Gold has always been a significant part of mythology and folktales in many different cultures. It has had a different meaning and symbolization in all these stories. In some it’s a sign of wealth and power whereas in others it’s just about a divine favor. The only thing common in all these is Gold.
In Greek mythology, Gold is linked to the divinity and beauty of Mount Olympus’ Gods and Goddesses. There are many such stories that define the very nature of the beliefs people had in the ancient times.
The stories that you hear today of the golden cities, magical treasures, and enchanted objects, have been passed down through generations. This clearly shows how deeply Gold is attached to our culture.
With that said, let’s dive into these myths and tales.
Why Is Gold So Valuable?
Gold is an invaluable metal not because of its beauty and worth but because of how it has been used as a spiritual symbolism in many ancient folktales. For the people today it’s just a shiny metal that glows and never corrodes because of which they pass it down through generations as a symbol.
Gold also symbolizes wealth, power, and success and whoever has it, is considered wealthy and powerful. In many cultures, it is used in ceremonies and rituals to show the importance of that moment or achievement. For example, the Olympic athletes that come 1st, receive gold medals that show that they were at the top of that game.
However, because of the digital age, cryptocurrency is now being considered more valuable than Gold and people are investing heavily in it. It might not be as much as Gold but it’s still significant. You can use platforms like CoinGate to buy and sell any cryptocurrency. There are 70+ cryptocurrencies for you to choose from. With cryptocurrency on a rise, it has the ability to surpass Gold in the long run.
4 Ancient Myths about the Allure of Gold
Here are the five ancient tales which show how valuable Gold has been considered for years.
- The Midas Touch
Have you ever heard of the story of a King who wished that everything he touches would turn to Gold? It is the story of King Midas who, according to Greek mythology, wished in front of god Dionysus. His wish was to turn everything to Gold whenever he touched it.
In the beginning it looked like a wonderful gift. However, as time passed he realized that it was a curse as he couldn’t eat or drink. As soon as he touched something, it would turn to Gold. He even turned his beloved daughter into a Gold statue accidentally. In the end he begged the god to take away his golden touch and the god took pity on him.
- The Golden Fleece
There’s another Greek myth which shows how far the people are willing to go just to acquire it. According to this story, Jason with his troops went out on a journey to find the Golden Fleece. This Fleece is a magical ram’s wool that could bring prosperity and power.
He asked a sorceress named Medea to help him throughout his journey. And eventually with his help, he was able to find the Golden Fleece. This myth not only represents power and prosperity but also symbolizes enlightenment found from this quest.
- El Dorado
Almost everyone had heard about the city of El Dorado. It’s mostly because of dozens of movies that are now created about it. According to Spanish explorers, they heard a tale of a golden king who would cover himself in gold dust and dive into a lake as part of a ritual.
These explorers were quite greedy because of which they set out on an adventure to find this city one way or another. However, they were never able to find it and this city remains buried in our ancient stories. This myth shows how Gold can make people go any length and explore new lands just to have it.
- Leprechauns and Their Pots of Gold
There’s another myth from Irish folklore which many people have heard all over the years. According to this, there are leprechauns who are mischievous little fairies who hide pots of gold at the end of rainbows.
This tale has always captured the attention of both kids and adults. This idea of finding Gold at the end of a rainbow has always been fascinating. This also shows the beliefs of people who trust these folklores and represents their faith in such things.
Last Thoughts
Just like Greek mythology, Gold is said to be the treasure of the Gods in Norse mythology. Every folklore and myth symbolizes something. For some it is their faith, for some it’s a lesson on being greedy and for some it’s a quest to find the hidden wealths.
Even if these myths are denied, this thing can’t be denied that Gold has attracted people for generations and it will continue to do so.
Photo by Color Crescent on Unsplash
