The Most Popular Greek Myth, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the myth you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:40
Greek myths have been a source of inspiration and wonder, capturing the imagination of people across various cultures and eras. These stories not only entertain but also offer insight into the ancient Greek worldview, embodying the values, fears, and hopes of the society from which they originated. By ranking these myths, our community helps highlight which tales continue to resonate most strongly with audiences today.
This live ranking evolves with each new vote, reflecting current trends and preferences. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer, your participation shapes this ongoing conversation. Through your votes, you will contribute to an engaging exploration of which myths capture the collective interest and why they endure in popularity.
What Is the Most Popular Greek Myth?
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148votes
Alessandro Allori · Public domainThis myth about the abduction of the goddess Persephone by Hades, the god of the underworld, and her eventual return to the world above has been a popular subject in art, literature, and film. The story symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death in Greek mythology.The myth of Persephone and Hades is a Greek myth that explains the origin of the seasons. According to the myth, Persephone, the daughter of the goddess Demeter, was kidnapped by Hades, the god of the Underworld. Hades tricked Persephone into eating pomegranate seeds, which bound her to the Underworld for part of the year. As a result, for the six months Persephone spends with Hades, Demeter, in her grief, causes the earth to become barren, leading to winter. When Persephone is reunited with Demeter, spring arrives, and the earth becomes fertile again.- Main characters: Persephone, Hades, Demeter
- Setting: The Underworld and Earth
- Themes: Kidnapping, love, grief, seasons
- Symbolism: Pomegranate seeds signify Persephone's connection to the Underworld
- Impact on Greek culture: Explained the changing seasons and emphasized the importance of agriculture
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234votes
Nidara · Public domainThis myth tells the story of the hero Theseus who slays the Minotaur, a monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man, in the labyrinth of King Minos of Crete. The myth is a classic tale of heroism and adventure. -
319votes
Piero di Cosimo · Public domainThis myth tells the story of the Titan Prometheus who defies the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity. As punishment, Zeus chains him to a rock and sends an eagle to eat his liver every day, which regenerates overnight. The myth is seen as a symbol of human ingenuity and the struggle for freedom.The myth of Prometheus is a well-known Greek myth that centers around the Titan Prometheus and his actions that resulted in the creation of humankind and his subsequent punishment.- Prometheus' Creation of Humans: Prometheus shaped humans out of clay and brought fire to them, giving them the ability to thrive and progress.
- Prometheus' Theft of Fire: Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humans, enabling civilization to flourish.
- Punishment by Zeus: Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and having an eagle tear out his liver daily, only for it to regrow each night.
- Heracles' Intervention: Heracles eventually rescued Prometheus by slaying the eagle and ending his torment.
- Prometheus' Role as a Trickster: Prometheus is considered a trickster figure in Greek mythology due to his cunning actions against the gods.
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422votesThis myth tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. The myth is a classic tale of adventure, survival, and the power of perseverance.The myth of Odysseus and the Trojan War is an epic Greek myth that tells the journey and adventures of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, during and after the Trojan War. It is one of the most famous and enduring stories in Greek mythology.
- Origin: Greek mythology
- Author: Homer
- Key Characters: Odysseus, Helen of Troy, Achilles, Agamemnon
- Trojan War Duration: 10 years
- Themes: Heroism, warfare, cunning, loyalty, homecoming
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513votesThis myth tells the story of the demigod Hercules and his 12 labors, which included slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Golden Hind, and cleaning the Augean stables. The myth is a classic tale of strength, courage, and redemption.The myth of Hercules is one of the most popular Greek myths, centered around the heroic demigod Hercules (also known as Heracles). It follows the extraordinary life of Hercules, his remarkable deeds, and his journey to atone for his tragic mistakes.
- Parentage: Hercules is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman.
- God-like Strength: Hercules possesses immense superhuman strength, making him capable of performing extraordinary feats.
- Twelve Labors: As a result of a tragic event, Hercules is sentenced to complete twelve superhuman labors assigned by King Eurystheus.
- Slaying Monsters: During his labors, Hercules battles and defeats numerous legendary creatures, including the Nemean Lion, the Hydra, and the Stymphalian Birds.
- Tragic Mistake: Hercules commits a heinous act while under the influence of madness, causing great anguish and guilt.
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616votesThis myth tells the story of the musician Orpheus who ventures into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice. The myth is a tragic tale of love, loss, and the power of music.
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711votesThis myth tells the story of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone, who is abducted by Hades and forced to marry him. The myth is a symbol of the changing seasons and the cycle of life and death.The myth of Demeter and Persephone is a well-known Greek myth that explains the origin of the seasons. According to the myth, Persephone, the daughter of the goddess Demeter, was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. Demeter, devastated by her daughter's disappearance, searched relentlessly for her. During this time, Demeter's grief caused the earth to become barren and lifeless. Eventually, Persephone was allowed to return to the surface world, but because she had eaten pomegranate seeds in the underworld, she had to spend a portion of each year with Hades. This led to the cycle of the seasons, with the months that Persephone spends underground corresponding to winter and the months she spends with her mother corresponding to spring and summer.
- Origin: Ancient Greece
- Theme: Explanation of the seasons
- Characters: Demeter, Persephone, Hades
- Setting: Underworld and Earth
- Key Events: Abduction of Persephone, Demeter's search, Persephone's return
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83votesThis myth tells the story of the beautiful youth Narcissus who falls in love with his own reflection and eventually dies from unrequited love. The myth is a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and self-absorption.The myth of Narcissus tells the story of a young hunter named Narcissus who was renowned for his exceptional beauty. He was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. The myth was first documented in the ancient Greek poem 'Metamorphoses' written by the Roman poet Ovid in 8 AD.
- Origin: The myth of Narcissus is believed to have originated in ancient Greece.
- Main Character: Narcissus, a young hunter known for his beauty.
- Narcissus' Vanity: Narcissus became infatuated with his own reflection in a pool of water, unable to tear himself away.
- Echo's Role: The nymph Echo fell in love with Narcissus but was rejected due to his self-absorption.
- Nemesis' Punishment: Nemesis, the goddess of revenge, punished Narcissus by causing him to fall in love with his own reflection.
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910votes
Octave Tassaert · Public domainThis myth tells the story of the sculptor Pygmalion who falls in love with his own creation, a statue of a woman named Galatea, which he brings to life with the help of the goddess Aphrodite. The myth is a classic tale of love and the power of art.The myth of Pygmalion and Galatea is a popular Greek myth that tells the story of a talented sculptor named Pygmalion. According to the myth, Pygmalion was dissatisfied with the flaws he saw in women and decided to create his ideal woman out of ivory. He poured all his skill into sculpting the statue, which he named Galatea. To his astonishment, Pygmalion fell deeply in love with his creation, longing for her to be real. With his intense desire, Pygmalion prayed to the goddess Aphrodite, requesting her to make his sculpture come to life. Aphrodite, moved by his devotion, brought Galatea to life. The myth focuses on the transformative power of love and the blurring of boundaries between art and reality.- Conflict: Pygmalion's desire for his creation to come to life
- Resolution: Aphrodite grants Pygmalion's wish and brings Galatea to life
- Theme: Love, desire, transformation
- Characters: Pygmalion, Galatea, Aphrodite
- Setting: Ancient Greece, Pygmalion's studio
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109votesThis myth tells the story of the Gorgon Medusa, who has snakes for hair and can turn people to stone with her gaze. The hero Perseus slays her and uses her head as a weapon. The myth is a symbol of the power of fear and the triumph of good over evil.The myth of Medusa is one of the most popular Greek myths. It revolves around a monstrous creature named Medusa, who was once a beautiful woman. According to the myth, Medusa was one of the three Gorgon sisters, with snakes for hair and the ability to turn anyone who looked at her directly into stone. The myth of Medusa is primarily known for the heroic quest of Perseus to slay her and retrieve her head. This myth has captured the imagination of many and has been depicted in various forms of art and literature throughout history.
- Characters: Medusa, Perseus
- Creature: Medusa, a Gorgon
- Powers: Ability to turn people into stone with her gaze, snakes for hair
- Quest: Perseus' quest to slay Medusa and retrieve her head
- Hero: Perseus
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Ranking factors for popular myth
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Cultural impactConsider the influence each myth has had on literature, art, and philosophy throughout history, both within ancient Greece and beyond. A popular myth will have a significant presence in various aspects of culture.
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RecognizabilityA popular Greek myth should be easily recognizable and known by a wide range of people, not just scholars or enthusiasts of mythology.
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TimelessnessThe myth should maintain its relevance and appeal to contemporary audiences, even though it originates from ancient times.
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Resonance with human emotions and experiencesThe myth should evoke strong emotions or connect with universal human experiences, making it memorable and engaging.
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Complexity and depth of charactersThe characters in the myth should be well-developed and multidimensional, often displaying a mixture of strengths and flaws.
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Storytelling qualityThe myth should have a gripping and engaging narrative that can be retold and adapted over time in various forms and media.
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Symbolism and allegoryThe myth should contain symbolic or allegorical elements that lend it a deeper meaning and help to convey important cultural messages or teachings.
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Presence in popular cultureConsider the frequency with which each myth has been adapted, referenced, or alluded to in modern literature, film, television, and other entertainment or art forms.
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Interpretations and adaptationsA popular Greek myth should have inspired multiple, diverse interpretations and adaptations, often lending it a rich and varied existence beyond its original form.
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Pedagogical valueConsider the extent to which the myth has been used to teach moral, philosophical, or social lessons to audiences both in ancient Greece and throughout history.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Greek myth. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or myth is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1627 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each myth once every 24 hours. The rank of each myth is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular greek myth
Greek mythology is a vast and complex subject, filled with epic tales of gods, heroes, and monsters. These stories have fascinated people for centuries and continue to be popular today. The myths are not only entertaining, but they also provide insight into the beliefs and values of the ancient Greeks.
One of the most well-known aspects of Greek mythology is the pantheon of gods and goddesses. These powerful beings, such as Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena, were believed to control the forces of nature and oversee various aspects of human life. The gods often intervened in the lives of mortals, resulting in dramatic and often tragic consequences.
Another prominent feature of Greek mythology is the epic heroes who battled monsters and completed impossible tasks. These heroes, such as Perseus, Theseus, and Hercules, were often aided by the gods, but they also displayed incredible strength, courage, and intelligence.
Of course, Greek mythology is also known for its terrifying monsters, such as the Minotaur, Medusa, and the Hydra. These creatures provided a formidable challenge for the heroes, and their defeat often required cunning and bravery.
Overall, Greek mythology remains a beloved and enduring subject, with countless stories and characters to explore. At StrawPoll, we are always fascinated to see which myths and characters are the most popular among our users.
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