Why Study Greek Mythology? To understand literary references to classical mythology To experience another viewpoint on religion and history To explore how religious stories answered questions about the world in ancient times. To read fun and interesting stories

Why Study Greek Mythology? One reason is that they’re great stories and they are fun to read. But a far more important reason for studying the myths and poetry of the ancient world is that it helps us understand our own world a little better. Modern civilization, especially Western Civilization has its roots in the ancient world, and that world’s mythology (which was their religion) is a part of our own cultural inheritance. Much of our own modern literature can be traced back to the tales of the Greeks and Romans. We find parallels everywhere.

For example, many of Shakespeare’s characters are based on characters that appeared in ancient Greek and Roman tales and plays. James Joyce’s great novel Ulysses is based on Homer’s Odyssey (Ulysses is the Roman equivalent of the Greek Odysseus). Indeed, we see that much of what is written; many plots, and characters, have all been done before, over 2,000 years ago.

What Have The Greeks Done for Us? invented the alphabet, democratically available literacy gave us Homer, poetry democracy temples, architecture philosophy physics, astronomy trial by jury medicine theater- tragedy and comedy mythology geometry, abstract math history sculpture art olive oil

A Few Ways we Use Greek Mythology in our lives and vocabulary: Ajax - Greek warrior in the Trojan War, who "cleaned up" in battle; popular household cleanser. Amazon - Race of warrior women; amazon.com - huge on-line bookstore. Apollo - God of music; Apollo Theater is a famous music hall in New York city.

Atlas - Was doomed to support the heavens on his shoulders; a modern moving company (Atlas Van Lines); also, Atlas Travel is a popular name for travel agencies all over the globe. The map is called an atlas. Aurora - Roman name for Eos, goddess of the Dawn; luxury car model.

Trident - The three-pronged spear of Poseidon, god of the seas; Trident Gum is a popular gum. (Note: 'Tria' is Greek for 'three' and 'donti' means 'tooth';) Spartan - Greek warrior state, devoted to discipline and the martial arts; Spartan Corporation is a financial advisory company; also, Spartan Tool & Die is a national manufacturer and supplier to the auto industry; Spartan Nutritional Products is a maker and distributor of health supplements.

Venus - Roman for Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love; Venus is the name of a famous beauty product company; Venus International is a popular beauty talent agency; Venus Tan Lines is a swimsuit manufacturer; Venus Razor is a popular women's shaving accessory; Venus Beauty Salon is found in most any city or town... .

Long narrative poem concerning a serious subject. Epic Poem Long narrative poem concerning a serious subject. Tells a story usually about a hero.

Teaches about the central beliefs and culture of a society Epic Poem-NOTES Teaches about the central beliefs and culture of a society

The Odyssey: A metaphor for living one’s life. Morals and themes and values of Ancient Greek society are woven into the poem.

Epic Poem Typical Elements: fabulous adventure, superhuman deeds, majestic language, full range of literary elements

Epic Poem Odysseus is in search of his place in life, searching for inner peace, trying to re-join his family. He is a man who understands his humanity and accepts it.

Epic Hero Larger than life figure-usually male Embodies or possesses the ideals, morals and standards of a nation or race Epic heroes take part in long, dangerous journeys Accomplishes great deeds that require superhuman strength Human weaknesses as well

Epithet Brief descriptive phrase that helps to characterize a person in the Epic Poem.

Epic Simile A comparison using like or as but is continued and developed at great length and in detail, sometimes going on for several lines.

Used for emphasis when describing a character’s thoughts, feelings or actions or the magnitude of something