What is the myth about Plutus? Greek Mythology Story

In Greek mythology, Plutus is the personification of riches. According to myth, he was born in Crete as the son of Demeter and her beloved Iasion or Iasius. However, his story is not without its share of tragedy and hardship.

Plutus' father, Iasion, was a mortal man who caught the eye of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. The two had a passionate romance, which ultimately led to the birth of Plutus. However, their happiness was short-lived, as Zeus, the king of the gods, became jealous of Iasion and killed him with a bolt of lightning.

Following the death of his father, Plutus was left to be raised by his mother, Demeter. Despite the tragic circumstances of his birth, Plutus was blessed with the ability to bestow wealth and riches upon mortals. However, his gift came with a catch – he was said to have been blinded by Zeus, because he distributed his gifts without discrimination or choice.

Plutus' blindness was often interpreted as a commentary on the arbitrary nature of wealth and the unfair distribution of riches in the mortal world. While some individuals may be born into wealth and privilege, others may struggle to make ends meet despite their best efforts. The myth of Plutus serves as a reminder of the complexities and inequalities inherent in the concept of wealth.

In some versions of the myth, Plutus' blindness is also seen as a symbol of the unpredictable nature of wealth. Just as Plutus indiscriminately bestows his gifts without sight, wealth and fortune in the mortal world can often seem capricious and unpredictable. This interpretation of the myth speaks to the fickle nature of wealth and the challenges of navigating the financial ups and downs of life.

Despite his blindness, Plutus continued to play a significant role in Greek mythology. He was often depicted as a benevolent figure, using his powers to bring prosperity and abundance to mortals. In some stories, Plutus was even worshipped as a god of wealth and prosperity, with temples and shrines dedicated to him throughout ancient Greece.

One of the most well-known depictions of Plutus in Greek mythology comes from the play "Plutus" by the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes. In this comedic play, Plutus is portrayed as a blind beggar who is accompanied by Chremylos, a mortal man who helps guide him through the streets. The play is a satirical commentary on the nature of wealth and the pursuit of fortune, with Plutus ultimately regaining his sight and using his powers to bring prosperity to those who are truly deserving.

The myth of Plutus also has connections to the broader themes of fate and divine intervention in Greek mythology. The idea that Zeus blinded Plutus as a punishment for his indiscriminate distribution of wealth speaks to the concept of divine retribution and the consequences of defying the will of the gods. It also raises questions about the nature of free will and the extent to which mortals are able to control their own destinies.

In addition to his role in mythology, Plutus has also left a lasting legacy in the realm of language and literature. The word "plutocracy," which refers to a society governed by the wealthy, is derived from the name Plutus. This linguistic connection serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of ancient mythology on modern culture and language.

Overall, the myth of Plutus offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of wealth and fortune in Greek mythology. From the tragic circumstances of his birth to the symbolic significance of his blindness, Plutus remains a figure of enduring fascination and intrigue. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale about the arbitrary nature of wealth or a reminder of the complexities of fate and divine intervention, the myth of Plutus continues to capture the imagination of scholars and storytellers alike.

Thank you for watching!
Subscribe to the channel, comment, like!

#myth #vis b4be