1. Introduction to Greek Mythology
Myths and Legends

2. Ancient Greece
Greece is located east of Italy, south of Bulgaria, and west of Turkey (Troy).

3. The Greeks and their Beliefs
Tough, restless, ambitious, imaginative race
Believed in living life to the fullest because death was inevitable
The only response to death was to make a mark on the world.

4. Continued: The Greeks and their Beliefs
The Greeks were polytheistic in their beliefs.
Gods resembled humans.
Heavily flawed– quarrelsome, unforgiving, jealous, vengeful, spiteful
Mirrored the Greeks’ desire to be grandiose
Gods were portrayed as being strong, beautiful, and intelligent.
The same applied to the heroes in the Greeks’ legends/myths.

5. Continued: The Greeks and their Beliefs
Greek religion/mythology had no formal structure with the exception of various festivals held in honor of the gods. 
Athletic events
Sacrifices
Musical and dramatic competitions
The Greeks feared the gods
If they didn't worship the gods they would get punished through whatever nature they were god of. 
Separate villages primarily worshipped different, relevant gods

6. The Greek pantheon Zeus Poseidon Hades Hestia Hera Ares Athena Apollo
The Twelve Olympians
Great gods who succeeded the Titans
Resided on Mt. Olympus
Olympus was not the Greek concept of Heaven
Zeus
Poseidon
Hades
Hestia
Hera
Ares
Athena
Apollo
Aphrodite
Hermes
Artemis
Hephaestus

7. Other characters in Mythology
The muses
Nine goddesses in charge of different sciences and arts including music, poetry, history, astronomy, dance, etc.
Daughters of Zeus
They were meant to inspire

8. The fates Daughters of Zeus
Three blind sisters who determined people’s lifespan
One spun the thread of life (Clotho)
One measured the thread (Atropos)
One cut the thread with scissors of death (Lachesis)

9. Death in Ancient Greece
Ancient Greeks believed all departed souls went to the Underworld
The Underworld is ruled by the god Hades and his queen Persephone
Main divisions of the Underworld:
Entrance
Ferried across the river Acheron by Charon
Only buried and paid souls may pass
Guarded by Cerberus (3-headed dog)
Meadows of Asphodel
ordinary or indifferent souls
No significant crimes or greatness
Elysium
Especially distinguished
Easy afterlife; no labors
Tartarus
Place of sinners, usually against gods
Deepest, darkest region filled with torture
Tantalus, Sisyphus

10. Begin Reading Complete Family Tree
Read “The Creation of the Titans and the Gods” on page 7