1. Stories From the Beginning of Time
Myths
Stories From the Beginning of Time

2. What is a myth?
An ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, and heroes.
It explains the view of a group of people

3. Which cultures have myths?
Every culture has its own mythology
Universal symbols and themes appear in different cultures’ myths
Greek, Roman, Native American, Celtic, South American, African, and Norse mythology are examples of myths from different cultures

4. What are some characteristics of myths?
Contain heroes and heroines
Supernatural elements
Gods and goddesses
Explains a natural phenomenon
Told orally (spoken)

5. More Characteristics of Myths
Myths teach a lesson or explain the natural world
Myths have many gods and goddesses
The gods and goddesses are super-human
The gods and goddesses have human emotions
Myths contain magic
Gods and goddesses often appear in disguises
Good is rewarded and Evil is punished

6. Why did ancient people tell myths?
To help explain the unexplainable
To explain natural phenomenon
To tell about their heroes
To explain human nature
To teach morals and values

7. Why do we still study mythology?
To learn about ancient cultures
As inspiration for the arts
To teach values and morals
For entertainment

8. The word mythology is Greek in origin (etymology)
Muthos= story
Logo= speech or argument

9. Gods and Goddesses in Classical Mythology
Greek
Zeus
Apollo
Hades
Poseidon
Hera
Athena
Demeter
Persephone
Roman Area of Power
Jupiter King of the gods; the sky
Apollo The sun; music
Pluto King of the underworld
Neptune Ruler of the seas
Juno Wife of Zeus; marriage
Minerva Wisdom
Ceres Agriculture; earth
Proserpine Goddess of the underworld; Demeter’s daughter

10. Creatures in Classical Mythology
Centaur
Medusa
Pegasus
Nymph
Sphinx