Principal Beliefs
Gods: The Ancient Greek people had many beliefs that were focussed on achieving a good, happy life and being successful. principally amongst them was polytheism, and an inherent hierarchy that divided gods and their importance. This hierarchy ranged from Zeus, mighty king of the gods down to pan the rustic god of the wild. The Greeks believed that worshiping certain gods would bring benefits. For example, praying to the sea god Poseidon before a naval voyage would help ensure favourable weather.
Fate: Separate from the gods was the concept of fate, often represented by three women known as ‘The Fates’. While the gods were powerful, even they could not resist the passage of destiny. If it was fated to happen, it could not be stopped.
Afterlife: Also prominent in the religion was the concept of an afterlife. Most people would be sent to Hades after death, the dark, damp realm of the dead ruled over by the god of the same name. People sent there lived in a state of perpetual nothingness, a physical, mental and emotional shell. However, there was a strong belief that one who was buried incorrectly would be doomed to wander the Earth forever as a ghost. Those who were particularly evil in life would be punished after death. On the other hand, those who had accomplished great things in life, or were considered ‘’good’’ were sent to the plains of Elysium, a place roughly equivalent to the Christian heaven, where you could life an easy life for eternity. See more on Greek burial practices here: http://www.mylearning.org/ancient-greeks-everyday-life-beliefs-and-myths/p-3532/
"I'd rather be a day-laborer on earth working for a man of little property than lord of all the hosts of the dead." (Achilles, inThe Iliad)
The above quote by Achilles illustrates that for the Greek people, an afterlife in Hades was not particularly desirable. Despite this, going to Hades was not considered inherently frightening, and it has been likened to the Christian concept of Limbo, a place between heaven and hell.
Fate: Separate from the gods was the concept of fate, often represented by three women known as ‘The Fates’. While the gods were powerful, even they could not resist the passage of destiny. If it was fated to happen, it could not be stopped.
Afterlife: Also prominent in the religion was the concept of an afterlife. Most people would be sent to Hades after death, the dark, damp realm of the dead ruled over by the god of the same name. People sent there lived in a state of perpetual nothingness, a physical, mental and emotional shell. However, there was a strong belief that one who was buried incorrectly would be doomed to wander the Earth forever as a ghost. Those who were particularly evil in life would be punished after death. On the other hand, those who had accomplished great things in life, or were considered ‘’good’’ were sent to the plains of Elysium, a place roughly equivalent to the Christian heaven, where you could life an easy life for eternity. See more on Greek burial practices here: http://www.mylearning.org/ancient-greeks-everyday-life-beliefs-and-myths/p-3532/
"I'd rather be a day-laborer on earth working for a man of little property than lord of all the hosts of the dead." (Achilles, inThe Iliad)
The above quote by Achilles illustrates that for the Greek people, an afterlife in Hades was not particularly desirable. Despite this, going to Hades was not considered inherently frightening, and it has been likened to the Christian concept of Limbo, a place between heaven and hell.