Download Greek Mythology and Literature

Name_________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 8: Ancient Greece Section 3: Greek Mythology and Literature Big Idea The ancient Greeks created great myths and works of literature that influence the way we speak and write today Main Ideas: 1. The Greeks created myths to explain their world 2. Ancient Greek literature provides some of the world’s greatest poems and stories 3. Greek literature lives on and influences our world even today Myths Explain the World Vocabulary
1) Mythology – body of stories about gods and heroes that try to explain how the world
works
Questions:
1) What was the purpose of telling myths?
To explain natural or historical events, to explain how the world works
2) What were some events that the Greeks believed their gods were responsible for?
Volcanic eruptions and the seasons
3) What was the purpose of the ancient Olympic Games?
To honor the gods
Ancient Greek Literature Key People:
1) Homer – A Greek poet who wrote the Illiad and the Odyssey, both of which describe the
deeds of great heroes
2) Sappho – A female lyric poet who wrote primarily about love and relationships
3) Aesop – a Greek man who wrote fables about animal characters
Vocabulary
1) Fables – short stories that teach the reader lessons about life or give advice on how to live
Questions:
1) What purpose did Homer’s Illiad and Odyssey serve for the Greeks?
They were used for entertainment and as part of their lessons
2) Why might scholars not be sure that Homer existed?
Answers vary – There are no records of his life; his poems were never written down
Reading Check: Why did the Greeks tell fables?
To give advice about life or to teach a lesson
Greek Literature Lives Question:
1) What are some modern references to Greek mythology?
Using mythical figures as team mascots or business symbols; borrowing from myths in modern
movies and books
Reading Check: How did Greek myths influence later language and art?
They contributed many stories, words, and symbols that we use today