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GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Myth:
A story of unknown authorship that people told a long time ago in an attempt to answer serious questions about how
important things began and occurred. Myths generally involve nature and the adventures of gods/goddesses and
heroes. The stories that we know as “Greek myths” were most likely told beginning in 700 BC over a wide and
historically fluctuating area, by no means coincident with the territory labeled “Greece” on modern maps.
Purpose of Myth:
1. Provided answers to the great philosophical questions such as
 how the universe came into being,
 the nature of the forces operating within it, and
 the origins of the first people and of the human community.
2. Offered guidance on personal behavior, social rules and what might happen in the afterlife.
3. Provided the mental foundations of understanding and belief on which individuals could build their lives.
Elements of a Myth:
Phenomenon: anything that is extremely unusual; an extraordinary occurrence
Plot: the plan of action in the myth
Conflict: In a myth, conflict is the struggle that grows out of opposing forces between characters and events. A
conflict helps to create suspense in a story.
Metamorphosis: to change form, shape, structure, or substance; a complete change of appearance or
condition
Hero:
More often than not, the subject of Greek myths is heroic. The role of the hero is mapped out in such recurring themes
as the separation from the mother, the overcoming of obstacles, and the finding and supplanting of the father.
Gods & Goddesses:
The gods were differentiated from heroes not so much by their strength as by their supernatural power. They demanded
worship from heroes and people alike and, in return, were able to perform miracles, offer supernatural protection, or
give magical gifts. These supernatural beings often disagreed with each other, which caused either unfortunate
circumstances for the mortal or horrendous weather conditions.
The Olympians:
The Olympians are the twelve Gods of Mount Olympus which is located in the northern central part of Greece. These
Gods (Goddesses) include: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Athena,
Apollo, Artemis, and Hestia. In addition to these twelve Olympian deities are Hades, who ruled the Underground
realms with his queen, Persephone, and Hecate, who lived with them. Hestia, goddess of the home and hearth, was
replaced by Dionysus in the fifth century BCE.
This mountain was believed to be the highest point on Earth and sacred throughout ancient times. The Gods that ruled
Mount Olympus also ruled the lives of all mankind. Each and every single God (or Goddess) had their own character
and domain. Gods in mythology were very human like. They had the strengths and weaknesses of mortals (as we know
them today). They were truly made to represent each and every side of human nature. They supported justice, as seen
by their own point of view.
Gods even had children with mortals, which resulted in semi-gods such as Hercules. The most amazing observation is
how the Gods expressed human nature in its complete form. Strength, fear, unfaithfulness, love admiration, beauty,
hunting, farming, education, there was a God for every human activity and expression. These Gods weren’t just ideal
figures; they were beings with their own limitations. They expressed anger, jealousy and joy, just like us. Each God
ruled his own realm. The only truly omnipotent God was Zeus, who ruled all!