Mythology

A myth always has . . .

• A main character• A god or goddess• A moral lesson to be learned

They . . .• Often explain how something

came to be or was first created

All myths have a main character

In literature, the main character is called

the protagonist.

Hero

Heroine

Ancient Greek & Roman myths

sometimes told great adventures where the main character/hero went on a quest (journey) which

challenged them to do tasks and prove themselves.

Their heroes often had uncommon strength, bravery, or cleverness.

Heroes

Heroes can have great

- but human - abilities

The ancient Greeks and Romans were not the only cultures to write myths.

Cultures around

the world have

mythsViking

Indian

Mesopotamian

Sometimes the protagonist was a model of good or

noble behavior for people long ago.

All myths have a god or goddess

Sometimes a god or goddess helps the protagonist of the story

The Immortals

The gods and goddesses are often jealous or angry or otherwise act in very human ways. But they also have

abilities or powers that humans lack.

Myths have a character with whom the main character will argue or battle. This character adds to the conflict of the story.

They can be a creature or one of the gods themselves.

In literature, this character is called

the antagonist.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO

“ANTAGONIZE” SOMEONE?

ANTAGONIZE

when an opponent (or someone disliked)

provokes hostility or hatred;

to make enemies

(Antagonist)

… or any monsters !

A Cyclops (Antagonist)

Some Famous Mythical Creatures

Many mythical creatures are a mixture of different

animal parts.

Griffin Hydra

Some Famous Mythical CreaturesBasilisk

Pegasus

Some Famous Mythical Creatures

Minotaur Centaur

In a myth,the conflict between the

protagonist and the antagonist often results in the explanation of an event in

nature.

Whatever part of the world they came from, most myths . . .

… taught a lesson

… explained something about the world – perhaps

how something in the world began or was created

… in ancient times explained or gave reasons for the things that the people didn’t understand . . .

… like the changing of the seasons or the changing colors of leaves or the migration of birds ….

… why night changed to day or how we got thunder and lightning …

… the creation of a rainbow or clouds or why the tide flows to and from the shore.

Mythology

Heroes & heroines Gods & goddesses Explanations & lessons (theme)

The End