Can Gods Go Mad? The Startling Reality Of Mental Disorders In Mythology

Ever wondered about how mental illness was perceived in ancient times? With mental health awareness becoming an increasingly important topic these days, it is about time we took a closer look at mental disorders in mythology.

Ancient times have witnessed a profound fascination with and exploration of mental illness. Mythology has served as the lens through which mental disorders have been portrayed, analyzed, understood and even revered across cultures. 

So let us dive into the world of mental disorders in mythology, analyzing how different cultures and ancient societies interpreted and portrayed it. From mental illness in ancient Greece to Vedic literature, understanding the past can help us better understand how to deal with mental health issues in future.

Mental Health and Mythology

The complexities of human nature are sometimes reflected in mythology through the rich tapestry of gods and demigods, heroes, and supernatural beings. It is a cultural repository where societies have tried to make sense of the world and themselves in it through their beliefs, fears, hopes and desires.

Related: 18 Powerful Ways We Can Reduce the Mental Health Stigma

Mental health and mythology are closely related. Mental illness is an unavoidable truth of our society, whether in the present or in the past, and plays a vital role in the human experience. Naturally, mental health issues have found their place in mythology, offering a unique perspective on the different aspects related to mental health.

Mental Illness in Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece was renowned for its philosophical and artistic achievements. However, Greeks had an extensive knowledge about mental health as well. As per Greek mythology, it was often believed that mental disorders were due to divine punishment or gods’ interference with people’s lives. 

The foundations of science and the study of physiology, anatomy and psychology in ancient Greece were developed in order to find the sources of diseases and to promote health status,” explain researchers. In fact “healthy mind in a healthy body” was considered as the primary component of Hippocrates’ philosophy. 

The ‘anthropomorphism’ of Greek mythology, where even gods have feelings and emotions, is a historical breakthrough,” and clearly depicts how mental health was viewed by ancient Greeks, adds a 2014 study

mental disorders in mythology

For instance, the tale of King Midas revealed that he suffered from an insatiable greed, which was considered as a type of mental illness. Consequently, his greed became the reason for his inevitable downfall.

Similarly, the myth of king Oedipus is an exploration of suppressed memories and emotional and psychological distress. His tragic story reveals that he killed his father and married his mother. This myth inspired the Freudian theory – Oedipus complex.

mental disorders in mythology

Want to know more about mental disorders in mythology? Keep reading to learn more about mental illness in ancient Greece and other cultures across the world.

Melancholy and Divine Inspiration

In ancient Greece, there were cases where mental conditions were not always necessarily considered negative. For example, melancholy was regarded as a divine affliction as it was related to the gods. 

In this regard, Melancholia is not always perceived as a symbol for sorrow but rather an inspiration for poetry according to mythology, as depicted in the story of the Muses. 

These goddesses were associated with the arts and creativity and were thought to have been given gifts only when individuals experienced deep sadness or depression.

Related: The Origin Of ‘Soulmates’ According To Greek Mythology

Representation of Mental Disorders in Greek Mythology

Mental illness has been widely yet subtly depicted in Greek mythology through their gods, goddesses and mythological characters. Here is a quick list of Greek gods and goddesses that depict different mental health conditions –

1. Hera represents Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

She is obsessed with her own image and has an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

2. Zeus represents Bipolar Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

His mood swings are extreme, ranging from grandiosity to intense anger.

3. Athena shows symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

mental disorders in mythology

Her life is dominated by the pursuit of perfection, order and control.

4. Dionysus exhibits characteristics of Substance Use Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

He indulges too much in wine and becomes dependent on it.

5. Apollo has Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

He loves himself so much that he cannot show empathy for others.

6. Aphrodite represents Histrionic Personality Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

Her emotions are exaggerated as she constantly seeks attention to herself.

7. Hades shows signs of Depressive Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

He experiences prolonged sadness, isolation and hopelessness.

8. Hephaestus has Social Anxiety Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

Fear of social scrutiny and avoidance of social situations.

9. Hermes represents Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

mental disorders in mythology

It manifests through his impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty concentrating.

10. Artemis may suffer from Avoidant Personality Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

Her personality is characterized by a persistent avoidance of any kind of relationships or intimacy with other people.

11. Demeter could have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

mental disorders in mythology

She shows signs of excessive worry and anxiety about the well-being of loved ones.

12. Poseidon may have Intermittent Explosive Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

He loses his temper very easily to the extent of engaging in physical violence or destroying property due to uncontrollable anger.

13. Ares may have Conduct Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

He has issues with persistent aggressive behavior, disregard for rules, and a lack of empathy. 

14. Persephone may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

mental disorders in mythology

She experienced excessive anxiety after going through a traumatic event that involved Hades.

15. Narcissus is a perfect example of auto-eroticism:

mental disorders in mythology

He is excessively focused on his own  physical appearance and loves himself too much. In fact, the term narcissistic personality disorder is derived from the myth of Narcissus.

16. Orpheus is suffering from Grief-Induced Depression:

mental disorders in mythology

He is shown feeling very sad and withdrawn since losing his wife Eurydice.

Mental Disorders in Mythology

Mental illnesses are also depicted in various mythological tales from different cultures apart from ancient Greece. In Norse mythology, the god Odin had issues with rage, anger and insanity that were associated with his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. 

Hindu Mythology tells of an angry and proud sage, Vishwamitra who ended up in a state of madness. All these diverse mythologies indicate how mental health experiences can be common to all human beings across cultures and the world

Shapeshifting and Transformation

Mental illnesses are often depicted in some mythological stories as a state of transformation. For example, in Japanese folklore, a Kitsune is described to be the spirit of a fox capable of taking over someone and causing mental disorders. 

mental disorders in mythology

This possession often leads to the afflicted person undergoing a metamorphosis, acquiring fox-like traits and abilities. Thus, it shows how our identity can be changed due to mental illness and makes us rethink our reality.

Symbolic Representations

It is believed that several mythological characters and figures symbolize different mental disorders. The Greek goddess Hecate, linked to witchcraft and night, might be a representation of madness and the dark nature of the human psyche.

mental disorders in mythology

Moreover, the Dökkálfar or dark elves from Norse mythology are believed to bring about nightmares and sleep disruptions, which may reflect the experiences of people with anxiety or sleep disorders.

Healing and Transformation

Mythology also involves tales of healing and transformation for individuals affected by mental disorders. According to the sacred text Ramayana in Hindu mythology, the monkey god Hanuman goes through a rather interesting mental and emotional transformation. 

mental disorders in mythology

During his journey, Lord Hanuman transforms from being restless and confused to finding inner peace through self-awareness and self-realization. This narrative serves as an allegory for how people can rise above their own limitations through introspection, self-discovery & spiritual development to overcome psychological challenges.

Related: How To Initiate Mental Health Conversations With Your Partner: 6 Tested Strategies

Takeaway

The portrayal of mental disorders in mythology offers us valuable insights, reflections and lessons on human psyche and mental health. It reminds us that mental illnesses have always been present throughout history and across various cultures.

This is why we need to focus on understanding and supporting people dealing with psychological disorders. These mythological tales awaken us to the importance of embracing the complexity of the human mind.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the Greek god of mental illness?

There is no specific god in Greek mythology that represents mental illness. Ancient Greeks associated mental disorders to supernatural causes.

What were the mental disorders in ancient Greece? 

Usually, ancient Greeks believed mental disorders to be divine punishments or imbalances in bodily fluids.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with? 

The difficulty of living with mental illness varies; it’s subjective, with no universal answer.

mental illness in ancient Greece

— Share —

,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

7 Ways To Receive Spiritual Guidance Straight From The Universe

Ways To Receive Spiritual Guidance Straight From The Universe

“I have no idea what to do.”

“I am so confused.”

Does life ever feel like a maze with no clear exit? I wish I could hand you a map, but unfortunately, it doesn’t exist. However, there’s a powerful tool you can use when you find yourself at a crossroads – tuning in to receive spiritual guidance from the Universe. But how to receive spiritual guidance?

The signs from the universe aren’t always flashy or obvious—they can be as subtle as a whisper, a gut feeling, or a seemingly random encounter that sticks with you. But how do you seek spiritual guidance from the universe?

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can open yourself up to receiving this spiritual guidance from the Universe. But first let’s understand what

Up Next

Which Taylor Swift Album Describes You Best? Answer These 13 Questions To Find 0ut!

11. That’s how many life-changing eras Taylor Swift has given us. And chances are there is a Taylor Swift album for every stage of your life. But have you ever wondered which era defines you the best, the one that screams ‘you.’ Well, since you clicked on this Taylor Swift album quiz, it sounds like you’re ready to find out

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Maybe y

Up Next

7 Subtle Traits That Will Make You Irresistibly Magnetic

Attractiveness goes way beyond just physical looks. A nice smile or sharp style can catch someone’s eye, but it can only take you so far. So, how to attract people to your true self? The answer lies in your personality, attitude, and daily habits—these are the qualities that truly define your charm.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Contrary to popular belief, you don

Up Next

5 Transformative Crystals for Self-Improvement: Revitalize Your Potential!

Feeling on the edge of burnout? Struggling to find balance in your life or the right opportunities to grow? It might be time to explore the power of crystals for self-improvement.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

There have been times when it feels like reaching our goals is merely impossible, with numerous obstacles standing in our way. In such moments, our bodies and mi

Up Next

The Role Of Psychedelics In Spiritual Awakening: 5 Key Insights

In recent years, there has been an increasing fascination with the role of psychedelics in spiritual awakening and personal transformation. Such substances were mainly associated within counterculture movements of 1960s, but they are now being revisited due to their potential to unlock deeper aspects of human consciousness.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

This article ex

Up Next

Top 7 Motivational Movies For Students

Cinema uniquely inspires us, especially when achieving success. Here are seven motivational movies for students that can ignite passion and drive them to excel their studies.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Encouraging movies for students can play a powerful role in influencing their studying habits. They can provide much-needed breaks from acad

Up Next

Being ‘Boysober’: What This New Celibacy Trend Means

In a world where dating and relationships are often considered essential pursuits, the concept of ‘boysober’ emerges as a deliberate departure from the norm. 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

What Is Boysober Meaning?

The term was invente