Inspired by religion discussion on Main

[pippin_999]

> 
> Alla:
> 
> Yes, he is the only one who fits to me too, even if not very directly. The gist is that he suffered horribly (and much longer than Jesus) because he wanted to help people, so I can now at least think of one example.
>

Pippin:
Nobody seems to have mentioned Pollux, who gives up part of his immortality to his mortal half-brother Castor. That's definitely a loving sacrifice, though it only benefits one person. There's also Alcestis. The Fates are tricked into allowing her husband King Admetus to escape death, provided someone else is willing to die for him. Contrary to the King's expectations, only his beloved wife agrees. Alcestis dies, leaving her husband bereft and her children motherless, but her shade is brought back by Heracles, who has inadvertently behaved offensively and wishes to make amends. 

The Greeks didn't have the concept of sin. Impiety and hubris would draw down the wrath of the gods, to be sure, but there wasn't the sense that men knew they ought to be pious and humble, but were tempted otherwise.  So while the Greeks had the concept of one person dying to save another out of love, they wouldn't perceive a need to save people from sin at all.


Pippin