In Ancient Greece, people drew lots to ascertain the will of the gods. In Greek mythology, it's a pretty sensible thing to do-- leaving something to chance is essentially the same as leaving something for the gods to decide. However, I was reading some mythology today that casts drawing lots in a different light.
Cronus the Titan was ruler of all the universe when his children (Zeus and co.) rose up against him and overthrew him and the other Titans. According to the story, when Cronus was defeated, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades drew lots to see who got to be supreme god next. What all this suggests to me is that being supreme Greek god isn't all it's cracked up to be if 1. it's very possible to be overthrown like Cronus and 2. you have to draw lots to see who the supreme god is. Are the Fates really the ultimate power in Greek myth, the ones, haha, pulling the strings? There may not be an answer to this question, but it's been interesting to think about.
No comments:
Post a Comment