First of all, it has influenced English culture. The European Renaissance, which started in the 14th century and ended in the 16th century, was an ideological and cultural movement by the emerging bourgeoisie in Europe at that time to oppose the feudal main class. In this movement, the ancient Greek and Roman culture was rediscovered and re-valued. As a treasure in Greek and Roman culture, Greek and Roman mythology has also aroused great interest. Greek and Roman mythology is famous for its richness and ideological significance. Greek mythology is very rich, including the story of God and the legend of heroes. The legend of heroes is the ancient Greek's memory of ancient history, and an ode to human's struggle against the evil forces of nature and society. Heroes are regarded as the offspring of the combination of god and man, and they are half-human and half-god. In fact, they are the apotheosis of heroes in history or reality and the personification of collective strength and wisdom. Greek mythology reflects the broad picture of prehistoric human life with thousands of characters and many winding and beautiful stories, showing the characteristics of innocence, self-esteem and justice in human childhood and the heroic spirit of fighting against nature and all evil forces, so it has permanent charm. Greek mythology has a great influence on European culture.
Greek and Roman myths have had a far-reaching impact on European language and culture, especially the eclectic English language and culture. Many characters' allusions in Greek and Roman mythology have been absorbed into English and become an organic part of English language and culture. As an important embodiment of English language and culture, English and American literary works are permeated with a large number of Greek and Roman mythological terms. Since the Renaissance, writers in Europe and America have often used Greek and Roman myths as materials for their creation. In English literature, Shakespeare used Greek mythology as the theme to create the tragedy Troilus and Cresida, and also wrote the long poem Venus and Adonis. Romantic poets in the 19th century praised the colorful Greek and Roman myths. Walt Whitman, a great American poet, once said concisely, "Myth is really great". In his poem On First Looking Into Chap 2 Man's Homer, John Keats, an English poet, sincerely described his uncontrollable excitement when he first read the Greek myths and legends in Homer's epic. Shelley's Ode to Apollo, Song of Pan, and Keats' To Psyche are still beautiful poems that praise Greek mythological figures. Poets cite mythological allusions not only for the charm of the myth itself, but also to make excuses and express the poet's thoughts and feelings.
Secondly, the influence of language on culture. Language and culture are interdependent. Language carries culture and is influenced by cultural background. Greek and Roman mythology is the bright pearl of the treasure house of western culture and the source of the vigorous development of western culture. As a part of western culture, British and American culture is inevitably deeply influenced by ancient Greek and Roman civilization. Mainly from three aspects: first, the ways and reasons why words from Greek and Roman mythology entered the English vocabulary treasure house, focusing on their types and distribution, as well as the basis, reasons and ways of the evolution of meaning, and the role of cultural background in the extension of meaning. Facts have proved that these words are basically polysemy, and most of them can derive new words. Some words from Greek and Roman mythology can form idioms. Secondly, after careful analysis and comparison of the cultural connotation and national characteristics of vocabulary, it is known that English vocabulary originated from myth not only carries heavy cultural implications, but also embodies the unique national characteristics of ancient Greek and Roman culture, which later evolved into the same characteristics of western culture. First of all, English words derived from myths show the fanatical worship of heroes by the ancient Greek people, and at the same time, they also reflect their moral quality of promoting good and abandoning evil. Secondly, it also reflects the personality characteristics of the ancient Greeks who attached importance to secular life and dared to express themselves. The mythical gods and heroes can do anything to realize their personal desires, and their wanton behavior patterns reflect the cultural values of individual standard. No matter whether man is a god, every individual's life can satisfy his emotions and desires to the greatest extent, which is the unrestrained expression of natural humanity of ancient Greeks. Finally, the relationship between Greek and Roman mythology and British and American culture. As one of the sources of European and American literature and art, Greek and Roman culture has nurtured them for a long time. Poets, writers, sculptors, painters and musicians get inspiration from myths, extract ideas and themes, and create many immortal masterpieces; Mythical cultural images are often used in news reports, making news reports lively and innovative; English trademarks and advertising languages often use the associative meanings of Greek and Roman myths and allusions to satisfy the cultural mentality of British and American people who advocate mythical heroes and gods. Greek and Roman myths also have an impact on the outlook on life and values of Britain and the United States. The posture of Greek and Roman mythology is simple, natural and artistic, which also reflects the optimistic character of westerners who advocate freedom. This spirit of freedom and tolerance gradually shaped the characteristics and self-confidence of modern Europeans. Greek mythology emphasizes human nature and personal rights, and even agrees that in order to gain fame and wealth and personal dignity, you can do whatever it takes or even go to extremes. The values precipitated from Greek mythology are known as individualism, which is the core of British and American values and outlook on life.
In short, since the Renaissance, British and American writers have been deeply influenced by Greek and Roman mythology, and the images of gods and heroes with individuality in Greek and Roman mythology appear in their works from time to time. The refreshing or touching stories in mythology give these writers inspiration and source of creation, and the charm of these fairy tales adds charm and meaning to their works.