Greek mythology may seem like an old and forgotten part of history, but is that actually the case? When we take a closer look at our films, games, branding, and psychology, it becomes very clear that Greek philosophies are present and in many ways a driving force behind parts of our modern world.
The Stoic at the Table: Modern Games as a Mirror of Mind and Control
Modern games unexpectedly have many philosophical ideals that originate from ancient Greece, with stoicism being one of the main ones that survives today. Stoicism becomes very easy to spot in strategic games like poker and Blackjack. In fact, after the growth of digital gaming platforms, similar titles stopped being just a rewardless way of spending the entertainment time, as many players now opt for playing blackjack for real money, or other types of rewards. When there is something to achieve, players are trying to think rationally and keep their emotions intact which are the core principles of stoicism. Logic and self-discipline, instead of letting your emotions get the better of you, are key traits among frequent casino game players.
As mentioned, this is because there are financial stakes that players cannot control. The only thing they can control is how they hold themselves up until the outcome of the game is revealed. And that is how a Stoic approaches every day life. It’s surprising to see how something like Blackjack games can show these ancient Greek ideals in such a clear sense in the modern world.
Think you can hold your own and approach games like Blackjack as a Stoic? Here’s a quick simulation to put that to the test.
You’re dealt a 16. The dealer shows a 10. You pause. Do you hit, risking a bust, or stand, hoping the dealer breaks?
If you have a moment of uncertainty, notice it and realize that it’s the exact area where Greek philosophy comes into play. Would a Stoic be frustrated at the odds? Would they be desperate for a win?
Absolutely not, because those are outcomes, and true stoicism means that you would focus on what you can control and stress less about the results.
That moment of uncertainty I mentioned above could lead to hesitation, an idea of fate from the Greek notion of Moira. In that same moment is an opportunity for Ataraxia to enter the game, representing a feeling of control and calm. Finally, the Greek philosophy of Ethos may be present at this time, reminding you of your character.
One important lesson we can take from these mythical Greek heroes is that it’s not always about winning but how you hold yourself as a person through uncertain times that really matters.
Myth in Modern Language, Brands, and Values
A quick look at the modern brands of today and you’ll notice direct links to Greek mythology everywhere. Here are just a few examples:
- Nike is the goddess of victory and a very fitting name for a brand of sportswear that’s associated with winning.
- Hermes is a messenger of the gods, able to move freely and quickly between worlds. His name is associated with logistics for a delivery/shipping company, which makes a lot of sense.
- Amazon is inspired by fierce warrior women, something directly taken from myth and implemented into a huge modern company.
These brands understand the timeless value of mythological names and use them to their advantage to win consumers with more than regular marketing; they appeal to us on a deeper archetype level.
In addition to branding, Greek mythology is present in the way we tell stories today. The hero’s journey is something that people still enjoy experiencing, despite it being one of the oldest tales. It’s present in today’s cinema, with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film ‘The Odyssey’ that follows the main character on his hero’s journey that’s full of chaos, sacrifice, hubris, and destiny.
These are all traits we admire in characters, and they’re present in less obvious ways in other films such as ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. Greek myths strike a chord in the human psyche by helping us to understand power, fate, and chaos, giving our lives meaning.
Myths as Metaphors for the Human Condition
Painting by Herbert James Draper: The Lament for Icarus in the Public Domain.
This painting is “The Lament for Icarus” (1898) by Herbert James Draper. A deeper look shows us that the painting is more relevant to humans than you may initially think and highlights the cost of overreaching.
Icarus’ hubris and ambition led him to go against his father’s warnings and he flew too high, where his wings, made with wax and feathers, got burnt by the sun. He fell and died, crashing into the sea.
The modern equivalent of this is how we are constantly striving to reach new heights without any regard for our well-being in the process, despite the wise words of others who are trying to help us. Our egos and desire to reach ambitious heights can be overpowering. The result? Modern burnout. The painting perfectly captures the essence of the story, and despite being painted in 1898, it’s overwhelmingly relevant to our modern era.
We don’t see a myth – we see a man who has met his end by being caught in the confusing nature of aspiration and ruin. This is the point where mythology becomes psychological, and it’s what makes us resonate with a painting like this so much today.
Figures like Narcissus offer us warnings on self-obsession. Athena is another example that gives us insights into how strategy and reason during chaotic times can help us come out of the other end stronger. This is why thinkers like Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung see these figures as powerful archetypes. Jung, in particular, was interested in how the mythical stories and Greek gods are interpretations of the human psyche. Instead of just being external stories, they can be translated into our human realities on a very internal level.
Mythology as a Theme
Mythology themes can be seen everywhere, including fashion, branding, films, and even gaming. As modern online casino games easily take advantage of the ability to create captivating digital graphics and stories, they may often include themes based on mythological gods and figures. In this regard, Greek mythology is not alone, and its main competitor is the Egyptian mythology that has equally become a part of modern digital games:
This strategy can be an effective way to engage players more deeply with a game as it directly links them to ancient stories of gods, divine power, and rewards. Beyond games, movies have a similar storytelling approach.
The Greek tale of Prometheus has direct themes that are used in the 2012 film of the same name. In the Greek myth, Prometheus steals fire from the gods and gives it to humanity, and whilst he’s praised by humans for the warmth and evolutionary advancement he gave them, Zeus punishes him. The titan is bound to a rock endlessly, where an eagle eats his liver, only for it to regenerate, for the same thing to happen over and over. It’s a tale of hubris, creation, and the consequences of doing so, which are all themes heavily present in the film in the form of an alien race creating humans via genetic engineering and self-sacrifice.
We can even see mythology as a theme in fashion with designers using ancient Greek symbolism as part of their products. For example, the Medusa logo used for Versace is a well-known Greek figure of a beauty with such power that her gaze stops men from moving, turning them into stone. It’s a very strong and direct metaphor for the Versace brand that makes it more memorable as a powerhouse in beauty and fashion.
Featured Photo by Şafak ATALAY
