Introduction to Mythology Background of Greek Mythology

Why study mythology?

Myths symbolize human experience and embody the spiritual values of a culture.

Myths are an important way to understand ourselves and our connection to other people at a time when the welfare of each culture depends on the attitudes and actions of other cultures.

Although most of the myths were created by people who lived in societies that were much less complex than our own, they address fundamental questions that each thinking person continues to ask:

Who am I? What is the nature of the universe in which I live? How much control do I have over my own life? What must I do in order to survive? How can I lead a satisfying life? How can I balance my own desires with my responsibilities to my family and my community? How can I reconcile myself to the inevitability of death?

Purpose of Myths

A myth’s serious purpose is to either: To explain the nature of the universe; To instruct the members of the community in the attitudes and behavior necessary to function successfully in that particular culture.

On the other hand, some cultures are interested in the creation The Heroic myths and epics of a society teach its members the appropriate attitudes, behavior and values of that culture.

Characteristics of Mythology

Myths usually originate in an ancient oral tradition. Some explain origins, natural phenomena, and death.

Others describe the nature and function of divinities; while still others provide models of virtuous behavior by relating the adventures of heroes or the misfortunes of arrogant humans.

Many myths believe in one or more divine powers who create life and control the direction of the universe.

The hero myths examine the relationship between the individual’s desires and his responsibilities to the society. Often the choice is crucial but uncomplicated: whether or not to risk death to save the community. In spite of their extraordinary abilities no hero is perfect.

Introduction: Greek Art and Literature

The Greeks are recognized as an exceptional people because of their attainments in literature, sculpture, architecture and philosophy. No epic poet to compare with Homer, no lyric poet to equal Pindar; no prose aside from the Bible, more poetic than that Plato.

Of the 4 great tragic poets the world has produced, 3 are Greek; the fourth is Shakespeare. The history of Greek literature is divided into three periods: Pre- Homeric Age and Homeric Age, Athenian Period and the Period of Decline.

The Greeks made their gods in their own image. Greek artists and poets realized how splendid a man could be, straight and swift and strong.

Man was the fulfillment of their search for beauty. The Greeks had no wish to create some fantasy shaped in their own minds.

Between deities and humans there were many differences. The first was that the deities never suffered from old age or death. The deities was based not so much on their goodness as on the feeling of deep respect for their incorruptible beauty and unfailing strength.

The Greeks asked their deities for help in routine prayers and they asked advice and counsel through omens. The Greeks had shrines, called oracles, where the priests and priestesses interpreted the words of the deities to the people who came to pray for help.

Role of the Greek Gods The Greek gods are ageless & immortal, can possess great knowledge of the future, and are influenced by the pleas of one another & prayer of mortals.

They do not give nor have any moral codes. They are not all-powerful; thus, mortals can be dignified, morally responsible, and important.

The Greeks believed that their gods and goddesses played an active role in the affairs of human beings. Although people are the actual combatants of the war, the gods take sides in the conflict and have a profound effect on its outcome.

The Greek gods are not all powerful. However, the gods may participate in their lives by giving advice, by supplying thoughts and ideas, strength, skill, courage and determination, by causing weapons to hit or miss their mark. They may appear as their divine selves or they may disguise themselves, depending on the purpose they have in mind.

The Greek gods clearly have their favorites among mortals and make an effort to help them. However, a mortal must earn divine esteem and goodwill by the way he treats both the gods and other mortals. Their help enhances the heroic stature of those warriors who receive it. The Greek gods do not change a mortals personality or fate.