#melina pendulum

I had received another ask about this video - don't know if it was you - and I had delayed watching it but I found the time now! I am glad I was pleasantly surprised by her analysis, the corrections/disclaimers, the big accuracy of it all, and the fact that it was not another American "modern perspective" on the myth.

You know me, I'd like to analyze a few bits more. The Youtuber probably was not aware that she talked mostly about her own society but at least in the Greek culture Hades was not evil, ever, not even when the Christian church was at its highest. Hades was seen as dark and scary, yes, but not malicious and not synonymous with the Devil. Surely the Youtuber probably talked about what she knew and not about what happened globally, but I just wanted to bring some attention to this.

Also, as she says, cultures kinda did change gods to fit their values, but at the same, they were aware of that change in their own culture in relation to the other culture. Like, Cypriots know that the Aphrodite of the Greek mainland is not their Aphrodite. But Americans will insist that the way they see Persephone is how Persephone actually is. They don't create a new version.

What is more, this process of "fitting" came through close cultural exchange and religious respect, and so the change was done close to the culture from where the gods were "birthed". When it comes to the Greek culture, the American adaptations are not the same with the Egyptians merging Thoth with Hermes and actually worshiping the deity, because the cultural ties are not similar. Greek mythology has become a fandom for the Western pop culture and that's where it's at for the last two decades at least. It's essentially the latest product/sensation.

Of course, as I have repeatedly stated, one can write a retelling if they like, and preferably it should be well researched and - please - a bit original at this point :P

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