Greek Mythology Then and Now                  
By: Ryhan Otmane
     Mythology has severed many purposes over the years. Originally, mythology was used to instruct and inform. Yet, in modern day times these myths are used purely for entertainment. Mythology's purpose has changed drastically over the years, at one point they were religious tales filled with both fiction and truth, meant to teach morales and life lessons. Instead, in today's world, myths are used merely for story telling and entertainment.
       An example of an ancient greek myth that was used as a teaching device is the myth of Icarus. Icarus of course being the boy who disobeyed his father, who told him not to fly to close to the sun. Icarus being unruly child flew to close melted him wax wings plummeted to the ocean and died. In ancient Greek times this thought sons to always obey their father or they would end up just like Icarus.  Now granted, we still have morales in our stories it is not one of the main ways we teach proper behavior. To the Greeks, this was the way you learned how to act behave.
      Another aspect of mythology that has changed over time is the fact that the stories no longer pertain to a religion. During the classical era, these stories weren't just stories as they are today. The myths told from the time of the ancient Greeks, was straight out of their religion, most of all Greek mythology contains characters such as Zeus, Apollo, Hades and Poseidon. This is the equivalent of the teachings of the bible later on down the road becoming merely myths, thought to be of as almost all fiction.
            The main reason Greek Mythology is still around today is for its literary value. Greek Mythology, gives the people of today an in depth look at the literary prowess of the Ancient Greek story tellers, and writers. Classical Mythology is a living breathing artifact, almost like a time portal, that historians and language professors alike, can use to look at the roots of their passion.

        In conclusion Mythology still carries an important value, it's teachings and morales let us look at the ancient Greek society closer than ever. Once a cluster of proud religious teachings, is now valued for its historical and literary value. No matter way the time period, mythology will always be important and interesting, for all cultures alike to share and enjoy.