The Gods Controlled What?
While most of our modern discoveries are all based in science and fact, back in the day, ancient Greeks relied on religion to explain confusing events or anomalies. From your own health to good luck and fortune, these were all believed to be controlled by the gods. If you prayed to them, they would reward you, but if you dishonored them, you would be punished. Here are 20 strange things the Greeks thought were the work of the gods.
Marian Florinel Condruz on Pexels
1. Thunder & Lightning
In Ancient Greece, if you heard thunder rumbling or saw lightning in the sky, you better quickly reflect upon your actions. Did you do something to upset the King of the Gods, Zeus? The Greeks believed this natural phenomenon was the result of angering this highly respected being - and it seems like he wasn't afraid to let everyone know.
2. Poor Crops
While we know poor crops are the result of miscare or bad weather, the ancient Greeks believed in something different. As the goddess of agriculture, Demeter was held responsible if you had any failed harvests. Whether you did something unfaithful or disrespected her, she wasn't scared of taking it out on your farm.
3. The Sunrise & Sunset
To the Greeks, Helios was more than just a god. He was basically seen as the living form of the sun in all of its glory. It was thought that he controlled when the sun would rise and set by riding his chariot from the far east all the way to the west. As the man responsible for bringing warmth and light to each new day, he was especially worshipped.
4. Earthquakes
Known for being one of the big three Greek gods, Poseidon was certainly revered and respected. And because he was believed to be responsible for causing earthquakes, even more care was put in to not anger him. It's such a devastating natural disaster, the Greeks did everything they could to prevent it.
5. Falling In Love
If you happened to fall in love, people believed it was the work of Aphrodite. After all, she is the goddess of beauty, love, and attraction. Just be careful you never say someone is more beautiful than her. She was known for cursing those who didn't bow down to her beauty.
6. Fertility Issues
Whether you were struggling to have a child or just praying for good luck, many turned to Hera for her blessing. Although many gods were associated with fertility like Dionysus and Aphrodite, as the Queen Mother of the Gods, she was a trusty source to turn to in times of desperation.
7. Winter
If you're familiar with the story of Persephone, you'll know that she returns to the Underworld every year as consequence for eating a forbidden fruit. During this time, her mother Demeter would weep and grieve over this loss, causing the seasons to harden and change to winter.
8. Nightmares & Dreams
Have you ever been plagued by nightmares? Back in the day, those individuals believed they were cursed by Epiales, who was the god of nightmares. On the other hand, if you were blessed with sweet dreams every night that lulled you to sleep, the Greeks believed it was the work of Morpheus. It seems like even your unconscious moments weren't safe from the gods!
9. The Afterlife
Doomed to an eternity of running the Underworld, Hades was one of the most feared gods. Although he wasn't bad or good per se, his association with the dead was enough to scare off the living. After all, he was responsible for the afterlife and how you would live out the rest of your days.
10. Good Luck
Yes, even something like luck was believed to be controlled by the gods, never as credit to yourself. In their eyes, good luck and fortune was all thanks to the goddess Tyche who everyone prayed to in hopes of favorable situations.
11. Justice
As the symbol of justice and order, many saw Themis as being one of the most influential and powerful gods for humans. After all, what she stands for are all important for running a functional society. That's why many ancient Greeks would pray and send her offerings, all so she would continue looking out for the people.
Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
12. Good Health
If you were an ancient Greek suffering from disease or sickness, the first person you would turn to wouldn't be a "doctor," it'd be a god. While Apollo was also prayed to, most turned to Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, for help. And if you managed to get better, it was all because of him not you or any medicine.
13. Winning or Losing Wars
As the god of war, Greek citizens were absolutely terrified of Ares. While they did worship and pray to him, it wasn't because they honored and respected him. It was done to keep him happy, worried that if he was angered, he would send brutal wars and battles to Greece.
Wikipedia Commons on Wikimedia
14. Athleticism
For all the ancient Greeks who participated in sporting events, there was one god in particular they paid extra attention to. Nike, the goddess of victory, was deeply worshipped by athletes. It was believed that she was responsible for their success in tournaments.
15. Safe Travels
Viewed as the god of trade and travel, Hermes was seen as the protector of travelers. Those venturing away from town would pray to him in hopes he would keep them safe. If misfortune came your way during your trip, it was perhaps seen that you upsetted him in the past.
16. Wealth
Got money on your mind? If you were hoping to be prosperous in life, praying to Plutus was a good place to start. Many Greeks saw him as the bringer of fortune. They would worship the god of wealth at his temple for a chance to be sent riches.
17. Successful Childbirth
Seen as the protector of women, Hera was respected for being responsible for successful childbirths. For expecting parents, many would give offerings to her in exchange for protection and good health during this time.
18. Rain
With the entire sky as his domain, Zeus wasn't just in control of random occurrences. Also responsible for common weather patterns like rain, everyone in Greece bowed down to his power. This includes being able to control clouds too!
19. Protection of Athens
Considered the protector and patron of one of Ancient Greece's greatest cities, Athens, Athena was responsible for the wellbeing of all of its citizens. That's why she had so many temples and festivals held in her honor - it was done to please her and keep everyone protected.
20. A Happy Home
Hestia, the goddess of the hearth and home, was highly beloved among ancient Greeks. Being responsible for every happy home, experiencing warmth and comfort was seen as her blessing.
KEEP ON READING
