MYTHOLOGY Myths are stories that represent the deepest wishes and fears of human beings. They were frequently used by ancient civilizations to explain the universe. Myths often contain similar plots, settings, themes, and character types. Greeks believed that storytellers were in touch with the gods and, therefore, had direct knowledge about how the world and everything in it was created.

MYTHOLOGY Myths give insight into the nature of our world. They were created to:  Explain the creation of the world  Explain natural events  Give story form to ancient religious practices  Teach moral lessons  Explain history  Express the deepest fears and hopes of the human race

COMMON MYTH TYPES Some common types of myths include:  Origin Myths: Stories that explain how something in nature came to be or originated.  Flood Stories: Stories about gods who were unhappy with their first version of humans and destroyed the world with floods so they could start over.  Introduction of Disease and Death: Stories that describe the first humans as living in a paradise that is ruined when someone introduces unhappiness into that world.

OTHER TYPES OF MYTHS  End of the World: Stories that describe how the world will end.  The Dawn of Civilization: Stories about humans learning to live like people, not animals. The gods frequently helped humans to become civilized. Stories about the dawn of civilization often involve the theft of fire by a deity who brings it to humans.  Afterlife: Stories that explain what happens to the soul after the body dies.

THE UNDERWORLD The Underworld in Greek Mythology is where everyone was expected to go when they died. Good and bad people all went to the Underworld, which was divided into different sections for those who were punished and those who were not. Sometimes living people were able to go to the Underworld. This was a dangerous journey, in which the living person would have to cross the River Styx on Charon’s ferryboat and pass Cerberus to reach someone who had died or to complete a quest.

MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS Myths also contain a fairly standard cast of characters. These character types include:  Deities: These are the gods and goddesses in any mythological story. Some cultures have many deities, while others only have one.  Heroes: Heroes perform amazing feats requiring bravery, strength, or cleverness. Some heroes are human, some are gods, and others are half-human, half- god. Heroes are usually male. One feature common of heroes is that their heroic characteristics are evident from childhood.

MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS  Demigods: Demigods are characters who have both a human and deity as parents. Demigods are often heroes, with extraordinary powers.  Supernatural beings: Supernatural beings include characters who are not human. Deities, demigods, demons, monsters, dragons, and giants are examples of supernatural beings.  Antigods: These are supernatural beings who are not benevolent (kind). Antigods commonly fight both gods and humans.

MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS  Tricksters: Tricksters are popular mythological characters who disrupt the social order and stir up trouble. Some tricksters can be helpful to people by outwitting their enemies, while others are not so nice. Some tricksters are characterized as animals with human characteristics.

THE ROMANS Roman mythology is very similar to Greek mythology. The gods and goddesses, and even the myths themselves, are very similar. Some people believe the Romans “stole” the myths and deities of the Greeks. The truth is that, until the Romans came into contact with the Greeks, their gods did not have distinct personalities. Once the Romans were exposed to the Greek influence, their gods started to appear more human, and the Romans began to tell myths about them.