Greek Mythology: The True Meaning Of Greed

“The real meaning of greedy is taking more than you give” (Iyanla Vanzant). In other words, greed is the intense and selfish desire for something. There are numerous myths that are part of Greek mythology that convey greed. Greed between the Greek gods and goddesses is the same feeling every day because greed can be destructive and take away families, as well as force people to not be thankful for what they have.
Both King Midas and Jason pushed their luck due to greed, and lost their families as a result. The two Greek figures believe that having gold or power was more important than family. To illustrate, there was a king in Phrygia named Midas (Craft 7). Midas’ only desire in life is to have the most gold (Craft 7). Being selfish as he always

Midas began touching everything in his palace, and it all turned to gold (Craft 11). While eating breakfast with his daughter, he could not eat anything because his mouth would turn his food into gold (Craft 12). Midas’ daughter Aurelia wanted him to feel better, so she gave him a hug (Craft 12). Hugging his only daughter shaped her into a lifeless golden statute (Craft 13). Midas’ desires as much gold as he could possibly have but by doing so, it takes away his daughter (Craft 14). His greed destroyed his relationship with his daughter (Craft 14). Midas’ daughter, Aurelia, became a golden statute for her fathers mistake (Craft 14). Likewise, Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, married a beautiful wife with two young boys (Whiting 23). Jason’s family loves him, but he is tired of being married to his wife Medea and desires to marry Glauce (Whiting 25). Glauce, daughter of the king of Creon, the king of Corinth (Whiting 25). Jason wants to marry Glauce in order to be in line for the throne so he could rule all of Corinth (Whiting 27). Jason marrying Glauce and leaving his family took a turn on Medea's life (Whiting 29). By getting her revenge on her

Hades and King Midas take more than what they are given and they are not able to get what they want in life. Hades, the king of the Underworld, searched for a queen (Bryant 44). Hades discusses with his brother Zeus who should be his queen (Bryant 45). Both of the brothers debated future queens for Hades when he notices Persephone (Bryant 45). Hades drove his golden chariot towards Persephone and kidnaps her, taking her down to the Underworld (Bryant 46). Persephone would not speak to Hades or eat anything he had offered her (Bryant 46). Persephone’s mother Demeter, goddess of harvest, searched the whole world for Persephone (Bryant 46). For not being able to find Persephone, Demeter kept all of Earth cold and it led people to not be able to harvest (Bryant 46). Hades finally agreed to an agreement with Demeter and returned Persephone back to her mother (Bryant 46). Demeter was overjoyed to see her daughter again; she made Earth warm again (Bryant 47). Unfortunately, Persephone ate three pomegranate seeds in the Underworld and she is required to return to the Underworld three months each year (Bryant 47). Hades was being greedy by kidnapping Persephone and not telling her mother Demeter. His actions caused hungry people on Earth and terrible weather. Demeter could not live without her daughter; fortunately, Zeus talked to his brother and Hades returned Persephone back. Unfortunately, she ate food in the Underworld and must return