Greek mythology 's impact on modern societies cannot be understated. Modern language, industry, arts and culture all demonstrate the impact of Greek mythology in today 's world. For example, most people who have no formal knowledge of Greek mythology still know that Hercules was a strongman and that Venus (the Roman version of the Greek Aphrodite) is the goddess of love. The Impact of Greek Mythology on Language Very few people speak ancient Greek on a regular basis, but Greek mythology has shaped English and other languages on many levels. A "Herculean task, " for example, is one that requires great effort. This phrase comes from a myth about the Twelve Labors of Hercules. The drug morphine takes …show more content…
We call computer viruses "Trojans, " a rather unfair comparison with the Trojans, as we 're actually referring to the Greek-built Trojan horse, used by the Greeks to infiltrate Troy and end the Trojan War. The impact of Greek mythology on western culture and language isn 't confined to individual words. Many expressions, proverbs and clichs are direct references to ancient Greek myths. For example, the expressions "caught between a rock and a hard place " and "between the Devil and the deep blue sea " both come from tales about sailors being caught between the …show more content…
Cultural Impact of Greek Mythology in the West Greek mythology 's impact on modern societies is often seen in the arts and popular culture. In the 1980s, the all-female rock band The Bangles had a top ten hit with the single Venus. Television shows and movies, such as Disney 's Hercules, have also reintroduced mythological figures to new generations, including characters such as Hades, the Lord of the Underworld. In fact, movies have been retelling versions of Hercule 's story since the 1950s. Some of the most famous works of art and literature demonstrate the impact of Greek mythology on western culture. Botticelli 's The Birth of Venus is one of the world 's most recognizable paintings. Operas often delve into Greek mythology, as well. Offenbach 's Orpheus in the Underworld is one of the most famous examples. Great writers such as Dante, Shakespeare and Milton