myths of Io and Arachne contain a deity vs. mortal battle, the Freudian belief lies in the same gender relationship. In all three myths the elder is acting out against the younger. The second generation has some element that is seen as a threat. Hera’s hatred of Io is based on the fact that she feared losing Zeus to the younger, attractive female. Athena’s jealousy of Arachne is because she worries the people will like the younger girls weaving. Her worry is intensified by the thought that a mortal could out perform a goddess. Daedalus murders Perdix because he does not want to be overshadowed by the younger boy. The reactions of the older generation in these stories are all based on their own insecurities. The fact that Io and Arachne contain struggles amongst humans and gods only strengthens the gods worry. This leads back to the Freudian idea of moral anxiety. Hera, Athena, and Daedalus fear a reality that is beyond means of their own comprehension and they act out in irrational ways. Myth alone can give a cultural belief or an explantion of an event. By further analyzing myths, it gives a deeper perspective into the lives of the people it represents. The Greek myths Io, Arachne, and Daedalus and Icarus, all possess the element of humans transforming into animals. Looking at the reasons why the transformations occurred brings up more similarities among the three myths. The prominent theme is jealousy. There is a strong same gender struggle in which jealousy and anxiety are the driving force. Each of the stories also teaches a lesson, which is the primary reason for myths. By connecting the psychological thought behind the actions in these myths it is evident that the Greek culture had transitioned between matriarichal and patriarchal societies. The influence of religion was heavy on daily life. This demonstrates the idea that myths are symbolic stories that show the inner meanings of the universe and ...
