Download Introduction to Greek Mythology Power Point

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Long ago, the Greeks and the Romans
believed in stories we now call myths.
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These stories featured gods and
goddesses who the Greeks worshipped
and prayed to; they also featured great
heroes.
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From these myths, we can learn about the
beliefs of these ancient people.
 Scientific – explained events in nature
 Literary – entertained with good storytelling
 Religious – gave meaning to life; explained
the role of gods in everyday life
Originated around 1500 B.C.
(500 years before Old Testament)
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Most often recorded in the works
of great poets
 Homer (The Illiad and the Odyssey)
 Virgil (The Aeneid)
In Greek mythology, gods “did not create the universe
. . . the universe created the gods.”
(Edith Hamilton, 24)
In the beginning, there was only chaos.
From chaos emerged:
Gaea – Mother Earth (more important)
Ouranos – Father Heaven
Gaea and Ouranos had three types of children, all monster, the
most important of which were the Titans.
The most powerful Titan was Cronus (time).
Cronus ruled with his wife/sister Rhea . . . .
Until their son, Zeus, overthrew his father and conquered
the Titans – becoming the supreme ruler of the universe.
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The 12 great gods (who defeated
the Titans) were ruled by Zeus
and lived on Mt. Olympus
These 12 were known as the
Olympians (Olympic games were
in their honor)
Mt. Olympus was a great
mountain in Greece (not heaven).
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Zeus
Hades
Neptune
Hera
Athena
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They had human emotions and weaknesses
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They were immortal with supernatural powers
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However, they were also vulnerable and could
be hurt
Polytheistic (many gods)
vs.
Monotheistic (one God)
After centuries, Christianity eventually
replaced this “pagan” belief system as a
form of religion. Myths are still shared for
entertainment and education.
Often these heroes were demigods – half human; half god.
 Hercules
 Achilles
 Odysseus
 Perseus
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Cyclops
Pegasus
Cerberus
Centaur
Chimera
Minotaur
Gorgons
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Mythology has influenced our modern world.
 Products
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Movies
 Troy
 Hercules
 Clash of the Titans
 Harry Potter
 The Lightning Thief
 Pirates of the Caribbean
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Psychology Oedipus Complex
 Narcissus (Narcissism-excessive love for yourself)
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Names Planets (Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus) and
constellations (Pisces, Orion)
 Words- “atlas,” “titanic,” “midas touch,” “panic”
This week you will read a couple of
passage and watch a couple of movie
excerpts to refresh and renew your
knowledge of myths! You will be
quizzed!
May the goddess of wisdom and
battle be with you!