Download Section 3 Greek Mythology and Literature

Grade 9 SS
Sec 3 Greek Mythology and Literature
Ancient Greeks
The Greeks lived at a time long before the development of modern science.
Today we can explain events of nature but to the Greeks, they seemed like the work of powerful gods.
Myths Explained the World
1. What is Greek Mythology?
2. Ancient Greeks believed gods caused natural events like thunderstorms, earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions – they created myths to explain the god’s actions. Identify the
following major gods and goddesses by role:
a. Zeus
b. Hera
c. Poseidon
d. Hades
e. Athena
f. Apollo
g. Ares
h. Aphrodite
i. Hermes
Grade 9 SS
Sec 3 Greek Mythology and Literature
Ancient Greeks
3. Gods and Mythology
The Greeks created myths explaining how the gods were responsible for natural events.
Summarize the two myths explaining the following
a. Volcanic Eruptions and Hephaetus (god of metalworking)
b. The Seasons and Demeter (goddess of agriculture)
4. Heroes and Mythology
Greek heroes had great adventures retold in famous myths. Research and
Identify each of the following Greek Heroes by summarizing their adventure.
a. Theseus and the Minotaur
b. Jason and the Golden Fleece
c. Hercules and the Hydra
Grade 9 SS
Sec 3 Greek Mythology and Literature
Ancient Greeks
5. The Olympic Games (Read “Let the Games Begin”)
Compare and Contrast the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games
Compare (Similarities)
Contrast (Differences)
Ancient Greek Literature
1. Homer and Epic Poetry
The Greek Homer (800-700’s BC) is considered the greatest poet of the ancient world
-even though modern historians cannot prove he ever lived -his two epic poems are
among the greatest literary works ever produced!
.
Summarize Homer’s two famous epic poems noting the heros and events.
See also The Epic Poetry of Homer page 250-251 for readings.
– the Illiad
the Odyssey
Grade 9 SS
Sec 3 Greek Mythology and Literature
Ancient Greeks
2. Lyric Poetry
a. Explain how the words of modern songs have taken on the name “lyrics” from
these ancient poems.
b. Who was Sappho ?
3. Fables
a. What are Fables?
b. Who was Aesop?
c. Name three of Aesop’s Fables.
Grade 9 SS
Sec 3 Greek Mythology and Literature
Ancient Greeks
Greek Literature Lives
1. Language
Give five examples of how Ancient Greeks have influenced our modern language.
2. Literature and the Arts
Give examples of how Ancient Greeks continue to influence modern times in
regards to:
Movies
Sports teams