Meaning: The quote "The higher Greek poetry did not make up fictitious plots; its business was to express the heroic saga, the myths" by Gilbert Murray, a British scholar and classical scholar, encapsulates the essence of ancient Greek poetry and its relation to mythology and storytelling. Murray, who was known for his translations of ancient Greek texts and his studies on Greek drama, provides valuable insight into the nature of Greek poetry and its connection to the myths and legends of the ancient world.

Greek poetry, particularly the works of epic poets such as Homer and Hesiod, was deeply rooted in the retelling of heroic sagas and myths. These poets drew inspiration from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, which was a fundamental aspect of ancient Greek culture and belief system. The myths, which encompassed a wide array of stories about gods, heroes, and supernatural beings, served as a source of spiritual and moral guidance for the ancient Greeks. They were also a means of understanding the world and its mysteries, as well as a reflection of the human experience and the complexities of human nature.

In the context of Murray's quote, the emphasis on the "heroic saga" and the "myths" underscores the thematic and narrative focus of Greek poetry. Rather than inventing fictional plots, Greek poets sought to channel the timeless and revered tales of heroes and gods, weaving them into poetic compositions that resonated with their audiences. The epic poems of Homer, including the Iliad and the Odyssey, are prime examples of this approach, as they center on the heroic exploits of figures such as Achilles and Odysseus within the framework of mythological narratives.

Murray's assertion that Greek poetry "did not make up fictitious plots" aligns with the tradition of oral storytelling and the preservation of cultural heritage in ancient Greece. The poets were not creating entirely new stories but rather reinterpreting and reimagining existing myths and legends, infusing them with their own artistic vision and linguistic prowess. This process of poetic re-creation allowed the myths to evolve and adapt to the changing social and cultural landscape, ensuring their enduring relevance and impact on successive generations.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the integral role of Greek poetry as a medium for the expression and preservation of mythic lore. Through the power of language and verse, poets enshrined the epic deeds of heroes and the divine machinations of the gods, perpetuating these tales as part of the collective consciousness of the Greek people. In doing so, they contributed to the cultural identity and historical memory of the civilization, fostering a sense of continuity and shared heritage through their poetic endeavors.

Murray's perspective on Greek poetry resonates with the broader understanding of the interplay between mythology and literature in ancient Greece. The myths served as a wellspring of inspiration for poets, providing them with a rich repository of themes, characters, and dramatic events to explore and elaborate upon. By embracing the heroic saga and the myths as the foundation of their poetic expression, Greek poets elevated these timeless narratives to a realm of artistic and intellectual significance, transcending mere entertainment to convey profound truths about the human condition and the cosmic order.

In conclusion, Gilbert Murray's quote encapsulates the essence of Greek poetry as a medium for conveying the heroic sagas and myths of the ancient world. By delving into the rich tapestry of mythology, Greek poets crafted enduring works that resonated with the cultural, spiritual, and moral ethos of their society. Their poetic reimagining of the mythic narratives not only enriched the literary landscape of antiquity but also contributed to the preservation and transmission of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the myths of ancient Greece.