1. Roman Mythology Origins of Language

2. What is a MYTH?  A myth is a story, created by a whole people or society over time, that explains some of the wisdom or truth valued by that society. –Explain why the natural world is the way it is. –Answer deep philosophical issues. –Reason evil exists in the world.

3. Historical Overview  Romans did not understand science, instead they believed in forces or spirits  Romans were influenced by the Greeks and adopted many of their Gods and gave them Roman names

4.  The Roman mythology and Gods tell us a lot about what the early Romans thought was important.  They valued family, beauty, honor, truth, wisdom, wealth, courage and strength.

5. Top 12 Gods and Goddesses  The main Roman Gods lived on “Mount Olympus”  There were 12 main Gods and Goddesses  There were several “lesser” gods also.

6. Jupiter ( Greek: Zeus)  King of the Gods  Symbols: Eagle, Shield, Thunderbolt and Oak Tree  Gentle and caring, but can get angry at people and gods

7.  Married to Jupiter /Queen of the Gods  Goddess of Heaven, Marriage & Childbirth  Symbols: Peacock and Cow Juno ( Greek: Hera)

8. Neptune ( Greek: Poseidon)  Jupiter’s brother  God of the Sea and earthquakes  Symbols: Trident, Horse and Bull  2 nd most powerful God on Mt.Olympus

9. Apollo ( Greek: Apollo)  Son of Jupiter  God of Poetry, Light, Music and Medicine  Symbols: Crow, Dolphin, Laurel and Lyre  He is associated with the sun

10.  Twin sister of Apollo  Goddess of the Hunt, the Moon and Children  Symbols: Stag, Moon and Cypress Diana ( Greek: Artemis)

11. Mercury ( Greek: Hermes)  Son of Jupiter  God of Motion, Sleep, Dreams, Commerce and Travelers  Messenger of the Gods  Symbols: Wand, Winged Sandals and Winged Helmet  Graceful, Clever and Quick

12. Roman Gods and Goddesses Part II

13. Mars ( Greek: Ares)  Son of Jupiter  God of War  Symbols: Vulture, Dog  Bloody, fiery character – not well liked

14. Vulcan ( Greek: Hephaestus)  Son of Jupiter and Juno / Married to Venus  God of the Forge  Symbols: Fire and Blacksmith’s Hammer  Lame blacksmith

15. Venus ( Greek: Aphrodite)  Married to Vulcan  Goddess of Love and Beauty  Symbols: Dove, Sparrow, Swan and Myrtle  Born of the sea foam  Sons are: Cupid (shoots arrows for love) and Aeneas (ancestor of Romans)

16.  Jupiter’s favorite child (born from his brain)  Goddess of Wisdom, War, and the City  Symbols: Owl, Shield and Olive Branch  Protector and namesake for city of Athens Minerva ( Greek: Athena)

17. Vesta ( Greek: Hestia)  Sister of Jupiter  Goddess of the Hearth and Home and the family  Symbol: fire  Never married

18. Ceres ( Greek: Demeter)  Sister of Jupiter  Goddess of grain and agriculture  Symbols: ear of wheat and grain  She is a bond between heaven and earth

19. References  Aliki, The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus, 1994m Harper Collins Publishers, USA  Fisher, Leonard Everett, The Olympians Great Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece, 1984, Holiday House, New York  Usher, Kerry, Heroes, Gods & Emperors from Roman Mythology, 1983, Schocken Books, New York  http://www.loggia.com/myth/numen.html 1/12/2008 http://www.loggia.com/myth/numen.html  http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Mythology/ 1/15/2008 http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Mythology/  http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/Images/hades.jpg 1/20/2008 http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/Images/hades.jpg  http://www.hranajanto.com/goddessgallery/pgfx/hestia-400.jpg 1/20/2008  www.gordinasseri.com/paintings/images/ares.jpg http:// 1/20/2008 www.gordinasseri.com/paintings/images/ares.jpg http://www.gordinasseri.com/paintings/images/ares.jpg http://  www.elizabethgenco.com/images/artemis.jpg 1/20/2008 www.elizabethgenco.com/images/artemis.jpg  www.sistersofearthsong.com/APHRODITE/aphrodite.jpg http://www.cretinderhamhall.org/departmental/values/teachweb/Roman% 20Religion%20powerpoint.ppt#266,5,JUPITER - King of the Gods 1/12/2008 www.sistersofearthsong.com/APHRODITE/aphrodite.jpg