Thomas Mann alludes to Greek mythology in his story Death in Venice. One of the Greek mythological themes alluded to in Death in Venice is the fight known as Apollonian against Dionysius. Thomas Mann was greatly influenced by the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and his teachings on the Apollonian struggle against Dionysius. According to Nietzsche's teachings each individual contains characteristics of both Greek gods and the two are always in an internal struggle to dominate the personality of said individual. Without achieving an adequate balance between the two parts, it will never be possible to master the truly great art (Keis). Readers of Death in Venice witness the struggle between Apollonian and Dionysius that takes place within the story's protagonist, Gustav von Aschenbach. Apollo is known as the Greek god of light and order. Apollonian characteristics include reason, control, and clarity. (Taylor). These characteristics are often associated with 19th century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer's principle of individuation in that "all kinds of form or structure are Apollonian, since form serves to define or individualize what is formed" (Keis). Sculpture is the most Apollonian of the arts as it relies on form for its effect. Apollonian characteristics are used to minimize unnecessary suffering caused by the body's natural desires (Kreis). Gustav von Aschenbach is introduced to us as the protagonist of Death in Venice. As we have already said, it becomes very clear that Aschenbach is a very disciplined and rational man, possessing most of the Apollonian characteristics: “At forty, at fifty, even at an age when others waste and walk away, content with put their big plans aside for the time being. .....middle of paper ......born by Tadzio, his moral standards collapse and he is a slave to beauty and desire. Since Aschenbach never found a balance between Apollonian and Dionysian characteristics, he undergoes a complete transformation from one extreme to the other. It is this transformation that ultimately leads Aschenbach to his unfortunate death. Works Cited Kreis, Steven. “Nietzsche, Dionysus and Apollo”. The history guide. May 13, 2004. March 18, 2009. .Mann, Tommaso. Death in Venice. Trans. Clayton Koelb. New York: W. W. Norton, 1994. Taylor, Nancy. “Apollonian vs. Dionysian". California State University. March 18, 2009..Thro, Michael. “Apollo against Dionysus”. November 2, 1996. March 19 2009..