Humoud Albarjas

Hva5094@psu.edu
Psu I.D: 964442780
Mythology: The relationship between humans and the gods
The relationship between the mortal and immortal has been described as creepy, the
creepiness has been brought by the differences in nature and the age gap. The orientation of these
two parties is different in that the immortal beings have no end, while the mortal beings enjoy
only a certain length of time alive. The immortals and the mortals have a unique relationship that
is dictated by the superiority and inferiority of one to the other. The myths of immortality imply
there is eternal life open to every man irrespective of the current biological and medical
advances. Genesis and Odyssey have pointed out on human immortality as characterized by
fruitfulness during mans lifetime both in the current life and life after death. The relationship
between the mortal and immortal beings is based on the human transformation into immortality
by the gods.
According to the Odyssey and The Genesis, mortal and immortal relationship is dictated
by cultural boundaries that shape the belief in the gods. The world today cannot hold onto
teachings that rely on flimsy arguments regarding their relationship with the gods. The
availability of the internet and numerous versions religious books allows people all over the
world to seek information and answers on unclear and controversial topics. The Genesis displays
this relationship between the mortals and the gods as pre-destined and divine. The creation an
initiative by the gods to make man in their image. This was the origin of the relationship between
human and god. After creation this relation has taken in place in the test that the god has
assigned the human race. At first the relationship is displayed on a smaller scale. the test was
simply not to eat from the tree, which they did. As stated in The GenisisNow the serpent was
more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the
woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said
unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree
which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it,
lest ye die. (The Genesis III, lines 1-3). According to this quote from The Genesis the
relationship between human race and the god has been based on the eternal test of humanity
tendency to commit sin. The Genesis also states arrival of humanity on Earth was a punishment
from God to the sin that Adam and Eve have committed. This acts as a warning to all of the
human race that sins will not go unpunished and that humans should follow the word of God.
After descending to earth, which was created by god to the humans, the test complexifies. The
test was that humans should follow an ethical, moral and religious code throughout their life, and
if these standards were achieved humans were to be rewarded with eternal living and immortality
in the shape of the afterlife (heaven and hell). The Odyssey supports the belief that the holiness is
not one body. As known through history, Greek mythology believed that more than one god
existed. In the Odyssey, the relationship between Athena and Odysseus shows that Gods can
develop favorability among humanity. Athena obviously was one of Odysseuss strongest
supporters among the Gods. Similar to the Genesis, Gods have communicated with humans, in
this case Odysseuss son, providing him with guidance through his journey during which he is to
find his father. Athena, taking the shape of Tlemachuss grandfather friend shows that she was
trying to be a mentor to the prince. This shows that Greek Gods provided help and guidance
humanity however only the ones they favored.
The relationships described above is undeniably striking in its features that reveal the
connection between man and the gods. The bond, according to Genesis and the Odyssey is
unbreakable and it is strengthened by communication between them and signs given by the gods.
However the Genesis also displays the God mostly as objective treating humanity as equal. The
Genesis had also displayed some subjectiveness from the God which lies within the sexism
displayed. The creation of females from the shoulder males may imply their inferiority to men.
The reason for the relationship to depicted in this way through the Genesis is to educate humans
on the order of life. As the message of the Genesis is to follow and believe in God, the Genesis
discusses the basics sins and displays the ideology that it is trying to preach which is to follow
the word of God. On the other hand, the Odyssey shows only subjectiveness of the Gods. As the
Odyssey displays the Gods helping Telemachus out due to their relationship with their father.
The Odyssey displays the relationships between humans and Gods on personal level. The
interaction between both parties shows that Gods arent very different from humans where they
can develop favorability and personal relations with humans. This relationship is depicted in this
way for the reason that humans should seek the satisfaction of the Gods and focus on having a
good relationship with them.
Different genres address the relationship between the mortal and immortal in different
ways. The Odyssey displays this relationship in ways where it is less sacred. The Gods can
descend onto earth in many different forms and can have personal interactions with individuals.
However, Greek mythology in general does not state a specific set of rules or guidelines in which
humans should follow they should seek the will of the Gods themselves and fulfill them. On the
other hand the Genesis displays the relationship as a sacred bond which can be achieved through
worshiping God and following his word on earth. The Genesis itself and the ideology behind it
provide humans with guidance on how should they conduct their lives.
A heroic epic like the Greek tragedy and its oral archaic epic reveals that man has a
responsibility to seek the will of the gods and to appreciate their existence. The Tragedies
performances that took place in different festivals in Greek tradition offered sacrifices to the
gods in form of goats to appease them and to show gratitude. During these festivals, man sought
answers on the essence of life from the gods through understanding the whole nature of the gods.
This approach from the Tragedy reveals different perspectives on the relations between man and
the gods. The ancient Greek community interacted with their gods through sacrifices and
ceremonies that attempted to appease and later communicate with the gods. As much as ancient
Greek community gives reverence to the gods just like other communities around the world, the
tragedy reveals that their relationship is marked by goat sacrifices that mark the on-going
relationship. This representation of the greek resembles trends by other cultures that have a
liberal relationship with the gods that is based on obedience and submission. This understanding
is slightly different from the stories in Genesis that feature characters like Abraham who offered
to sacrifice his son on behalf of his faith in God.
The revelation on the relationship between humankind and the gods indicate that the
hearsay and epic revelations of the gods as the divine determiners of the immortality of man and
the only divine power should be acceptable to the modern beliefs. The belief in reincarnation and
transformation into immortality of human beings by the gods provides a code of behavior that
they must live up to in order to receive the change into immortality. The old-time worship and
belief in numerous gods can be singled out by the fact that all of the gods make up one body
which works on behalf of the human race and its welfare. The perfection that is sought after by
the human race is unachievable without a sense of godliness, and this is the reason man has an
unbreakable bond with the gods both in the present life and eternity.