Contemporary Gods of Metamorphosis Ovids metamorphosis reads as a collection of mythical poems, describing the timeless battle between the gods and humans. The relationship between humans and gods is not just one of single sided adulation. The gods in the Metamorphosis are susceptible to the same errors in judgement and of living erroneous lifestyles just as humans. The only real difference between the two classes of beings is that one has direct power over another. The relationship is interesting because it mirrors modern day relationships between public figures and the public.Contemporary ideals and culture has led to the demise of a belief in gods that play a role in our day to day activities. For the most part religion has shifted from a promise of good things in this life to a promise of a positive afterlife. World catastrophes and events are no longer the forces of angry gods punishing humans, they are now viewed as forces of nature which can not be controlled or subdued. Bad luck is not a result of Junos jealousy and wrath, it is now a consequence of our own actions and decisions. We now believe that we are responsible for our own fates. While our world has shifted from Ovids era of fantasy and myth, we have still maintained the notions of heroes. A key factor in creating these heroes is the media. Consumed by the masses, the medias portrayal of many public figures has led to their popularity and ability to transcend the class of ordinary citizen. Ovid played the role of the media during his time, legitimizing and expanding the myths and legends of the his contemporary gods.Competitive sports, predominant in every culture of the world, has created what Ovid would think of as our modern day hero. Athletes are the modern day gladiator, the warrior who represents his people in competitive battles. Michael Jordan is a prime example of this notion. Playing for a professional team in Chicago, he is a great source of p...
