Explanations

Today´s first myth is that of Clytie, a water nymph who falls in love with Apollo with no love in return. For nine days she ate nothing, crying heavily, and watching the sun every day. She finally grew roots and became the sunflower, a plant that worships the sun.

The next myth was that of Hero and Leander, which tells the tale of a youth and a priestess who used to see each other when Leander crossed a river that divided their villages. One night he drowned, and when Hero found out she killed herself.

The one final myth was that of Athena, the daughter of Zeus, goddess of wisdom. She was also very skillful sowing and weaving, so when a mortal called Arachne claimed that she was the best sower of all, Athena was enraged. She dared the woman to a competition. Athena wove twelve heavenly powers, while Arachne wove the mistakes of the gods. The Goddess admired privately the work of the mortal, and out of jealousy touched her forehead, making Arachne feel guilt and shame. She hanged herself, and Athena turned her into a spider so she might keep on weaving forever.

Both the first and third myth explain the creation of two of nature´s wonders. They are perfect examples on how Greeks and every other civilization used Gods and myths to explain natural phenomenons and things that they couldn´t understand. However, I don´t see the purpose of the second myth, because not only does it not talk about important characters but it doesn´t explain anything, it´s just a story.