AN INTRODUCTION TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY

2. WHAT IS MYTHOLOGY? • “Mythology” is a word used to describe all myths of a particular society. • Every culture has its own myths that help us understand its customs and ways of viewing the world. Mythopedia: Oh My Gods! by Megan E. Bryant

3. WHAT IS A MYTH? • A myth is a kind of story whose author is unknown. • Most myths have one or more of these characteristics: • Myths are usually about gods or supernatural beings with greater powers and abilities than ordinary humans. • Myths explain the origins of the world and how humans came to be. • Myths take place a long time ago, usually in the earliest days of humanity (or just before humans showed up on Earth). • Myths were usually thought to be true by their original tellers--no matter how wild or strange they seem to be. Mythopedia: Oh My Gods! by Megan E. Bryant

4. TWO NAMES, POWERS THE SAME • Many gods and goddesses have both Greek and Roman names. That is because the ancient Romans adopted a great deal of Greek mythology and made it their own. • Often, they changed the names of the particular gods and goddesses.

5. TWO NAMES, POWERS THE SAME • Generally, the deity’s powers and myths stayed the same--even though they had a new name. • As a result, the study of Greek and Roman mythology is often grouped together under the same name-- classical mythology.

6. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MYTHS? • Myths can… • Explain the creation of the world • Explain how natural phenomena such as wind, earthquakes, flood, fire, etc., came to be • Teach people about the values and beliefs that are important in their society-to teach a moral lesson. • To give story form to religious practices • To explain history • To express the deepest fears and hopes of the human race. Studying myths can teach us about people around the world -- their cultures and what is (or was) important to them. Mythopedia: Oh My Gods! by Megan E. Bryant

7. What do you want to look for when reading a myth? The Moral Lesson : What is this myth trying to teach us? An Explanation : Does it explain how something came to be? If so, what? Connections : How does this myth connect to other myths, modern day literature, or our daily lives?

8. HOW DID WE LEARN THESE STORIES? • Myths were first passed down through storytelling, songs, and poetry. • We learned the stories from written versions, mainly Homer’s epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, which tell of the great deeds of heroes. • Other sources were Hesiod’s Theogony, which describes the origins of the world and the gods, and Homeric Hymns, a collection of poems addressed to different gods. Mythopedia: Oh My Gods! by Megan E. Bryant

9. DO MYTHS REALLY MATTER TODAY? • YES!!! • References to Greek mythology are all around us: • Ever heard of Nike athletic gear? Nike was actually a goddess of personification and victory. • What would Valentine’s Day be without Cupid? Cupid, or Eros, is the god of love as the Greeks called him. • Does Apollo 13 ring a bell? The first crewed US space missions were named for Apollo, the god of archery and prophecy.

10. BOTTOM LINE References to ancient myths are everywhere, from science to pop culture, and knowing about them will help you understand more about the world we live in.

11. Greek Mythology and the Modern World

12. Mythology in Business Hundreds of companies take their name, logo, or slogans from mythology

13. Mythology references in commercials

14. Nike in Mythology • Winged Greek goddess of victory in battle, or peaceful competition.

15. Nike in business The shoe and other sport equipment by the company Nike, Inc. is named after the Greek goddess Nike A figure of Nike with a vessel was the design of the first FIFA World Cup, known also as the Jules Rimet trophy. Since Giuseppe Cassioli’s design for the 1928 Summer Olympics, the obverse face of every Olympic medal bears Nike's figure holding a palm frond in her right hand and a winner’s crown in her left. The hood ornament used by the automobile manufacturer Rolls Royce was inspired by Nike.

16. Olympus in Mythology • Highest mountain in Greece • Home of the gods and goddesses • Formed after the Titans were defeated

17. Olympus in business World-leading camera company since 1919.

18. Amazon in Mythology • A race of powerful women warriors trained in archery and combat.

19. Amazon in Business • One of the country’s largest booksellers • One of the most powerful online retail companies.

20. Ajax in Mythology • Mythological warrior famous for his strength and power • the only character in the epic poem TheIliadwho fought in the Trojan War without help from the gods.

21. Ajax in business Household cleaner that at one time used the slogan “Stronger than Dirt.” The dishwashing soap now uses “Stronger than grease” as the slogan.

22. Medusa in Mythology • Mythological monster, with snakes for hair. • Anyone who looked directly at her would be turned to stone. • Killed by the hero Perseus

23. Medusa in Business • Medusa Corporation • One of the oldest cement companies in the United States

24. Midas in Mythology • Mythological King who had the power to turn everything he touched to gold.

25. Midas in Business • A car repair company specializing in brake and muffler repair. • Their famous slogan: “Trust the Midas touch”

26. Odyssey in Mythology • Epic Greek poem “The Odyssey” • Story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca • Journey home after the fall of Troy

27. Odyssey in business • Motor vehicle manufactured by Honda

28. Venus in Mythology • The Roman name for the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

29. Venus in Business • A division of Gillette Razor Company, • Slogan is “Reveal the goddess in you.”

30. Mythology in Pop Culture • Direct reference: primarily about mythology, setting is mythological • Indirect reference: refers to myths or the gods, but is not primarily about mythology. Music: band names, song references Movies: direct and indirect Television: direct and indirect

31. Music: MUSE • Muses were said to be responsible for inspiring all artists, poets, and musicians.

32. Music: Styx • The River Styx formed the boundary between the Earth and the underworld. …also a band

33. TV: Indirect reference The Simpsons make indirect references to mythology: the show is not ordinarily about mythology After fighting in the Trojan war, Homer crosses the River Styx, and the rock band “Styx” plays in the background.

34. TV: Direct reference • Xena, Warrior Princess is a direct reference to mythology, the character interacts with gods, and goddess, and the show has a basis in mythology

35. Movies: Indirect Reference • In Harry Potter, the story is based around a supporting system of mythological characters • Cerberus: The 3-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades. • Minerva McGonagall: Minerva is the Roman name for the goddess of wisdom, Athena. • Firenze the Centaur: Centaurs were wise creatures that were half horse, half man.

36. Hermes/Mercury Aphrodite/Venus Ares/Mars Titan Kronus Zeus/Jupiter Titan Uranus Poseidon/Neptune Hades/Pluto Winged messenger god goddess of love god of war Saturn king of the gods, largest Uranus god of the seas god of underworld Mythology in astronomy

37. April Diana/Diane Cassandra Hector Helen/Ellen abbrev. Aphrodite Roman name for Artemis, goddess of the hunt and moon Trojan princess given the gift of prophecy Trojan prince killed in the Trojan war Daughter of Zeus, her beauty caused the Trojan war Mythology in Names