Photo by Francesco Ungaro

How does one explain the mess that is Greek mythology? Contrary to what the Percy Jackson series nor the Hercules movie tells you, Ancient Greeks sure love to stir up fictional drama. 

Ancient Greece was the leading nation that spearheaded modern civilization in the Western Hemisphere. From various art forms like poetry, literature, philosophy, science, and architecture, the Greeks cemented themselves in the map of influence in world history.

But we’re not here to dwell on their technological, economic, and sociopolitical accomplishments. Neither their extensive discourse about life and the secrets of the universe. Today, we’ll uncover the messy Greek mythology drama, which may shock anyone who needs to know more about the more accurate parts.

The fascination with Greek mythology

Ancient Greeks do have a knack for fabricating lore that’s beyond reason. As vast as it is now, Greek Mythology became the blueprint for Romans to create their own, with apparent contrasts in both story and characters.

Modern literature is not exempted from the strong influence of Greek myth. From TV series, movies, and books, the inspiration flows like an eternal fountain. The Portal of Time Branchview Saga is a stark example of the legacy that Greek mythology left behind. Brian Jay Nelson’s book contains hints of time travel and mysteries that pivot the story into an unexpected turn of events.

And when such secrets exist, things can escalate into situations one may never expect. That is what Greek mythology brings to the table. Do you think your family secrets are messy enough? Greek mythology could top that.

1. Family problems that will put yours to shame

Greek mythology’s messy drama starts as it is – issues, one after another, spring from the beginning. There are tons of infighting among the next of kin, with rebellious children, tyrannical fathers, and incestuous relations. In every tale, you will witness parents dumping their children without hesitation and morally questionable decisions that will furrow and raise brows.

The power struggle between families is also insane in Greek mythology, with Kronos on the leaderboard among the one who has the messiest family drama. Whether it’s a titan or a god, no one wants to be usurped from the power they hold. Those who have delved into the accurate version of Greek mythology know that families do the worst to each other.

2. Attitude through the roof

Typically, however, Greek mythology’s messy drama would beg to differ. As if marrying one’s sister is enough, they act out in immaturity a lot, even at a thousand years of age. You wouldn’t expect Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, to be ridiculously jealous of a mortal who is better than her. After getting carried away by emotions, she cursed a woman named Arachne, which became the origin of a folk tale about the arachnid species like spiders. If your friend or sibling has a real attitude problem, they can be friends with Greek gods and goddesses, which will become one big party.

3. Stories where biological concepts don’t apply

In a world run by common sense, the female is the only one capable of gestating and birthing a child. In Greek mythology, though, nothing makes sense as it tells the weirdest birth tales known to man. From Athena being born out of Zeus’ head and the goddess of beauty Aphrodite springing out of Uranos’ genitals, the list of Greek mythology messy drama gets longer and more creative.

And in case that seems wild enough, this one is a good addition: Pegasus, the most famous winged horse, was born out of Medusa’s blood after being slain by Perseus. Ironically, the two became inseparable despite the tragedy that befell the most misunderstood character in Greek mythology.

4. Infidelity and nonconsensual relations

The Olympians enjoyed bizarre pleasures and were into some odd hobbies. From throwing parties to marrying each other’s siblings, the Greek mythology messy drama will stop at nothing to surprise us. The marriage of Zeus to his sister Hera, which resulted in inbreeding gods like Ares, was just an entrée. The king of the gods went on to sexually assault goddesses and mortals alike, the fury and jealousy of his wife.

If you’re looking for loyalty in a partner, you might not want to look up to Zeus or any other Greek god. Greek mythology is packed with stories that mess up the concept of love, romance, and marriage. Honor and consent don’t exist, only a truckload of ego and apathy.

However, someone became an exemption to the rule: that’s right, the god of the underworld was the only one who not only took his job seriously, but he was the only monogamous and loyal god out of everyone at Olympus. His beginnings with Persephone might not have been the best either, but he was a commendable god and husband, which is his redeeming quality.

In conclusion

Greek mythology’s messy drama is as filthy as it gets. They might not be accurate, but their influence on modern society is palpable and undeniable. While the events that transpired are not so much of a good story to tell, it reflects the complexity, creativity, and rich history of ancient Greece.