Greek Mythology
What is mythology?
Oral Tradition: stories passed from group to group for the purpose of entertainment and enlightenment
For a time, the oral tradition was necessary for the growth, development, and maintenance of a culture, as few people could read.
Question: Does traditional storytelling, capturing some aspect of culture or society and passed from person to person orally, still have a place in our society? Why or why not? In other words, do you think storytelling is still important in 2013? How/Why?
Myth: traditional story that is rooted in a particular culture, is basically religious, and usually serves to explain a belief, a ritual, or a mysterious natural phenomenon.
Do not read myths as history *Do not read myths as history. Read for enjoyment and attempt to discover the underlying truths. *Myths describe amazing settings and incredible creatures.
The Story of Arachne Arachne was truly gifted in the art of weaving. Not only were her finished products beautiful to look at, but the very act of her weaving was a sight to behold.
She challenged Athena to a contest She challenged Athena to a contest. Arachne created a tapestry showing scenes of Zeus’ various infidelities. Athena tore up the tapestry. Arachne ran away in shame and committed suicide. Athena brought her back to life but transformed her into a spider.
Purposes of Myths: 1. Myths present guidelines for living. 2. Myths justify a culture’s activities. 3. Myths give meaning to life. 4. Myths explain the unexplainable. 5. Myths offer role models.
Mythology— a collection of stories that deals with the gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes of a group of people
These stories existed so long before science and scientific knowledge that many of the ideas seem childish to us today. For example, a myth from Greece three thousand years ago might claim a giant lived under a mountain and breathed fire. Today, we would use geology to understand how fire would spew from a mountain and call it a volcano. In the case of lightning, the ancient Greeks would explain it as Zeus, the chief Greek god, throwing lightning bolts from Olympus to the earth. Now, we understand that it is the buildup of charged particles and how they move through the atmosphere, thanks to scientific knowledge.
Mythology and You, Today Myths have survived thousands of years because they have something universal (applies to everyone, somehow) to say to each generation. They can be fantastical and entertaining.
Many myths have value because of lessons they teach Many myths have value because of lessons they teach. If you’ve watched Clash of the Titans, Wrath of the Titans, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Disney’s Hercules, or Troy, then you’ve been entertained by an idea that is over three thousand years old and has simply been recycled for a modern audience.