1. Mythology

2. What Is It? Anonymous stories
Attempt to explain natural phenomena, human behavior
Roots of primitive folk belief
Narrative, oral tradition
Less historical than legends, more supernatural characteristics

3. Every country has its own mythology, narrative tradition
Mythology was used for education in Greece and Rome

4. Natural Phenomena Supernatural explanations for natural phenomena
Volcanoes erupting, phases of the moon, rising, changing of the seasons, and setting of the sun
Persephone, the kidnapped daughter of Zeus by Hades; her return to earth symbolized the flourishing of crops and weather, while her return to the Underworld explained winter and fall
Belief that the world was understandable led to modern day science

5. Human Behavior Gods reflected culture and cultural values
Recurring moral lessons taught about the vices greed and arrogance
Emphasis on human relationships, such as strong family values
Rituals and ceremonies, such as sacrifices to the gods were prevalent
Disregarding the gods, such as Odysseus’s towards Poseidon had dire consequences

6. World View Gave Greeks a sense of pride, as well as moral lessons
Stories of a certain people, and their place in the world
Gave Greeks a sense of pride, as well as moral lessons
Chronicled adventures of a national hero to rally soldiers and a nation against infidels
Similar to motivational speeches by coaches to spark intensity before/during competition

7. Societal Values Live an ethical life Be hospitable Respect your elders
Have pride in your country

8. Cosmic View
Gave a sense of place in the universe, their position was to please the gods
Heaven and hell, they feared and respected the afterlife
Relationship between man and gods, it wasn’t uncommon for a man to speak to a god or travel to the Underworld
Gods oftentimes disguised themselves as beggars to check the hospitality of the humans

9. Cosmic Explanation
Creation
Divinity
Religion
Existence
Death