As the wife of Zeus, Hear witnessed her Cubans consistently having affairs with other women. Even being the protector of married women, Hear never forgot a face and children of mistresses were often affected when it came to punishments. Human beings, when they are Jealous, seem to hold a grudge, Just as Hear does, which can affect one’s personality tremendously. To illustrate, three goddesses – Hear, Athena, and Aphrodite – debated “ what men care for most”, which was decided by the Judgment of Paris (258-259).
Likewise, women of today become envious of other females’ physical traits, leading them to question their own beauty. Not only was Hear Jealous of the mistresses of Zeus, but she turned against Echo, “ who became another unhappy girl whom Hear punished” (114). Here’s Jealousy led to violence, which is not always the best way to handle a situation. When women get skeptical, they will take desperate measures to get what they want to feel better about themselves. If women and early goddesses could learn to love themselves, bitterness would not be such a major issue.
There are times when pride can alter the end result of a decision. For instance, after the Greeks fled victorious of the Trojan War, “ they forgot what was due to the gods; and on their voyage home they were terribly punished” (291). Having too much confidence in themselves, the Greeks were not worried about what was needed to be done for others. This is also true for people, where as an accomplishment can lead some to forget those that got them there. As for Hercules, he “ had this perfect confidence that no matter who was against him he could never be defeated” (225-226).
His pride led him to performing twelve labors, which were nearly impossible, in which he showed that he was Just as great as he was said to be. Some humans believe that they are invincible and better than others, but some pride can take confidence a step too far. The Athenian hero, Theses lived in a world where “ nothing without Theses” was a common phrase (209). This, of course, was a boost of confidence for him to believe he was above all others, but little did he know, that would lead to his death. Today, too much encouragement leads to hubris, which is not the most likeable character trait in a person.
Staying humble could have saved a fife or two during mythological times. Fraudulence is seen in both humans and mythological characters by forms of deception and thievery. Furthermore, thievery was used when “ Prometheus had not only stolen fire for men; he had also arranged that they should get the best part of any animal sacrificed… ” (87). Even though his stealing of fire was for the better, Prometheus was punished for treating the gods in such a way. People, too, tend to make bad decisions, but with good intentions without thinking of the possible outcomes or consequences.
In addition to thievery, trickery played a major role when the Greeks had to find a secret way of entering the city, or accept defeat” (283). By disguising a large wooden horse where the Greeks were hidden as a gift to the Trojan, the Greeks deceived them to believe they had given up. Likewise, deception is used by humans to get what is wanted or defeat enemies. On the subject of deception, Odysseus was to use trickery to “ persuade him who they had wronged to give his precious weapon to them” (280). In this case, deception was used to better Odysseus’ chance of survival rather than that of the man who was left behind.
