Download INTRODUCTION TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO
GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Study guide: pp.13-23
What is Greek mythology?
• Greek Mythology is the body of
myths and legends belonging to
the ancient Greeks concerning
their gods and heroes, the nature
of the world, and
the origins and
significance of
their own cult and
ritual practices.
What is the difference between primitive
and classical mythology?
Greek and Roman mythology would be considered as classical mythology as it is viewed
as more organized and can be more rational. Primitive mythology is seen as more basic
explanations of the unknown, lacking the in depth structure and detailed
storylines/epics.
How are the Greeks gods different
from Egyptian or Mesopotamian gods?
• The biggest difference would be that Egyptian and
Mesopotamian gods are primitive so they made gods in
whatever forms they liked.
• However the Greek gods were
made in man’s image and they
were companionable,
incomparably lovelier and more
powerful, and not to mention
immortal. Also they acted in a
way no decent man/woman would,
so they were created perfect by man.
What is “the miracle” of Greek Mythology?
• The miracle of Greek
mythology would be a
humanized world, where
men were freed from the
paralyzing fear of an
omnipotent unknown.
What are the “dark spots” referred
to by Edith Hamilton?
• The “Dark Spots” are basically
characteristics of the gods that
make them not god-like (Cruel,
inhumane, and otherwise acting
worse or seeming less impressive
than some mortal creatures).
• “The change came slowly and
was quite never completed…”
How does she define mythology?
• She defines
mythology as man’s
first science, trying
to explain the
world around
them.
What is her explanation for differing
views of the same gods?
• She explained the gods would change based on what
the PEOPLE needed/saw or what life demanded of
them. So in tough times they would configure certain
gods to suit their needs/wants.
Best-known writers of Greek and
Roman mythology
• Ovid- His poetry influenced
European art and literature
and remains as one of the
most important sources of
classical poetry.
• Homer- Author of the Iliad
and the Odyssey, and is
reversed as the greatest
ancient Greek epic poet.
Continued
• Hesiod- Was a poor farmer and the first man in Greece to wander about
creation/world.
• Pindar- Greatest lyric poet, every one of his poems, myths are told or alluded to.
• Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides- All tragic poets, Aeschylus was the oldest and
Euripides was the youngest. Famous play came from Sophocles, Oedipus Rex.
• Aristophanes- Great writer of comedy.
• Plato- Famous philosopher .
• Virgil- Found human nature in the myths and he brought mythological personages
to life as no one had since the tragedians.
• These writes are the best guides who believed in what they wrote.
Pictures