1. Aim: To become familiar with the concepts of mythology
Aim: To become familiar with the concepts of mythology. Do Now: Write a paragraph describing the qualities of a hero. You may discuss someone you believe to be a hero. Do this on a separate sheet of paper. It will be collected.

2. An Introduction to Mythology
Heroes, Gods, Goddesses, and The Olympians

3. What is a myth?
A myth is a story set in a time before the world was fully developed in the way we know it today, and usually considered true. Myths feature heroes, gods/godesses, or supernatural beings.

4. What is the purpose of a myth?
Provided answers to the great philosophical questions, such as:
How the universe came into being
The nature of the forces operating within the universe
The origins of the first people and of the community
Offered guidance on personal behavior, social rules, and what might happen in the afterlife.
Provided the mental foundations of understanding and belief on which individuals could build their lives.

5. What is a hero?

6. What is a hero?
Traditionally, in Greek Mythology and Folklore, a hero was originally a demigod (part god, part human).

7. What is a hero?
Later, hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity, or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrifice.

8. What is a hero?
An epic hero refers to a main character in an epic* whose legendary or heroic actions are central to his/her culture, race, or nation
*Epic: A long poetic composition, usually centered upon a hero, in which a series of great achievements or events is narrated in elevated style (ex: Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey)

9. Heroes and Greek Myth
More often than not, the subject of Greek myths is heroic.
The role of the hero is mapped out in such recurring themes as: the separation from the mother, the overcoming of obstacles, and the finding and supplanting (to overthrow or force out) of the father.
A great hero whose life fits these patterns is Perseus: the first of the mythic heroes of Greek mythology, whose exploits in defeating various archaic monsters provided the founding of the Twelve Olympians.

10. Gods and Goddesses
The gods were differentiated from heroes not so much by their strength as by their supernatural power.

11. Gods and Goddesses
They demanded worship from heroes and men alike and, in return, were able to perform miracles, offer supernatural protection, or give magical gifts-as in the story of Perseus.

12. Gods and Goddesses:
These supernatural beings often would disagree with each other, which can cause either unfortunate circumstances for the mortals or horrible weather and storms.

13. The Olympians
The Olympians are the twelve Gods of Mount Olympus, which is located in the northern central part of Greece.

14. The Olympians
These Gods/Godesses include: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Hestia, and Dionysus.

15. The Olympians
This mountain was believed to be sacred throughout ancient times, and it was believed to be the highest point on Earth.

16. The Olympians
The Gods that ruled Mount Olympus also ruled the lives of all mankind. Each God/Goddess had his/her own character and domain.

17. The Olympians
Gods in mythology were very humanlike. They had the strengths and weaknesses of mortals (as we know them today). They were truly made to represent every side of human nature.

18. The Olympians
In addition to the twelve Olympian deities are Hades, who ruled the Underworld with his queen, Persephone.

19. The Olympians
Gods even had children with mortals, which resulted in semi-gods (or demi-gods) like Hercules.

20. The Olympians
The Gods expressed human nature in its entirety: strength, fear, unfaithfulness, love admiration, beauty, hunting, farming, education-a God for every human activity and expression.

21. The Olympians
These Gods weren’t just ideal figures; they were beings with their own limitations. They expressed anger, jealousy and joy, just like us.

22. The Olympians
Each God ruled his own realm. The only truly omnipotent (unlimited power) God was Zeus, who ruled all.

23. Homework
Rewrite your paragraph from the beginning of the period. Use three appostives and three prepositional phrases in your paragraph. Circle the appositives and underline the prepositional phrases. Write your final copy on the same paper. I will collect it a grade it.