The Concept of Punishment in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, many abstract concepts that are deified are seen. Night, Dawn, Darkness, Sleep, Death, and many other abstract concepts are symbolized by being inserted into a divine body. The concept of punishment is one of them.
The concept of punishment in the myths shaped by the ancient Greeks and their beliefs is very different from today’s. When a person committed a crime, especially when he killed someone, he was exiled from his country. We cannot see punishments such as imprisonment in ancient times. Because only the exiled person could be purified of his crimes.
Greek mythology reflects the people living in that period and the sense of existence it represents very well. As in every story, in Greek mythology, various punishments were given to those who did evil.
When we briefly examine the myths that include punishment in general, it is seen that the gods respond to certain actions done to them. Since the Greeks did not have a belief in the afterlife or the concept of Hell, the punishments mentioned in the myths were intended to teach people a lesson rather than scare them. Because the world was full of endless blessings given to people. The main purpose of the myths was to respect the gods who gave them these blessings and could control them.
These myths have basic messages they want to convey. In the story of Arachne, we see the results of arrogance; in the story of Narcissus, we see how ego and selfishness can hurt others; in Niobe’s story, we see that jealousy does not end well; in many stories, we see that disrespect to the gods is not tolerated. It seems that people like Kallisto and Orion, who endured undeserved punishments, were eventually rewarded for their patience.
Myths were spread by bards traveling from one city to another, and in fact, these bards did not aim to spread religion. There are lessons to be learned from these myths. Moral values that must be followed are seen not only in myths but also in the book “Works and Days”, which Hesiod wrote especially for his brother. Hesiod advises his brother and reminds him of social and moral rules. He gives many other advice such as the importance of work and justice, that it is not right to treat beggars badly, that it is bad to disobey the father, human relations, and the subtleties of agriculture.
They have no share in evil. The gods are always right and whatever they do, they do well. Those who are punished are unfortunate and in need of punishment.
For further reading:
Ancient Sources
Hesiodos, Theogonia
Hesiodos, Erga kai Hemerai (Works and Days)
Modern Sources:
Edith Hamilton — Mythology
ISSN: 2149–5866 Cilt:7, Sayı:1, s. 66–87, Yaz 2020
Research Assistant Sait ÇİL
