There are many aspects that ancient Greek religion should be considered. Polytheism is one of the key features. Another feature is Mystery cults and the absence of a priestly classes. There are also many myths surrounding creation that can be difficult to decipher. This article will examine these aspects and explain their meaning.
Polytheism
The ancient Greek religion was characterized by beliefs, rituals, mythology, and cult practices. It was not a religious system as we know it today. It was more of a popular form of public religion. However, the concept of it has been criticized as anachronistic.
Ancient Greeks as well as Romans didn't worship just one god. They worshiped several. Some believed that the gods had different personalities and functions. Some believed the gods were directly connected to human life. Because of this, they were able to perform rituals and intervene in human affairs.
Mystery cults
Ancient Greek religion was characterized by mystery cults. These religious communities were secretive and more secretive than civil society and have been lost to history. Hollywood has helped us to imagine ancient cultures. However mystery cults were distinct from civic life.
Mystery cults were also common in the Mediterranean region. The myth of the Egyptian goddess Isis was popular throughout the Mediterranean, and it continued into the Roman period. A myth about Osiris' resurrection after his death by the god Seth was part of the cult. This myth allowed followers to gain powerful magic.
There is no priestly class
Not only were priests the leaders of the Greek religion system, but so was everyone else. Many roles were filled by women and men. Priests performed prayers and orchestrated religious ceremonies. They were also magistrates and judges in Greek cities. They decided on the punishments to be applied for violating religious rules. While priests are generally the same sex, others may be of the opposite. Priestesses could also be women, and are often older than their male counterparts.
Greek religion lacked religious orthodoxy. While Homer's epics served as the closest thing to an unifying sacred text, they were generally ill-received by many people as immoral. In Greek society, priestly class was not a common feature. Priests telling the masses what to think was almost unheard of. As a result, ancient atheists were faced with a difficult problem - how do you explain evil without being religious?
Creation myths
Greek mythology describes the origin of the world and the concept of creation. According to Greek mythology the universe was created in a void by Chaos, a god. He inhabited the void without order, and he created no solid land, no sun, no moon, no flowing rivers or fresh water, no mountains, and no pure air.
Greek mythology also includes creation myths that explain the creations of the gods and the world. Hesiod’s Theogony - one of the most recognizable creation myths - is the oldest Greek mythology story. It begins by a hymn to Muses. This describes the creations of God and the World. Theogony also includes myths about man's creation.
Suffering
The central theme of Greek mythology has been suffering. The Greek goddess Elpis was often associated with suffering. The goddess was associated to the plight humanity, appearing in the mythological Pandora. Historians have been divided on the nature and fate of her appearance. Some believe she was the embodiment of suffering. Elpis, as her most common form is, represents the suffering, dying, and sick.
Algea, a personified spirit from ancient Greece, was used in the religion. These spirits were the root of all suffering and weeping. They were related with Penthos, the god mourning. In this manner, they were different from the heavenly goddesses Hedones (and Kharites). While the Greeks considered suffering a normal part of life, they did not see it as the same thing as the current conception of suffering.