Every country has its own history, myths and legends. However, we have to say that the mythology of ancient Greece is considered to be one of the most popular all around the world. There is no doubt that Greek mythology had a great impact on the Western civilization, its literature and its arts.
Greek mythology consists of many stories about gods, heroes and ancient Greece in general. Greek myths usually have many fiction elements, but they are considered as true stories.
There are so many gods and heroes in Greek mythology, but one of the most important names is certainly the God Plutus. If you are interested in Greek history, myths and religion, you have probably heard of him.
The myth says that Plutus was a divine child. At the beginning it was believed that Plutus was the God of agriculture, but later he became a Greek God of wealth in general.
It is important to make a difference between Plutus, Greek God of wealth, and Pluto (Hades), who was the Underworld God.
In this article we will tell you why Plutus is so important for Greek mythology and also what are the facts about Plutus that exist in history. You will find out all about his origin and his role in ancient Greece.
Mythology
First of all we have to say that Plutus was the son of Iasion and Demeter. Demeter was a Greek Goddess of fertility and harvest, while Iasion was the Cretan hero. The Goddess Demeter layed with Iasion in a ploughed field and that’s how Plutus was born.
When it comes to Plutus’ mother Demeter, it is important to mention the famous fertility festival that was organized in her honor. It is interesting that only women could be present on this festival.
It is believed that Plutus was born in Crete and he has brought wealth to all people in ancient Greece. Also, the myth says that Zeus killed Iasion with lighting. It was considered a great sin that a goddess was sleeping with a mortal.
The mythology says that Plutus was blinded by Zeus. In Aristophanes’ comedy Zeus is also blind. Actually, Zeus wanted that Plutus gives his gifts to people without any prejudices.
As long as Plutus was blind, he could not make a difference between good and evil, so he had to wait for his sight to be restored. Zeus wanted that Plutus gave his wealth to all people, not only to good ones.
Also, a couple of Greek myths say that Plutus was lame, but he had wings and he could leave very fast.
Symbolism
When it comes to symbolism of this God, we have to say that Plutus is the symbol of abundance and wealth. When Plutus is mentioned somewhere, then it must be a metaphor for wealth.
There were many sculptures of this God in ancient Greece. It is interesting to mention that at Thebes there was a sculpture of the Tykhe, the Goddess of good Fortune, who was holding a child. This child was Plutus.
On the other hand, we can say that at Athens there was a sculpture of the Goddess of Peace called Eirene who was also holding Plutus in her arms.
It is also important to mention a famous comedy of Aristophanes, the ancient Greek playwright. This comedy was called Plutus or Wealth and it was presented around 388 BCE.
This comedy is actually a story about a poor man who was a friend with Plutus and he encouraged Plutus to give his wealth only to people who deserved it.
Meaning and Facts
We have already said many things about the origin and life of Plutus. He was the blind God and he was born in Crete. He helped people take more care of their own property. He brought wealth to people and he made them rich.
The mythology says that Plutus has brought diligence in the lives of people, but he has also motivated them to store their property.
Before he has arrived people didn’t pay too much attention to their property and wealth. They didn’t know how to store their property, but Plutus has taught them.
Thanks to Plutus people have learned to gain more than they need, so they have become successful and grateful for all the wealth that they have possessed.
Because of all that Plutus was considered as a very good and kindly God. People usually loved him. It was believed that someone who meets Plutus would become a rich man.
People were dreaming of Plutus coming into their houses.
Plutus always brought prosperity, abundance, capital and success to people around him. Although he was very rich, it was believed that Plutus didn’t want to share his wealth with his brother Philomeus.
In Homer’s Epigrams it was written that Plutus was not only bringing wealth, but also peace and joy.
Actually, when he came to someone’s house, he was usually not alone. The Goddess of peace, Eirene or Irene, and the Goddess of good cheer and joy, called Euphrosyne oder Mirth, came also with him.
The person who was visited by these Gods was considered to be lucky and also a blessed one.
But, there were also people who didn’t love Plutus. They were saying that the people had to sacrifice to Zeus because of him.
Also, some people believed that Plutus was the cause of good and evil in the world. They blamed him for many bad things in their lives.
As you can see, the opinions about Plutus were divided. While most people loved this God because he was bringing wealth and abundance into their houses, others have blamed him for many bad things that were happening around them.
One of the biggest problems at that time was that most women were looking for money and they have been choosing only rich men. There were also many other problems in society and the God was usually blamed for them.
We hope you have enjoyed this article about Plutus, the Greek God of wealth and abundance. There is no doubt that this personality plays a very important role in Greek mythology and history.
