Greek Mythology: The Gods Descend to Judge Humanity's Morality
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In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus and Hermes transformed themselves into wanderers to explore the world and observe both good and evil. One night, they arrived at a village. Zeus directed Hermes to knock on doors, so Hermes went to a wealthy-looking home. However, when the family inside recognized them as wanderers, they not only refused to let them in but also set their vicious dog on them to chase them away.
Despite the villagers' hostility, the two gods still hoped to enlighten them. They knocked on many doors, seeking shelter and food. Yet, each time a villager opened the door and saw their ragged appearance, they shut the door before the gods could speak. This continued until they reached a humble little hut.
This hut, the last house in the village they hadn't visited, belonged to Baucis and her elderly husband, Philemon. The couple was poor but content, living in harmony with the world. They faced their hardships with a positive attitude, never complaining and always expressing gratitude toward the gods. When the two gods, disguised as wanderers, arrived at their home, the couple's reaction was completely different from that of the other villagers. The couple welcomed them with smiles and treated them as honored guests, immediately preparing a meal. They lit a fire, brought out a cabbage, and roasted a piece of long-stored salted pork over the flames.
The gods were deeply moved by the couple's kindness, despite their modest home showing signs of wear. The couple's heartfelt hospitality toward seemingly destitute wanderers touched the hearts of Zeus and Hermes. They revealed their true identities: "We are deities," Zeus declared. "You will be spared from misfortune, while your neighbors will face punishment for their wickedness. Come with us!"
As they neared the mountaintop, Baucis and Philemon looked back to see that the entire village had been submerged by a massive flood. Because of their kindness, the couple was not only saved from disaster by the gods in life, but after their passing, they also avoided the sufferings of the mortal world, standing side by side before the temple of Zeus.
Why do both Eastern and Western ancient myths include stories of the wicked being punished and the virtuous being saved by the gods? In the era when these myths were created, it seems unlikely there was much cultural exchange between the far-off lands of Greece and China. Yet, from these legends, we see that, regardless of Eastern or Western origins, people have always believed in the existence of gods and the principle of retribution for good and evil: the wicked will be eliminated by the gods, and the virtuous will be saved.