The Greek gods resembled humans in form and showed human feelings. The Greek Civilization, so rich in its historic background and so ancient in its origin, affected much of the religions to follow including Christianity. Though Shakespeare was not under the immediate influence of European, in particular Greek culture, his religion was. Thus, European influence still constitutes a driving force nonetheless. The Christian God does not assume the shape of man but his messenger and his son, Jesus Christ does. Through them, he does exhibit the entire spectrum of human emotions, from love to anger, from care to the realization that punishment is due.

    On Olympus, the gods formed a society that ranked them in terms of authority and powers. In a similar way, Shakespeare and his society believed that good and evil vary in degree and rank. That messengers of each of the conflicting ideals are answerable to greater powers that govern their action. In Macbeth, the witches and evil spirits are faithful servants of Hecate and Duncan, only answerable to the god who governs the natural realm of earth from evil seeking to intrude.

    Zeus was believed to be the head of the gods and the spiritual father of the other gods and people. The omnipotent God of Christianity commands the same respect and honour. Though unlike Greek mythology where Zeus is flanked by other gods, the Lord in Christianity is served by angels. He was viewed as the caring father who nourishes those who pay faithful homage, holding him in his rightful honour. He protects and shields the people, bestowing spiritual enlightenment and strength on all believers.

    Greek mythology reflects the weakness of humans in contrast to the great and terrifying powers of nature. Though the Lord does not materialize in front of the people, displaying his awesome power, he is believed to flawless, purged of all weaknesses physically and psychologically. He does command the powers of nature. He is the king, according to Christian doctrine, of all that is natural. He does possess the terrifying powers not that of thunder and lightning but that to punish those who sin and vitalize those who love.

    The Greeks believed that their gods, who were immortal, controlled all aspects of nature. The Christian Lord assumes the role of all the other gods’, including Zeus’s, role and power. He controls all aspects of living and of nature. The only boundaries which his power and influence fails to grasp is the castigated levels of hell, the domain of Satan.

    In general, the relations between people and the Greek gods were considered friendly. Sharing the same rapport, the Christians often believed and still do that they are in light and love of the omnipotent God. Since he was believed to be the creator of man and that though some men do rebel against his cause he is always willing to forgive, if one is ready to confess one’s sins. Does not this too constitute friendly, amiable and respected ties between God and his people on earth?

    In Greek Mythology, the gods delivered severe punishment to mortals who showed unacceptable behavior, such as indulgent pride, extreme ambition, or even excessive prosperity. Notice that in Macbeth, Macbeth is punished for his extreme ambition. The ambition that impels him to create sacrilegious sins of murder and lies. He is ‘lion-mettle, proud and [took] no care’ and deserves the retribution endowed upon him as the play draws to a close.

    People who believed in Roman Mythology had the conviction that all natural objects had spirits, and that certain objects, or fetishes, had special magical powers. Shakespeare’s perspective was more swayed towards condemning spirits as manifestations of evil. He believed that the ‘spirits of the night’ and of the dead were servants doing the bidding of evil. Nonetheless, he did believed in spirits and that certain objects had magical powers, some good and others diabolical. His view, does not detract the believes of Roman Mythology from affecting English literature and religious believes at all.
 
    Even though the earlier rituals regarding Roman Mythology had had little to do with morality, it had promoted piety and religious discipline. Shakespeare shares this view that religion should not and must not be compromised for whatever individual reason and motives. He and his society believed in upholding the Lord’s grace at all times and though, Roman Mythology reflected little of morality, it does exhibit certain virtues which they believe in such as filial piety not only to your parents on earth but your father in the heavens, God.

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