Preparations for humanity
Until now there had been no humans; but the world, now cleansed of monsters, was ready for humanity. The world was a place where people could live comfortably and safely, without having to fear the sudden appearance of titans or giants. |
| Unknown artist. The creation of man by Prometheus. Marble relief, Italy, 3rd century CE. H. 55 cm (21 ½ in.). Louvre Museum (Inventory: Ma 445, MR 838). Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities, Denon, ground floor, room A. Former Albani collections; seized during the French Revolution, 1801. Source/Photographer: Jastrow (2006). |
Geography of the Earth
In ancient beliefs, the Earth was envisioned as a vast, flat disk, divided into two parallel sections by a great sea. This central sea was referred to by the Greeks as the Mediterranean, alongside what we now know as the Black Sea. Initially, the Greeks called the Black Sea "Auxine," which translates to the "unfriendly sea," due to its perilous nature and the unknown dangers that lurked within. However, as they became more familiar with its waters and surrounding regions, they renamed it "Euxine," meaning the "friendly sea." This change in name was not merely linguistic but symbolized a psychological shift, as it was believed that such optimism could evoke a sense of safety and goodwill from the sea itself.Encircling this imagined disk-like Earth was a colossal river known as Oceanus. This mighty river, calm and untouched by storms or turbulent winds, represented the edge of the known world. Beyond Oceanus lay lands of mystery and wonder, inhabited by enigmatic peoples and creatures. Among these were the Cimmerians, whose precise location remained a puzzle to ancient geographers. Whether situated to the east, west, north, or south, their homeland was said to be perpetually cloaked in mist and darkness. This was a realm of eternal night, a place devoid of sunlight where no dawn or dusk ever broke through the shadows. The Cimmerians' land was as eerie as it was intriguing, embodying the mysteries that lay beyond human comprehension.
In stark contrast to the gloomy domain of the Cimmerians, other lands across Oceanus were described as paradisiacal, brimming with harmony and fortune. These mythical lands were said to be inhabited by people who lived in perpetual bliss, free from the trials and tribulations that plagued the mortal world.
Land of the Hyperboreans
Far to the north, beyond the reach of ordinary mortals, lay the fabled land of the Hyperboreans, a realm of unending blessings and eternal happiness. This sacred place was accessible only to a select few, often heroes of great renown. Neither ships nor human footsteps could guide one to this magnificent sanctuary. Its remoteness and inaccessibility added to its mystique, making it a symbol of unattainable perfection.The Hyperboreans were closely associated with the Muses, the goddesses of art, poetry, and inspiration. This divine connection imbued their land with an air of perpetual joy and celebration. The sound of harps and melodious psalms filled the air, accompanied by the graceful dances of maidens who adorned themselves within golden caves. Their songs and laughter echoed through the land, a testament to their unending happiness. In this utopia, illness and the frailty of old age were unheard of, and the Hyperboreans lived in harmony with the divine.
Farther to the south, the land of the Ethiopians was equally revered. Known for their favor with the gods, the Ethiopians were said to partake in divine banquets held in celestial halls. Their close relationship with the gods elevated their status among mortals, making their land a symbol of divine favor and prosperity.
The Abode of the Blessed Dead
On the edges of Oceanus, another remarkable land awaited—the dwelling place of the blessed dead. This serene and idyllic realm was a haven of eternal peace and joy. Unlike the harsh realities of the mortal world, this land knew no snow, no bitter winters, nor torrential rains. Instead, it was graced by gentle western winds that brought refreshing breezes to its inhabitants. Here, those who had lived virtuous lives on Earth found their eternal rest. They were spared the toil and suffering of mortal existence, living in harmony and contentment.Golden flowers adorned the trees and waters of this paradise, adding to its ethereal beauty. Life here was effortless, with no need for labor or struggle. The blessed dead honored the gods and enjoyed a tearless existence, free from sorrow and pain. This land was a testament to the rewards of virtue and the promise of a peaceful afterlife.
Creation of Mankind
With the Earth prepared and the realms of the afterlife established, the time came for mankind's creation. Ancient myths offer varying accounts of humanity's origins, each rich with symbolism and meaning. One popular tale credits the Titan Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus with the task of creation. Prometheus, whose name means "forethought," was renowned for his wisdom and foresight, qualities that often placed him at odds with the gods. In contrast, his brother Epimetheus, meaning "afterthought," was impulsive and prone to acting without considering the consequences.Epimetheus began the task of creation by bestowing animals with various traits—speed, strength, cunning, fur, feathers, and shells. However, by the time he turned his attention to humans, no gifts remained, leaving mankind vulnerable and defenseless. Recognizing this imbalance, Prometheus intervened. He shaped humans in a noble form, upright like the gods, and gifted them with fire, a divine element he daringly stole from the heavens. This gift of fire became humanity's greatest asset, enabling them to craft tools, build shelters, and thrive despite their mortal frailty.
Different Human Races
Another version of the creation myth attributes humanity's origins directly to the gods, who created five successive races of men. The first was the Golden Race, a generation of mortals who lived like gods. Free from sorrow and toil, they enjoyed abundant harvests without effort and were deeply cherished by the divine. Upon their death, they became benevolent spirits, guardians who watched over humanity and ensured its well-being.Following them was the Silver Race, far inferior to their golden predecessors. Lacking wisdom and plagued by moral shortcomings, they often brought harm upon themselves and others. Ultimately, they faded into obscurity, leaving no lasting legacy. The third race, made of brass, was marked by immense strength and an insatiable love for war and violence. Their self-destructive tendencies led to their eventual annihilation.
The fourth race was that of the godlike heroes, whose legendary deeds and adventures were celebrated in myths and epics. These heroes, after their mortal lives, were granted eternal rest in the Isles of the Blessed, where they enjoyed perpetual happiness and divine favor.
The fifth and current race is the Iron Race, characterized by toil, sorrow, and moral decline. Humans of this age are burdened by strife and are often described as losing respect for justice and virtue with each passing generation. Myths foretell that when wickedness overwhelms the world, Zeus will ultimately destroy this race. However, a glimmer of hope remains, as legends suggest that the oppressed may rise against their corrupt rulers and restore balance.
Prometheus and Divine Retribution
Both accounts of creation agree on one point: during the Golden Age, only men existed; women were introduced later as part of Zeus's punishment for Prometheus's defiance. Prometheus not only stole fire for humanity but also tricked Zeus into accepting the inedible parts of sacrifices, leaving the best portions for humans. This act of defiance enraged Zeus, prompting him to devise a cunning form of retribution.Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora, the first woman, a being of stunning beauty crafted by Hephaestus and adorned with gifts from all the gods. Her name, meaning "the gift of all," reflected her divine origins. However, Pandora was not merely a blessing; she was a harbinger of calamity. When she opened her infamous jar (later mistranslated as a box), she unleashed all the evils and hardships that plague humanity to this day. Only hope remained trapped inside, offering a small comfort amidst the struggles of mortal life.
The introduction of Pandora symbolized the gods' complex relationship with humanity, blending both generosity and punishment. It served as a reminder of the duality of existence—where beauty and suffering, hope and despair, are inextricably linked.