory the legend of Perseus, and he also gave the name of the star clusters, as well as the parents of Andromeda - Cepheus and Cassiopeia.Pegasus - a winged horse that, where the hero Bellerophon opposed chimeras.Big Dipper - the nymph Callisto (Arcade mother, the founder of the Arcadians), Ursa Minor - nymph cynosura.Aries - a ram on which Phrixus and Helle flew to Colchis.Hercules also turned into a constellation (Hercules), Orion - hunter, who was a companion of Artemis.Lira - a cittern Orpheus t. N. Even the planets of the solar system their names are required to myths.Next will be told the legend of Daedalus and Icarus.It is a cautionary tale.
"Daedalus and Icarus": summary.The plot events
Once, in ancient times, lived in Athens, a talented artist, carver and builder Daedalus - the son of the royal family.It was believed that Athena herself had taught him various crafts.Daedalus built the great palaces and temples that hit all its harmony.For them, he carved a wooden figure of the immortal gods, so beautiful that people then they carefully preserved over the centuries.
pupil of Daedalus was his nephew Tal, still a teenager.One man looked at the fish bone, carefully looked closer to her and soon fashioned a saw - a new thing for people.He also invented the potter's wheel to make it easier to mold the dishes.Tal also invented the compass.
death of Tala and expulsion
Athenians learned about the extraordinary ability Dedalova student and rightly believed that it will soon surpass the last of his teacher.And how terrible news struck Athens that Tal, walking with Daedalus on the Acropolis, tripped and fell from a height.In his death, the Athenians accused teacher and artist was sentenced to exile.Daedalus sailed to Crete, where Minos reigned.There he married.He has a son, Icarus.However, Daedalus much yearned for native land.Then the king was a trouble.His wife bore him a son a monster - the Minotaur.Master also built a maze for the monster to hide it from the eyes of the people.
Daedalus and Icarus (summary): The road home
Years passed.Daedalus and Icarus zasobiralis Athens.But Minos did not let the master.Daedalus came out of this situation and made himself and his son wings like a bird to fly in the sky, if we are closed to the sea.Master taught his son not to fly and punishing climb too high, otherwise the sun will melt the wax (component design of the wings).Low also soar over the sea was not told that the water is not wet flying contraptions.Master taught his son to stick to the golden mean.However, have not found a common language Daedalus and Icarus (pictures with wings can be seen in this article).
death of Icarus
The next day they took off in the cloudless blue.No one in the palace of the ruler did not see it.Pahari was observed flying only in the field, the shepherd, who was driving a herd saw a fisherman.All of them thought it soar the immortal gods.At first Icarus obediently followed his father.However, the feeling of flying, unknown and surprising, filled him with inexpressible joy.After all, a great happiness - to swing, like a huge bird, big wings and feel that they take you even higher.
overjoyed Icarus forgot warning parents and climbed very high - up to a golden sun.Suddenly he began to feel great terror that the wings are not so firmly hold it, as before.The hot rays of the sun melted them wax and feathers crumble down.Now the young man tried in vain to wave wingless hands.He enlisted the help of his father, but he heard his grandfather.Then for a long time and he desperately searched for his son.But found only the feathers on the waves.Realizing what happened, he is distraught.The body was buried Icarus Hercules, and the sea into which he fell, was called Icarian.
himself Daedalus was in Sicily for a long time, and then moved to Athens, where he became the founder of the artists Dedalidov.
