The Myths of Greece and Rome Feature Menu Myths All Around Us What Is a Myth? The Uses of Mythology Makers of Myths The World of Classical Mythology Gods and Goddesses Practice

Myths All Around Us You may know more about myths than you think. Have you ever watched a movie about Hercules? Do you know about the spaceship Apollo?

Myths All Around Us What about the planets in our solar system. . . Mercury Jupiter Venus Neptune Mars Pluto

Myths All Around Us . . .or the Olympics?

Myths All Around Us Greek and Roman myths have had a lasting impact on Western culture. Our museums contain artwork influenced by Greek or Roman myths. Our cities contain architecture inspired by Greece.

Myths All Around Us Aspects of Greek and Roman myths even show up in everyday conversations. You probably know, for instance, that Hades is another word for the underworld.

What Is a Myth? A myth is a story that explains something about the world —mysterious or frightening natural forces . . .or the origin of the world itself.

What Is a Myth? A myth usually involves gods or other superhuman beings. In many myths, a hero or god goes on a quest— a dangerous journey in pursuit of something very valuable.

What Is a Myth? Myths were spoken aloud for many generations before they were written down. Writers today continue to draw inspiration from these same myths. [End of Section]

The Uses of Mythology Throughout history, people have used myths for many purposes. To explain the creation of the world To explain natural phenomena To give story form to ancient religious beliefs and practices

The Uses of Mythology Myths have had everyday uses as well— to teach moral lessons and to explain history.

The Uses of Mythology Think about all the “big” questions that people wonder about. Why am I here? How did we get here? Are we alone? What should I do? These are all questions that myths try to explain or answer. [End of Section]

Makers of Myths The ancient Greek and Roman myths originated in the area around the Mediterranean Sea. By the end of the second century B.C., the Romans had conquered Greece.

Makers of Myths The Romans kept the stories represented by Greek myths but changed the names of the characters to Roman gods and goddesses. Zeus became Jupiter. Poseidon became Neptune. And Artemis became Diana. [End of Section]

Gods and Goddesses According to the Greek myths, the gods and goddesses lived together on Mount Olympus. Many of them were related to each other. Zeus Hera Hades Poseidon Apollo The divinities often left Mount Olympus to spend time among ordinary people.

Gods and Goddesses The gods and goddesses were powerful. Each one was usually associated with specific forces of nature. Apollo Poseidon Artemis [End of Section]

The World of Classical Mythology On this map, the place names are real. Some of the events and characters, however, exist only in myth. [End of Section]

Practice On Your Own Look at the chart of gods and goddesses and their special powers. List the names of the divinities that you recognize. Chart Next, add any other Greek or Roman gods and goddesses you can think of. Now, write down any prior knowledge you may have about the names on your list.

Practice On Your Own Greek Name Roman Name Area of Power Zeus Jupiter king of the gods; sky; weather Apollo the sun; youth; music; archery; healing; prophecy Artemis Diana Apollo’s twin sister; the moon; hunting Hades Pluto king of the underworld Poseidon Neptune ruler of the seas Hera Juno wife of Zeus; queen of gods; women; marriage

Practice On Your Own Greek Name Roman Name Area of Power Dionysus Bacchus wine; fertility; music Athena Minerva wisdom; war; crafts Hephaestus Vulcan craftsman for the gods; fire Hermes Mercury messenger god; secrets; tricks Demeter Ceres agriculture; earth; corn Persephone Proserpine daughter of Demeter; queen of Hades [End of Section]

The Myths of Greece and Rome The End