Myths and Athens 2004
After 108 years the Olympic Games returned to its home for its second time in the Mediterranean for a record breaking Olympiad. More than 10 000 athletes competed for the ultimate in sport acknowledgement.In the ancient Olympic Games, it was a purely celebratory affair to pay homage to the god, Zeus. However, much of that has been lost over the past centuries, but not all.First of all, the Olympic Torch is a definite mythological symbol which is present at every Olympiad. It symbolises the death and rebirth of Greek heroes. The flame is always ignited at the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia, Elis in Greece and flown to the hosting city. For the first time ever, the flame was taken across the globe this year in a 78 day journey. The Olympic medals were also redesigned for the 2004 Olympics. This is the first time since the Amsterdam Olympic Games in 1928. The main feature on both sided of the medal is the Greek goddess Nike of Paeonios and the Panathinaikon stadium. This holds particular importance because all Olympic medals will from now on feature a Greek god to reflect the Greek character and revival of the Games.Another aspect which holds a fair amount of mythological power is the three medalists in each sport w
If it were not for the mythologies and gods of ancient Greece, we would not have this sporting extravaganza every four years. But, in a society like ours, everybody is fighting for their place in the sun and wants their culture, beliefs and mythologies to be accepted and acknowledged it is a bit farfetched to want one culture, like the Greeks', to be widely understood and acknowledged. It is part of the United Nations' flag, it is seen on American currency and Neil Armstrong placed a gold plated olive branch on the moon in 1969. However, an African tribe living in a rural area, would not know, and quite simply, would not care about the myths and gods of Greece. An instance like this could cause a chain reaction and soon before long the people living in the global village will know more about each other than ever before. Living in a global village where everything is a click away, it is not hard or difficult to obtain the necessary information. Vendas marry Xhosas, Dutch marry Germans and each has their own set of mythologies that they grew up with. Another thing that has definitely changed is the athletes themselves. Greece is also one of the oldest civilizations, and they contributed so much to our lives in the fields of medicine, geography and mathematics, is can prove complementary to learn more and broaden ones view on the world and its history. Because this looks good to the outside world, the politics of a country also has a positive boost. Question 3As far as the Olympic Games are concerned, mythology does play a huge indirect role.
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