Download Mythology notes (Greek and Egyptian)

Mythology 1/4
Myth- stories
Ology- study or theory
Mythology- the study of cultural stories
Myths- stories about supernatural beings passed down by word of mouth.
Myths explain:
Nature (where did the earth come from?)
Man (where did man come from?)
The gods (How many? What do they do?)
Modern references to ancient mythology:
Avertising: “Ajax” soap, “Nike” shoes, “Apollo” shuttles
Language: “Martial” Mars, “Museum” Muses, “Janitor” Janos.
Greek Mythology 1/5
Ancient Greeks valued:
-Loyalty
-Intelligence
-Purity
-Glory
-Hospitality
-Strength
-Beauty
*Major gods and goddesses inherited these traits*
Zeus- King of gods, weather god, keeper of oaths, patron of hospitality.
-Married to Hera, goddess of marriage
-Father of many.
Athena- goddess of wisdom and war, patron of craftsmen.
-Daughter of Zeus
-Never married
Poseidon- god of the sea, god of horses, creator of earthquakes.
-Second in strength to his brother, Zeus
-Known for his temper and greed.
Aphrodite- goddess of love, beauty, and procreation.
-born from the sea
-mother of many.
Egyptian Mythology 1/6
Ancient Egyptians valued:
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Respect
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Balance
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Family
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Love
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Country
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Justice
Just like in Greek mythology, these values are shown in their gods.
Ra/Re- god of the sun
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Had 5 children (including the rain and wind deities)
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Was viewed as a creator god.
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Was Patron of the Pharaoh.
Hathor- goddess of love, beauty, music, and fertility
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Daughter of Ra
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Her “evil side” is called Sekhmet (goddess of fire and war)
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Has the power to bring laughter
Ma’at- goddess of law, morality, and justice.
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(pronounced muh-aht)
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Used her feather of truth to decide the purity of a heart before the journey into the afterlife.
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The Chief judges in ancient Egypt were called the priests of Ma’at.
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While she only had one temple, she was worshipped in ALL Egyptian temples.
Osiris- god of life, death, rebirth, and Nile floods
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Was killed by his brother, but brought back to life. He is shown as being green to represent rebirth.
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Egyptians viewed him as a gentle, wise king who brought them law and order.
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Many images represent him as a mummified pharaoh.