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Expert’s Corner:
Greek Mythology
Introduction
Greek mythology is the study of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks,
regarding their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their
own rich culture. “It was a part of the religion in ancient Greece and is part of religion in modern
Greece and around the world, known as Hellenismos. Modern scholars refer to and study the
myths in an attempt to shed light on the religious and political institutions of Ancient Greece and
its civilization, and to gain understanding of the nature of myth-making itself.”
The Ancient Greek culture has been kept alive by the oral and written stories handed down
from generation to generation for thousands of years. Greek mythology is full of marvelous and
fantastic stories of gods, heroes, monsters, hunts, and impossible quests. These stories were
retold with variations by poets, playwrights, and painters. At the center of Greek mythology is
the pantheon of deities who were said to live on Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in
Greece. From their post, they ruled every aspect of human life. Olympian gods and goddesses
looked like men and women but had to power to change themselves into animals and other things
and were as many myths reported vulnerable to human weaknesses and passions.
I. Annotated Bibliography
a. D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, Ingri d'Aulaire, Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
No education is complete without a large slice of Greek mythology. And there's no better way of
meeting that literary quota than with the D'Aulaires' book. All the great gods and goddesses of
ancient Greece are depicted in this big, beautiful classic, lovingly illustrated and skillfully told.
Young readers will be dazzled by mighty Zeus, lord of the universe; stirred by elegant Athena,
goddess of wisdom; intimidated by powerful Hera, queen of Olympus; and chilled by moody
Poseidon, ruler of the sea. These often impetuous immortals flounce and frolic, get indiscreet,
and get even. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds, their actions cover the range of godly--and
mortal--personalities.
b. Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters,
Donna Jo Napoli, Christina Balit
The new National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology offers timeless stories of Greek
myths in a beautiful new volume. Brought to life with lyrical text by award-winning author
Donna Jo Napoli and stunning artwork by award-winning illustrator Christina Balit, the tales of
gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Athena and heroes and monsters such
as Helen of Troy, Perseus, and Medusa will fascinate and engage children’s imaginations.
c. The Complete World of Greek Mythology, Richard Buxton
Complemented by lavish illustrations, genealogical tables, box features, and specially
commissioned drawings, this will be an essential book for anyone interested in these classic tales
and in the world of the ancient Greeks.
d. 100 Characters from Classical Mythology: Discover the Fascinating Stories of the Greek
and Roman Deities, Malcolm Day
This entertaining and mind-expanding book charts 100 of the most prominent characters from
Greco-Roman mythology, including the primordial deities, the great gods of Olympus, and the
shadowy inhabitants of Hades. Addressing universal themes such as love, jealousy, anger,
ambition, deceit, and beauty, the stories told here make fascinating reading while they add
significance to countless classical references in our civilization's literature and art.
e. Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, Bernard Evslin
B001HCUY4W
According to the publisher, this book displays giants and ogres of indescribable horror the
heavens hold omnipotent gods and goddesses, abounding in courage, strength and wisdom.
(For a more in depth description, pricing, and or reviews on these tiles, visit Amazon.com)
II. Annotated “Webography”
a. Introduction to Greek Mythology Sixth Grade Language Arts by Mrs. Hufine
http://www.schools.manatee.k12.fl.us/webdisk/652JHUFFINE/c__documents_and_settings_huff
inej_my_documents_microsoft_powerpoint_-_introduction_to_greek_mythology.pdf
This is detailed power point presentation introducing the topic in a way that every student can
grasp. The author used popular television series such as “Heroes” as a reference and background
knowledge to spark the students’ interest.
b. Greek Mythology
http://www.greekmythology.com/
This website has varies links, from Gods to Titans, from movies to classic literature. It has “The
Principal Gods Family Tree” with active links for those that want to learn more about these
interesting mythical personas.
c. Greek Mythology for Kids
http://greece.mrdonn.org/myths.html
This webpage is geared towards our younger Greek Mythology aficionados. This website
incorporates games, and links to text that is streamlined for younger readers.
d. History
http://www.history.com/topics/greek-mythology
This site will enchant the visual learners. I particularly love watching videos and movies about
this topic. History has a vast wealth of information about Greek Mythology
e. Greek Mythology Webquest
http://www.fairfieldschools.org/Rogerludlowe/crogerludlowe03/webquests/mythweb/
Great site for both teachers and students; it has separate columns for individual research and
group research. This website has all the basics to get you started on Greek Mythology thematic
unit.
f. Theoi Greek Mythology, Exploring Mythology in Classical Literature and Art
http://www.theoi.com/
“This site explores Greek mythology and the gods in classical literature and art. The aim of the
project is to provide a comprehensive, free reference guide to the gods (theoi), spirits
(daimones), fabulous creatures (theres) and heroes of ancient Greek mythology and religion.”
III. Annotated Visual Library (images and videos)
1. “Greek Mythology: Zeus the Olympian”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg_FWUSA18o
“Greek Mythology: Zeus the Olympian” is a History Channel documentary available for free on
youtube. This documentary narrates the story of Zeus the most powerful of the gods (God of the
sky and ruler of the Olympian gods). No Greek Mythology study or unit is complete without
him. History channel offers many more documentaries based on Greek Mythology.
2. Clash of the Titans (2010 film)
“Perseus, mortal son of Zeus, battles the minions of the underworld to stop them from
conquering the Earth and the heavens.’’ Features the well-known creature Medusa. This film is
very entertaining, rent it on Amazon or Netflix.
3. Wrath of the Titans (2012)
“Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares,
and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world.” This is the sequel to Clash of
the Titans.
4. Ancient Greek Picture Gallery
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/religionmyth/ig/Greek-Mythology/index.01.htm
Enjoy the most popular stories with this visual representation.
5. Free Video Clips & Movies “Ancient Greek Gods”
http://videoclips.mrdonn.org/greekgods.html
This site offers animated videos, pictures and games. It is also very simple to navigate with links
to popular titles right on the homepage.