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The Idea Of Syncretism In Ovid's Metamorphoses

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In today’s society, the idea of syncretism can be seen throughout our everyday lives. Syncretism is the combination of different forms of beliefs or practices. This form of living can be closely related to that of a “melting pot” society. The Romans integrated a handful of beliefs and practices in the Etruscan-Roman Tradition. The traditions that were adapted in the Roman Empire consisted of various races, language groups, and cultural backgrounds. The first area of Rome that is to be identified is that of Greece. When Alexander the Great conquered the kingdom of Macedonia, he had created an empire that stretched from the Eastern Mediterranean to Asia. This is referred to as the Hellenistic period. Hellenistic comes from the Greek origin, …show more content…

The story of Ovid’s Metamorphoses exemplifies 15 books and covers 250 myths and chronicles from the world’s creation until the defecation of Julius Caesar. This story begins with the creation of the world that is done in supernatural and scientific ways. Following the introduction of the world’s creation is “The Great Flood” that wipes out all of humanity. A Greek man named Deucalion and his wife Phyrra repopulate the world. Ovid continues the story by mentioning a variety of different God’s that took place in these occurrences. Gods such as Amor, or Cupid, the God of love are mentioned. Apollo is named as the God who comes to ridicule on how irrational love can confound one out of reason. Jupiter is elaborated as the King of Heaven. In most instances, Ovid portrays him as foolish, rash, and lustful. He destroys the world out of anger, rapes countless women, and constantly deceives his wife. His attempts to do good are failures and are twisted. Juno, Jupiter’s wife, is nothing like her husband in changing the world or seeking extramarital relations. However, her punishments and revenge make her famous in this poem. Lastly, Orpheus is portrayed as one who transcends his limitations through art. This poem is preoccupied with the problems that art brings

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