Greek and Roman Mythology Introduction

What is a myth? A myth is a story that ancient cultures used to explain the mysteries of the world. Examples: - How the world was created. - How certain customs began.

What is a myth? The word “myth” comes from the Greek word “mythos” meaning legend or story.

Three Types of Traditional Stories Saga – story based on a historical event. An example would be the story of the Trojan War in The Iliad and The Odyssey. Legend – a story based on a historical person or place. Folktale – an adventure. For example, the Greek tale of Perseus tells of a princess being saved by a sea monster.

Mythology had four purposes: Purpose of Mythology Mythology had four purposes: They explained the world. They were a way to explore. They provided legitimacy. They were entertaining.

They explained the world. Myths helped to explain how the world originated and developed. Myths also helped worshippers make sense of the religious rituals they practiced and how those rituals began. In addition, myths helped ancient people to explain the relationship between men and women, how cities were founded, and who the gods were.

They were a way to explore. Myths allowed people to explore the consequences of their actions. Stories of quests and tragedies helped people understand moral issues and religious obligations.

They provided legitimacy. Legitimate - well reasoned and sincere Myths helped ancient families trace their ancestry, making them legitimate by linking them to mythical ancestors.

They were entertaining. Myths were a way to entertain people. Epic tales and poems kept audiences captivated. Some public performances drew crowds of 15,000 people.

More about Greek Myths!

How did the myths get passed down? In ancient times, most myths were passed on by storytelling, or word of mouth. Ancient people heard the stories over and over again from the time they were small children until they knew them by heart.

How did the myths get passed down? They were acted out at festivals and in public performances, and women told myths to each other as they wove. Myths have also been passed down through writing, rituals, dances, acting, and art

Myths can be grouped into three different categories: Types of Myths Myths can be grouped into three different categories: Cosmic Myths Myths about gods Myths of Heroes

Cosmic Myths Cosmic Myths tell about the Earth, including the origin of the world, fires, floods and other natural disasters, as well as the afterlife. The oldest cosmic myths are from Ancient Egypt and the Near East. The Babylonians had a creation myth called Enuma elish (When on high) that dates back to the 12th century B.C

Myths about The gods Ancient people associated the Earth, objects in the sky, and features of the physical world with the gods and goddesses of their cultures. In many mythologies, there was a divine family made up of gods. Many cultures tended to have the same type of gods, but with different names and characteristics

Myths of Heroes Most mythologies also have myths about heroes. Some heroes are mortals with one divine parent and others are totally human, but have godlike characteristics.

Myths of Heroes Many myths about heroes are about the hero’s birth or a quest or journey and his or her return home. One of the most famous hero myths is the Greek story of Odysseus – a hero who has been away from home for 20 years fighting the Trojan War.