Mythology

You know more than you think! You’ve been exposed to Greek mythology your entire life! Here are some examples you might recognize:

You know more than you think!

What is a myth? A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, or heroes that serves as an explanation of aspects in the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society.* * www.dictionary.com

Explaining the world… Myths seek to explain all those unexplainable or unknowable aspects of life. Where do we go after we die? How was the world created? Why can we see our reflection in water? Why are there four separate seasons? Why do we fall in love? How is lightning created? Why do our voices sometime echo? How was fire created, and why do we have it?

… through the supernatural. These natural occurrences are explained through the actions and behaviors of supernatural beings such as gods, goddesses, monsters, heroes, and other mythical beings. How did humans get fire? Prometheus was the wisest Titan of all. Prometheus is credited with bringing enlightenment to humans. Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind, bringing the power of warmth and light to the dark and miserable earth. Prometheus acted against the express wishes of the Olympian Gods, who wanted to keep the power of fire - enlightenment - for their exclusive use. For this Zeus punished Prometheus by having him chained to a rock with an eagle tearing at his liver. He was later rescued by Hercules.

Using the lingo… today The Greek goddess of victory Nike: The Greek goddess of victory Cupid: Son of the goddess of Love. This winged god can be seen to this day, especially during Valentine’s day. One shot from his bow is supposed to make the victim fall in love. Cyclops: Named after a mythological being with only one eye.

Mythology in nature and science Many of our planets (and many moons) are named after Roman gods Mercury- messenger god Mars- god of war Venus- goddess of love Jupiter- king of the gods Saturn- god of agriculture Neptune- god of the seas Uranus- ancient Greek deity of the heavens Pluto- god of the underworld

Gods and Goddesses in Greek Myth Deities in mythology typically are patrons of certain areas. They control those aspect of life. Despite their supernatural nature, they also had very human qualities… both good and bad. Manipulative womanizer who repeated cheated on his wife, Hera. He had numerous children by women and goddesses he either tricked, seduced, or raped. Ruler of the Olympian Gods Controller of the heavens Controls thunder and lightning Zeus

According to myth, it all starts with one very special apple… The Trojan War Homer’s The Illiad details a 10 year war that pits Greece against Troy. The war actually occurred, though the circumstances that led up to it are up to debate. According to myth, it all starts with one very special apple…

The Trial of Paris Goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite were competing to see who was the most beautiful. Each of them wanted the title of the most lovely goddess on Olympus, and they also wanted the prize of the golden apple. Zeus refused to judge the contest (for good reason)

A tough decision Paris, said to be the most handsome and fair mortal alive, is chosen to judge the contest. Determined to win at all cost, each of these goddesses bribes Paris with something to sway his judgment. Aphrodite, goddess of love, offered Paris the love of the most beautiful woman. Hera, queen of the Olympic gods, offered Paris power beyond his wildest dreams. Athena, goddess of wisdom, offered Paris infinite wisdom.

Paris’ choice Paris chooses Aphrodite (of course) and in turn, receives Helen of Troy as his prize. Helen is said to be the most beautiful woman on earth. Small problem… she’s married to the King of Sparta. Paris takes off with Helen. Helen’s husband, Menelaus, wages war against Troy to regain his wife. Thus begins the Trojan War… (all because of some stupid apple!)

Epics An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. The story of the Trojan war is detailed in the famous Greek epic The Iliad. It was told by the famous blind poet Homer. The Odyssey details the trials of a hero trying to find his way home. This hero, Odysseus, was the hero of the Trojan war. He was the brains behind the Trojan horse, which ends the war.