by Peter Freeman

Created on: March 17, 2009

European Mythology can be divided into four groups;

Hellenic, Germanic, Celtic and Hebrew.

Hellenic:

For many centuries the myths and legends of the Gods of Olympus formed the basis for the largest group of religious practices in Europe. The knowledge of them spread along the coast of Africa to Egypt and was absorbed then transplanted the old Egyptian Gods. The Romans translated the gods into their own language and gave them many Roman traits. Wherever the Roman Empire spread, there went the Gods of Greece. Temples to the Gods were built in the most far flung regions of the Empire.

A polytheistic religion with twelve main Gods and a host of Demons and Heroes, The Philosophy of Greece still influences western society today. In it's Philosophy, art and even Politics. The Gods of Ancient Greece sat in Council and debated matters from the fate of Troy to the behavior of individuals such as Hercules. Such a council formed the basis for the Greek senate, copied by the Romans and became the example for modern democracies with very little change.

Germanic:

At first glance this would seem very similar to Hellenic mythology with it's pantheon of Gods. A reading of the legends soon shows how very different they are. These are Gods of a northern people living in a harsh climate. These are Gods who only pick on someone their own size and are Gods of adventure. Though they have their poetic and gentle sides and they encourage the protection of the weak. Mostly they are the Gods of war.

The Scandinavian people and their Gods influenced western culture with notions of beauty. These blue eyed, golden haired adventurers gave western civilization its notions of courage, derring-do, sailing off to the great adventure. Their conquests established what Europeans would continue to consider physically attractive features.

Celtic:

This is again a pantheon of Gods though among these no clear leader arises. There is no Zeus or Odin amongst the Celts. All Gods were honored equally. Here was less of a structured religion, more of a "Folkway" A region would view it's Gods in a way satisfying to the people of that community. There may be a God of a river but he would be viewed differently at the source than at the rapids and differently again at the estuary. Frequently the Gods were given different names but demonstrably the same Deity. The Mannanan Mac Lir of Ireland was the Manawyddan ap Llyr of Wales.

Hebrew:

This mythology has influenced present day European culture considerably more than the other. Hebrew mythology is monotheistic with pantheistic overtones. There is an insistence on one God yet there is also an honoring of two others who are said to be a part of the one. Outside this trinity there is also a God of evil, a concept not found in other European mythologies. Unique to European Mythology is the concept that the myths and legends constitute literal truth rather than learning stories. In the teeth of evidence that Jericho was nothing more than a village and that Nazareth did not exist until the 3rd century, Proponents of Hebrew mythology will argue that every word of the legends is true no matter what science can produce.

European Mythology presents a varied and colorful view of the universe and man's place within it. Reflecting at times the people and environment where the myth flourishes. Man making God in his own image. Yet amongst the myth and legend there are life lessons to be learned. It lies with each of us to find the truth in the tales and in ourselves.

Learn more about this author, Peter Freeman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.