An Introduction

What are the purposes of a Myth?Explain natural phenomenaTeach people moralsExplain the worldExplain a historical eventExplain a religious practiceReveal the common hopes and fears of

mankind

What are the characteristics of a myth?

Man’s early desire to explain the universeA metamorphosis might occurFocus on the adventures of a god, goddess,

or heroSuper human in nature (Atlas)Sometimes appear in disguised forms (Zeus)Gods and goddesses experience human

emotion (Hera)Magic (Athena)

What is Greek Mythology?People of ancient Greece shared stories called

Myths

Each myth was about gods, goddesses, and heroes in which they believed

Each god or goddess was worshiped as a deity and ruled over a specific aspect of the Greeks’ lives

The myths were exciting and action packed. They explained the natural phenomena that the Greeks could not explain.

What is Greek Mythology? Cont.Many of the myths focused on the

happenings of the Earth and the sky.

Also used to guide people’s behaviors

How did Greek Mythology Come to be?As people from different villages met they

combined their knowledge and rituals into one belief system.

Those who lived in ancient Greece and the surrounding areas believed that the Olympians ruled the universe.

The Greek gods were the children of the Titans who early societies believed created the Earth.

Mythology in Daily LifeThe Greeks built extravagant temples to honor

the gods and named cities after them (Athens)

Myths explained how mortals could interact with the gods and explained what would happen if they displeased the gods

Believed that being in the gods favor provided them with good health, harvest, and weather

Just MythsEventually, as people learned more about the

world around them, they realized the myths were not real.

Remained popular because of well-written talesTales about the heroism of the virtuousTales about the bad luck that followed the

deceitful

Why do we Study Greek Mythology?

Offer us a glimpse into day to day life of the ancient Greeks

Some are based on events in history (Trojan War)

Influenced western society in art, literature, and even the naming of the stars

The myths are entertaining

Where do we see Greek Mythology in present day?

Nike (the goddess of victory) Ajax cleaner (Greek hero)The Olympics (Mt. Olympus)Midas (the Midas touch)Medical field symbol (Hermes)Achilles tendonSiren (sirens)The Apollo TheaterThe Apollo Shuttle The Titanic (titans)