Religion in the Olympics
The Olympics were a religious event, held in honour of Zeus. The location of the Olympic Games was a religious sanctuary dedicated to Zeus named Olympia. Olympia was named after Mt. Olympus which in Greek mythology was the home of the Greek gods and goddesses. The gods and goddesses were very important to the Greeks. The society aspired to be 'godlike' and the closest that any mortal could get to being 'godlike' was to win an event at the Olympic games. The athlete who won an event would be praised and would never have to work another day in their life.
ORIGIN
There are two Ancient Greek myths explaining the origin of the Olympic games. Both involve performance to impress and to honour the Greek god Zeus.
The earliest myths regarding the origin of the games are recounted by the Greek historian, Pausanias. According to the story, the dactyl Herakles (not the son of Zeus) and four of his brothers, Paeonaeus, Epimedes, Iasius and Idas, raced at Olympia to entertain the newborn Zeus. The baby Zeus crowned the victor with an olive tree wreath. The other Olympian gods would also violently engage in wrestling, and aggressive running contests.
The other myth, claims the origin of the Olympic involved Pelops, king of Olympia and Herakles, the son of Zeus. The story goes that after completing work, Herakles created an athletic festival to honor his father. Pelops, using trickery, and the help of Poseidon, won a chariot race against a local king and claimed the king's daughter.
The earliest myths regarding the origin of the games are recounted by the Greek historian, Pausanias. According to the story, the dactyl Herakles (not the son of Zeus) and four of his brothers, Paeonaeus, Epimedes, Iasius and Idas, raced at Olympia to entertain the newborn Zeus. The baby Zeus crowned the victor with an olive tree wreath. The other Olympian gods would also violently engage in wrestling, and aggressive running contests.
The other myth, claims the origin of the Olympic involved Pelops, king of Olympia and Herakles, the son of Zeus. The story goes that after completing work, Herakles created an athletic festival to honor his father. Pelops, using trickery, and the help of Poseidon, won a chariot race against a local king and claimed the king's daughter.
Violent Sacrifices
Throughout the entirety of the Olympic games an outstanding amount sacrifices were made to the gods. For example one black lamb was slaughtered in front of the crowd on the first day to mark the beginning of the games. There is also the Great Sacrifice to Zeus. The Great Sacrifice to Zeus was the slaughtering of one hundred oxen on the morning of the middle day of the games. They were burned on the Great Alter of Zeus, the smoke was believed to provide the gods sustenance. In addition to the black lamb and one hundred oxen there were many other 'minor' sacrifices throughout the games by athletes, spectators and priests. The inflated amount of sacrifices raises concerns. Were many of the sacrifices made for pure enjoyment only? Had the Olympics become an excuse for violent behaviour towards animals as well as people?