Greek Mythology & Analysis - Chris Byrnes

In 4th grade, we started learning about Greek mythology and I loved it. It was my favorite thing about that year. I was never thrilled when I had that class. However, once we started the unit on Greek mythology, I was excited about each class. When the unit ended, I was sad that we were moving on and there was so much more to learn. Eventually, I started reading Percy Jackson and I really got into it. In the second series of Percy Jackson, Ancient Rome was introduced to me. In the 7th grade, I discovered a college major called the Classics or the study of Ancient Greece and Rome. From then on, I've considered it something for me to do after high school.

Since we discussed a bit of Greek history and the mythology (like the Gods) and how it plays a big role in the plays, I figured I would share a story in Greek Mythology that helped get me into it. Maybe, after reading it, you too will develop a passion for Ancient Greece. It's truly a wonderful world that many forget about or simply aren't made aware of.

The Trojan Horse -

Yes, it's this one. Of all the ones, I decided to choose this one. I would bet everyone that reads my blog post has heard of this. However, do you know why it's important and do you think it's relevant today? Well, let me remind you of what happened in this tale.

Basically, there was a war occurring in modern-day turkey (the Ancient Greeks controlled the coastline of Asia Minor which is modern-day Turkey). It's too complicated and complex to explain how the war started and all that jazz. But what I can tell you is that the story of the Trojan Horse occurs in response to the war. The Greeks were unable to breach the walls of the city of Troy. Odyssey, a bright Greek general, suggested the construction of a wooden horse to trick the enemy hiding behind their walls. The Greeks sailed away while the Trojans (the enemies) celebrated victory. Here's the famous part: The Greeks left the horse at the walls of Troy. The Trojans brought the horse into the city and continued their celebration. The celebration didn't last long,... At night, Greek soldiers, hiding in the horse, opened the gates to the Troy and the rest of the Greek Army came back and entered the city. Victory for the Greeks was what happened after that...


Analysis -

Now, why is this important? Well, if you look at another story - the story of Achilles - you'll see it better. In Achilles' case, he used strength and power to win. Odyssey used his wits. Which Greek had the better ending? Odyssey did. You see, this story symbolizes how one shouldn't forget their brain. My track coach always likes to say that our brain is the best computer in the world. You can only go as far as your mind goes, so treat it well and educate yourself. This is where relevancy comes into play. This legend is 100% relevant in our lives. It symbolizes that you can win and beat the odds through strategy and wit in war.  I mean, look at any war occurring today and what each side is doing. This story reminds of a battle we learned in 8th grade American History class: the battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.  Andrew Jackson led an American army protecting New Orleans. The British (the enemy) outnumbered Jackson yet he strategically placed his men to win the battle and save New Orleans. To those reading this, you probably won't be in the military but you can apply the story's symbolism to every-day life.  Think smarter, not harder. Work smarter, not harder. It all starts with you and your mind.

  

Source - https://greece.mrdonn.org/trojanwar.html