Myths Blog 4

1. Baucis And Philemon: Once a again the myth regalles the importance of proper manners and social behavior to please and be rewarded by the gods and if not suffer great punishment. Their wish to guard the temple also reenforces the social command of absolute subservience and labor for and to the gods.

2. Proserpine: This myth explains the phenomena of volcanoes, earthquakes and seasons. It also stresses the underlying power of love in ways we believe impossible in this time period as we desdain them for their arranged marriages. However the greeks prove us wrong by giving Venus such power and show that none escape love. It also revists the familiar theme of human foolishness when the boy is denied immortality but he is still rewarded and gives men the gift of agriculture following the Ishmael topic of taker culture being centered on agriculture. The life giving binding character of food and harvest are what binds Proserpine for the the seeds are from the soil of the underworld and belong to the underworld and thus make her part of the underworld.

3. Glaucus And Scylla: Once again agricultutre shows its power as the herb is the one that causes Glaucus to abandon his lifestyle. It also relates to the greeks seafaring nature as their fear of being torn aparts by rocks or monsters are reprensented by Scylla.