1. Introduction to Mythology
Background of Greek Mythology

2. Why study mythology?

3. Myths symbolize human experience and embody the spiritual values of a culture.

4. Myths are an important way to understand ourselves and our connection to other people at a time when the welfare of each culture depends on the attitudes and actions of other cultures.

5. Although most of the myths were created by people who lived in societies that were much less complex than our own, they address fundamental questions that each thinking person continues to ask:

6. Who am I?
What is the nature of the universe in which I live?
How much control do I have over my own life?
What must I do in order to survive?
How can I lead a satisfying life?
How can I balance my own desires with my responsibilities to my family and my community?
How can I reconcile myself to the inevitability of death?

7. Purpose of Myths

8. A myth’s serious purpose is to either:
To explain the nature of the universe;
To instruct the members of the community in the attitudes and behavior necessary to function successfully in that particular culture.

9. On the other hand, some cultures are interested in the creation
The Heroic myths and epics of a society teach its members the appropriate attitudes, behavior and values of that culture.

10. Characteristics of Mythology

11. Myths usually originate in an ancient oral tradition.
Some explain origins, natural phenomena, and death.

12. Others describe the nature and function of divinities; while still others provide models of virtuous behavior by relating the adventures of heroes or the misfortunes of arrogant humans.

13. Many myths believe in one or more divine powers who create life and control the direction of the universe.

14. The hero myths examine the relationship between the individual’s desires and his responsibilities to the society.
Often the choice is crucial but uncomplicated: whether or not to risk death to save the community.
In spite of their extraordinary abilities no hero is perfect.

15. Introduction: Greek Art and Literature

16. The Greeks are recognized as an exceptional people because of their attainments in literature, sculpture, architecture and philosophy.
No epic poet to compare with Homer, no lyric poet to equal Pindar; no prose aside from the Bible, more poetic than that Plato.

17. Of the 4 great tragic poets the world has produced, 3 are Greek; the fourth is Shakespeare.
The history of Greek literature is divided into three periods: Pre-Homeric Age and Homeric Age, Athenian Period and the Period of Decline.

18. The Greeks made their gods in their own image.
Greek artists and poets realized how splendid a man could be, straight and swift and strong.

19. Man was the fulfillment of their search for beauty.
The Greeks had no wish to create some fantasy shaped in their own minds.

20. Between deities and humans there were many differences.
The first was that the deities never suffered from old age or death.
The deities was based not so much on their goodness as on the feeling of deep respect for their incorruptible beauty and unfailing strength.

21. The Greeks asked their deities for help in routine prayers and they asked advice and counsel through omens.
The Greeks had shrines, called oracles, where the priests and priestesses interpreted the words of the deities to the people who came to pray for help.

22. To the Greeks, prayers followed a formula.
A prayer generally had 3 parts: the Invocation, the Sanction and the Entreaty.
Invocation - the deity was invoked and addressed with titles in the most respectful way

23. Sanction – asserts the credentials and services to the deity that make the one praying worthy of the favor of the deity.
Entreaty – the deity is asked to do something or to grant something, an urgent need of the one praying.

24. Four Cardinal Virtues: Courage, Temperance, Justice and Wisdom.
These 4 virtues represented the 4 aspects of the human being – physical, moral, aesthetic and intellectual.

25. Qualities of Greek Literature

26. 1. Permanence and Universality
It is read and admired by all nations of the world regardless of race, religion or culture.

27. 2. Essentially Full of Artistry
Greek art is the highest form of classic art.
The Greek mind became the foundation of the literature of the Western world and its masterpieces afford the most splendid examples of artistic beauty and excellence that the world has ever known.

28. 3. Originality
The Greek mind had the supreme power of modifying and improving all that it touched.

29. 4. Diversity of Talent It was fond of diversity of application.
The Greek mind never rested complacently on any subject; it was ever searching, ever seeking.

30. 5. Intellectual Quality
The Greek mind challenges one to think for some purpose – to bring about some inner transformation.

31. Sources:
Hamilton, Edith.Mythology.USA: Warner Books, Inc. pp.14-36, Rosenberg, Donna. World Mythology.USA. Pp.4-11, Serrano, Josephine B.English Communication Arts and Skills IV. Philippines: SIBS Publishing House. Pp2-9

32. Enjoy Greek Mythology!
The End