Mythology and Religion are two different concepts but both of these have overlapping aspects. Both terms refer to a system that is considered sacred and mythology is generally considered to be an aspect of religion. However, when a myth gets disconnected from a religious system, it loses its value and becomes a folktale. Hence, it is important to understand the connection between mythology and religion and why one cannot be studied without each other — in this case, Greek mythology and religion.
If we refer to religion as a set of beliefs and behaviour that is chosen and ritually followed, the Greeks did not have a religion. But if we refer to religion as a concept that is based more on people's ritual behaviour and beliefs of sacred places and beings, then the Greeks did indeed have a religion concerning their variety of beliefs. However, when we speak of a Greek 'religion', we need to realise that the Greeks themselves did not recognise this term nor did they apply it to their rituals and beliefs. The nearest terms that were used were eusebeia (piety) and threskeia (cult). But the Greeks were not completely irreligious, as we see from their practices and myths, which allows us to talk about a more identifiable system. For example, it helps us realise how their ancient religious beliefs have been reflected in modern religions.
One of the main problems in studying mythology is deciding which field it belongs to. Myth can be seen as history since it deals with an event that happened in the past. Myth can also be grouped with religious documents, as we have discussed. Since myths are stories, they can also be considered fine literature. Nevertheless, overall, we cannot study either Greek religion or Greek mythology without understanding the other, no matter which field it belongs to. Greek religion is bound to Greek mythology and mythology is likewise bound to religion. The two cannot be understood without each other.
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