Greek myths and legends are back in the public consciousness thanks to movies like Clash of the Titans. This popular movie, that came out earlier this year, tells the tale of the battle between three Greek gods and brothers for control of the land, sea and air. And humans are the pawns caught in the midst of this power struggle. Out of the story a hero emerges. The themes of all powerful gods manipulating humans for their own ends and the eventual triumph of a human hero are hallmarks of ancient Greek stories and many of these concepts are still used as powerful story telling devices today in Hollywood blockbuster movies and other popular culture. With this in mind, why not go as a Greek hero or get dressed up in a Greek god costume this Halloween.
There are many Greek gods to choose from. They all seemed to have various roles and responsibilities that had some influence over the earth or the hearts and minds of humanity.
Zeus was the King of the Gods. He lived on Mount Olympus with many of the other gods and rules over heaven and earth. He was supposed to have control over thunder and lighting (or the weather I guess).
Zeus became the king of the Gods with the help of his brothers, Poseidon and Hades. They fought another group of gods known as the Titans to become supreme. After the fight they divided the spoils. Zeus got the earth and sky, Poseidon got the sea and Hades got the underworld or place where humans went when they died.
Consequently Zeus has to look like a king. As classic Greek depictions show the gods in white Togas or tunic, Zeus has to look slightly different. He might wear a different colored toga and may have accessories, like a crown, to show that he is the main man.
Poseidon spends all his time in the sea. Typically he would be dressed in a loin cloth with maybe some arm and calf gauntlets,. His most distinctive feature is that he carries a trident.
Hades is often portrayed as the person that gathers the dead in the underworld. His appearance is not generally favorable and he is even sometimes portrayed as a grim reaper type character. In the recent Clash of the Titans movie he has a more human look to him but his choice of clothing and colors reflects that he lives in the underworld.
There are many female Greek gods or goddesses too. Aphrodite and Athena are two popular goddesses. Aphrodite is particularly popular because she represents love and beauty. She was supposed to be beautiful but a bit capricious.
A more humorous or fun god is Dionysus. He was basically the god of having a good time. In wine women and song was truth was his catchphrase. He appealed to the human need to have fun and enjoy themselves and would make a great character to go as to your next Halloween party.
Become Zeus, Dionysus or Aphrodite this Halloween in your own Greek God costume. The Zeus costume will definitely make a great impression at the Halloween party.
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