African Myths Vs Greek Mythology Essay

African and Greek myths share some similarities in that they both feature gods and goddesses who interact with humans and value obedience and humility. Both cultures also use myths to explain natural phenomena and to teach moral lessons. However, there are also significant differences between the two mythologies. African myths often feature a strong connection to family, community and worship, while Greek myths are more on the exploits of gods, heroes, indivisual achievement, and glory.

Unlike the characters in African myths, Greek mythological figures have little regard for family relationships. Your status as a son, daughter, sister, or brother in Greek mythology provides no protection from serious threats like murder and less dangerous

For example Book 9 of The Odyssey, Odysseus and his men enter the land of the Cyclops, where they encounter the cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus, in a moment of vanity , decides to reveal his true identity to Polyphemus, although he and his men were able to escape the Cyclops' cave by hiding under the sheep while Polyphemus was blinded. By revealing his true identity, Odysseus provokes Polyphemus to curse him and pray to his father Poseidon for revenge saying “If ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye” and “Puny, am I, in a cave mans hands? How do you like the beating we gave you, you damned cannibal?” This leads to many more challenges for Odysseus and his men on their journey home. If Odysseus had been humble and kept his identity a secret, he would not have angered Polyphemus and would have been able to avoid much of the suffering that he and his men endure after they escape the island. This incident is an example of the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility in leadership and decision-making. Humility also features prominently in African culture. An example of this is Onini the snake in Anansi and the sky god. Onini was a powerful and cunning creature. Throughout the story, the snake believed that he was the most clever and powerful being in the world, and he constantly sought to prove this to others. He constantly bragged about his

According to the story, Icarus was warned by his father, Daedalus, not to fly too close to the sun or too low to the sea, as the heat of the sun would melt the wax, and the feathers would get wet and heavy from the sea. However, Icarus, who was overjoyed with the ability to fly, ignored his father's warning and flew too close to the sun, causing his wings to melt and send him crashing into the sea. The story of Icarus is often used as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of following advice. The African myth, The Thunder Bride, also has similar themes. In this myth, a pregnant woman is alone in the cold with not much shelter. Her husband had gone off to was for many months. She prayed for someone to split the kindling because she did not have to strength. After she said this, Thunder came down and split the kindling so she could have fire and keep warm. Then, Thunder said, “I have saved your life today. When your child is born, will you give her to me as my bride?” What else could Owethu do but agree?” She agreed out of impulse and because she was in a state of desperation. When her husband Kwisaba got home, he was delighted to see that his wife had given birth to their daughter. But his joy was short-lived. Owethu told him the news. And it was established that from then on, she was not to leave the house. "No matter what