Greek mythology is not just a collection of stories – it is a charter full of places where the fantastic touches the real thing. From wooded mountains and caves to shores and rivers, mythological sites are a unique combination of history, landscape and popular imagination. In this article we explore some of the most important mythical places of antiquity, away from abstract references, and emphasize the relationship of myth with the natural environment.
Ο Άδης είναι ο κάτω κόσμος των νεκρών και βασίλειο του θεού Άδη. Οι ψυχές οδηγούνταν εκεί από τον Ερμή και διέσχιζαν τον ποταμό Στύγα με τον Χάροντα. Ο Άδης δεν ήταν μόνο τόπος τιμωρίας, αλλά χώρος κρίσης και αιώνιας ισορροπίας. Δείτε επίσης: Άδης (θεός), Περσεφόνη, Χάροντας, Μεταθανάτια ζωή, Κέρβερος =
Η Τροία ήταν το πεδίο της δεκαετούς σύγκρουσης μεταξύ Ελλήνων και Τρώων. Η άλωση της πόλης με τον Δούρειο Ίππο αποτελεί μία από τις πιο εμβληματικές αφηγήσεις της αρχαιότητας. Η Τροία εκφράζει τον ηρωισμό, τη δόξα αλλά και την τραγικότητα του πολέμου. Δείτε επίσης: Αχιλλέας, Έκτορας, Πρίαμος, Δούρειος Ίππος, Ιλιάδα
Η Θήβα αποτελεί σκηνικό μερικών από τις πιο δραματικές μυθολογικές ιστορίες. Πατρίδα του Οιδίποδα και τόπος της κατάρας των Λαβδακιδών, αλλά και της εκστρατείας των Επτά επί Θήβας. Η πόλη συμβολίζει τη μοίρα, την ύβρη και τη θεϊκή τιμωρία. Δείτε επίσης: Οιδίποδας, Αντιγόνη, Ηρακλής, Επτά επί Θήβας
Taurid was the place where Iphigenia served as the priestess of Artemis after her salvation from the sacrifice to Aulid. There he met Orestes and escaped back to Greece. The Taurid is associated with sacrifice, purification and reunification. See also: Iphigenia, Orestes, Artemis, Sacrifice in Aulid
Sparta is associated mythologically with King Menelaus and Beautiful Helen, which was a cause for the Trojan War. It represents military virtue, honor and strict social structure. See also: Menelaos, Nice Helen, Trojan War, Dioscuri
Olympus is the residence of the twelve Olympian gods. From there Zeus and the rest of the gods regulated the affairs of gods and men. Olympus symbolizes supreme divine authority, secular order and distance between mortal and immortal. See also: Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena, Olympian Gods
The Cave of Nymphs in Ithaca refers to Odyssey as a sacred place dedicated to the nymphs. There Ulysses hid the gifts of the Pheasants before appearing disguised in his palace. The space symbolizes the transition from divine protection to human action. See also: Odyssey, Nymphs, Phaeakes, Athena
Lycia was an area of Asia Minor and a setting of heroic narratives. There Bellerophon faced and defeated Chimera, gaining glory and royal favor. Lycia expresses the borders of the Greek mythological world and its meeting with the unknown. See also: Bellerophon, Chimera, Pegasus
Lerna is known as the place where Hercules performed his second feat, killing Lernaia Hydra. The area was associated with marshes and springs considered chthonic and mysterious, often as gates to the underworld. See also: Hercules, Lernaia Hydra, Athlons Hercules
Knossos was the center of Minoan civilization and the seat of King Minos. According to legend, here was the Labyrinth that Daedalus built to imprison Minotaur. Knossos symbolizes the power, technological skill and mystery of ancient Crete. See also: Minos, Minotaur, Daedalus, Theseus, Ariadne