God in human form: An examination of anthropomorphism in Greek cosmogony

Abstract

Anthropomorphism is a popular concept in most religions of the world. It endears a worshipper more to an object of worship; and so,  both form a mutual divine relationship. In Greek literature and mythology, divine beings are depicted as beings who did not only exhibit  human traits but also live amongst mortals. For instance, Zeus, in Greek mythology, is portrayed as an amorous god who mates with  numerous goddesses and mortals. In modern religions like Christianity, one finds the concept of anthropomorphism vividly portrayed.  For instance, Jesus Christ was portrayed as both God and man in the Bible; or to put it rather succinctly, God in human form. Realizing the  complexities of mythological deities, this paper examines the anthropomorphic character of Zeus, the king of the Olympian deities and posits that the concept of anthropomorphism is central to the Greek religion. The paper draws its evidence of the anthropomorphic  traits of Zeus from the works of Hesiod and Homer.