Download Introduction to Greek Mythology

I.
Introduction to Greek Mythology
Background
A. Ancient Greeks and Romans needed
explanations for their surroundings. They didn’t
have scientists and books.
B. To find answers to life’s mysteries, the ancient
Greeks and Romans invented gods and
goddesses.
C. Everything that humans saw or experienced was
explained by whims or plans of these immortal
beings. For example, the sun could symbolize a
powerful god.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Myths
Definition: stories that use fantasy to express
ideas about life that cannot be expressed easily
in realist terms.
Myths are essentially religious because they are
concerned with the relationship between human
beings and the unknown or spiritual realm.
The first myths and legends were created before
writing systems were invented.
They were passed from one generation to the
next by what is called the “oral tradition”; the
stories were recited by storytellers who retained
the basic plots while adding, changing, and
often exaggerating details.
Although myths and legends appear in all
cultures, “Classical mythology” comes from
ancient Greece and Rome.
II.
The Three Functions of Ancient Greek and Roman
Myths: Science, Religion, and Entertainment
A. They explained the natural phenomena, such as
the changing of the seasons and the fertility of
the earth. (Explanatory Myth—to explain
something in nature)
B. They recounted the activities of gods and
goddesses who were worshiped devoutly.
(Explanatory Myth)
C. They provided entertainment for readers and
listeners. (Aesthetic Myth—to entertain)
III. Gods and Goddesses
A. The Greeks and Romans saw that life was much
too complicated to be controlled by only one
god.
B. They created other gods, each with a distinct
job, to take part in the affairs of everyday life.
C. They were not perfect.
D. They were often vain and short-tempered,
sometimes deceitful, and not always fair with
one another.
E. They lived on the summit of Mount Olympus in
northeastern Greece.
F. They controlled the destiny of mortals and
quarreled among themselves.
G. They could change into any creature, but they
usually took human forms.
IV. Epics
A. Definition: long narrative poems that tell of the
adventures of heroes who in some way embody
the values of their civilizations.
B. The Greeks for centuries used the Iliad and the
Odyssey in schools to teach Greek virtues.
C. Characteristics of an epic include:
1. a physically impressive hero of national or
historical importance
2. a vast setting involving not only much of
the known world but also the underworld
3. action such as a quest or journey requiring
superhuman ability and courage
4. evidence of supernatural forces
Greek Names of 12 Olympians
*You need to know the Roman names also!
Greek Name
1. Zeus
2. Hera
3. Hephaestus
4. Apollo
5. Poseidon
6. Artemis
7. Ares
8. Hades
9. Hermes
10. Hestia
11. Aphrodite
12. Athene
Roman Name
-Jupiter
-Juno
-Vulcan
-Helios
-Neptune
-Diane
-Mars
-Pluto
-Mercury
-Vesta
-Venus
-Minerva