Download Greek Gods basic intro and olympians

Greek
Mythology
What is Mythology?
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Long ago, people had a hard time explaining
what was happening around them.
There were no scientists or teachers to
explain why things happened - like why we
have 4 seasons, for example.
They made up their own stories to explain why
and how things worked.
These stories are called MYTHS.
Types of Myths
Explanatory Myths:
Myths that answer natural questions about
natural objects.
 Aesthetic Myths:
Myths that have no purpose except to
entertain.
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Why Study Mythology?
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We study mythology
because it is the
religion, the science,
and the literature of
people from the past.
A Creation Myth
Greek gods - Family Tree
ZEUS: King of the gods and the sky
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Roman name:
Jupiter
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Symbol:
Thunder bolts
Poseidon: god of the oceans
Zeus’ brother
 Roman Name:
Neptune
 Symbol: Trident
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HADES: god of the
underworld
Brother of Zeus
and Poseidon
 Roman Name:
Pluto
 Symbol: Invisible
Helmet
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HERA: Queen of the gods
Wife of Zeus
 Roman Name:
Juno
 Symbol: Golden
Crown
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HESTIA: goddess of home and hearth
Zeus’ virgin sister
 Roman Name:
Vesta
 Symbol: Hearth,
Sacred Fire
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DEMETER: goddess of grain and harvest
Responsible for the
creation of seasons
 Also known for
fertility
 Roman Name: Ceres
 Symbol: Rake, wheat
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ATHENA: goddess of wisdom and
law
Daughter of Zeus
 Roman Name:
Minerva
 Symbol: Armor and
an Owl
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APOLLO: god of the sun
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Son of Zeus, twin brother of Artemis
Roman Name: Helios
Symbol: Golden Chariot and Harp
ARTEMIS: goddess of the hunt and
moon
Daughter of Zeus
and twin sister of
Apollo
 Roman Name: Diana
 Symbol: Silver bow
and arrow
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APHRODITE: goddess of Beauty and
Love

Married
HEPHAESTUS
Roman Name: Venus
 Symbol: Roses and
Doves, clamshells
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ARES: god of War
Son of Zeus and
Hera
 Roman Name: Mars
 Symbol: Sword and
Spear
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HEPHAESTUS: god of fire and
forge
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Son of Hera
Fatherless
Roman Name: Vulcan
Symbol: Anvil and Hammer
HERMES: Messenger of the gods
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Son of Zeus
Responsible for guiding
souls to the underworld
Roman Name: Mercury
Symbol: Winged
Sandals & Helmet