Classical Mythology Three types of Story ‘True’ Myth – gods/elements with religious or scientific functions; often etiological (explanatory) Legend or Saga – stories about humans in faraway past often with special connections to gods; rooted in historical past; often with social/political uses Folktale – stories of common folks that illustrate everyday morals; loaded with magic and fantasy; functions as entertainment, as well as instilling social values

Sources of Classical Mythology Greek ages (3000 BC – 331 BC) derived from literature, arts, and architectural structures of the Greek. Greek adapted from eastern Mediterranean tales and contacts. Roman period (753 BC- AD 450) a reinterpretation of Greek stories compounded with Rome’s native, rural traditional tales and religion and stories picked up from contacts around the Mediterranean.

General Definition of ‘Myth’ A traditional narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. With plot, characters, and setting. No single author or original source. Orally conveyed. In effect, an organic piece—a performative.

Fields Using Classical Myth Theology Anthropology Archeology History Philosophy Psychiatry Art Marketing Science Classical Studies

Entries into Ordinary Language Odyssey, erotic, Adonis, hector, protean, Nestorian, mentor, lethal, Oedipus complex, panic, Amazon, calypso, echo, Achilles’ heel, aphrodisiac, bacchanal, satyriasis, hermaphrodite, Herculean, atlas, hydra, hyacinths, narcissus, etc.

Class Sources Ovid – Roman poet, ca 43 BC – AD 17 Homer – Greek poet, ca 750 BC, a ‘rhapsodos’

Chance is always powerful Chance is always powerful. Let your hook always be cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be fish. --Ovid