Download introduction to greek mythology

INTRODUCTION TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY
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. They are the best guides to
Greek 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.