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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