Auf dem Weg zu einer neuen Mythologie: Die Aneignung und Umdeutung des griechischen Mythos (German text)

The presence and the spirit of Greek myths and mythology in German Literature is an undeniable fact. Greek myths and mythology play a major role in the development of the character and spirit of German Literature especially after the 18th century. In the time of the Enlightment Greek mythology was completely rejected, especially by Gottsched. He creates poetic norms which exile mythology and its spirit from the world of poetry. In this age of reason the Greek gods and the muses who inspire the poets had no place. German Poets therefore adjust Greek myths to adapt them to the modern spirit. The Moderns want a human being who is in control of his own actions and finds the power to create his character and his own life without the help of the gods.; Under this aspect Goethe uses the material of some Greek myths and recreates and adjusts them within the modern spirit. His versions of myths show the human being and his power in the center instead of the gods as is the case in Greek myths. After this adjustment it is clear that Greek mythology, in its ancient form, has no place anymore in modern times.; Schiller writes a poem Die Götter Griechenlandes where he expresses a nostalgia for the Greek world. The Greek world and its gods belong to the past. We can admire their spirit in the present but not treat their mythology as though it were our own. After Greek mythology has been rejected, adjusted and nostalgically recalled, it kindles the desire for the creation of a new and modern mythology which will be the center of modern poetry This dream is conceived at the beginning of early Romanticism. The coming of the new mythology will provide another Golden age, the greatest dream of early Romanticism.