Celebrating Humanity: The Mythology and History Behind the Olympics
Dear Ivory, As the world comes together once again for the Olympics, I find myself reflecting on the rich mythology and history that underpins this grand event. It's a celebration of the best of humanity, a tradition rooted deeply in our ancient past and linked to the legends of mighty heroes and gods. The origins of the Olympics are steeped in myth, primarily associated with Heracles, the son of Zeus. According to legend, Heracles established the Olympic Games to honor Zeus after completing his Twelve Labors. The foot races and athletic competitions were not merely tests of physical strength but were meant to reflect the virtues of endurance, honor, and excellence. Heracles' contribution to the games symbolized the human spirit's triumph over adversity and celebrated our potential to rise above challenges. Historically, the first recorded Olympic Games took place in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece. These games continued for over a millennium, uniting the city-states of ancient ...