Review of Greek Mythology

1. Stories of gods and goddesses Review of Greek Mythology

2. What is Mythology? • Long ago, the Greeks and the Romans believed in stories we now call myths. • These stories featured gods and goddesses who the Greeks worshipped and prayed to; they also featured great heroes. • From these myths, we can learn about the beliefs of these ancient people.

3. Purposes of Myths • Scientific – explained events in nature • Literary – entertained with good storytelling • Religious – gave meaning to life; explained the role of gods in everyday life

4. Greek Myth Facts • Originated around 1500 B.C. (500 years before Old Testament) • Most often recorded in the works of great poets • Homer (The Illiad and the Odyssey) • Virgil (The Aeneid)

5. Ancient Greece

6. Ancient Mediterranean (close-up)

7. Belief System in Ancient Greece In Greek mythology, gods “did not create the universe . . . the universe created the gods.” (Edith Hamilton, 24)

8. The Greek Creation Myth In the beginning, there was only chaos. From chaos emerged: Gaea – Mother Earth (more important) Ouranos – Father Heaven Gaea and Ouranos had three types of children, all monster, the most important of which were the Titans.

9. Father of the Gods The most powerful Titan was Cronus (time). Cronus ruled with his wife/sister Rhea . . . . Until their son, Zeus, overthrew his father and conquered the Titans – becoming the supreme ruler of the universe.

10. The 12 Olympians • The 12 great gods (who defeated the Titans) were ruled by Zeus and lived on Mt. Olympus • These 12 were known as the Olympians (Olympic games were in their honor) • Mt. Olympus was a great mountain in Greece (not heaven).

11. The Olympians(see notes for all 12) • Zeus • Hades • Neptune • Hera • Athena

12. Qualities of Greek Gods • They had human emotions and weaknesses • They were immortal with supernatural powers • However, they were also vulnerable and could be hurt

13. Greek Mythology vs. Biblical Tradition Polytheistic (many gods) vs. Monotheistic (one God) After centuries, Christianity eventually replaced this “pagan” belief system as a form of religion. Myths are still shared for entertainment and education.

14. Greek myths also included heroes Often these heroes were demi-gods – half human; half god. • Hercules • Achilles • Odysseus • Perseus

15. Also monsters and mythical creatures. . . • Cyclops • Pegasus • Cerberus • Centaur • Chimera • Minotaur • Gorgons

16. Why Study Greek Mythology? • Mythology has influenced our modern world. • Products

17. Mythology in the Movies • Movies • Troy • Hercules • Clash of the Titans • Harry Potter • The Lightning Thief • Pirates of the Caribbean

18. Cultural Influences • Psychology- • Oedipus Complex • Narcissus (Narcissism-excessive love for yourself) • Names- • Planets (Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus) and constellations (Pisces, Orion) • Words- “atlas,” “titanic,” “midas touch,” “panic”

19. MYTHOLOGY lessons This week you will read a couple of passage and watch a couple of movie excerpts to refresh and renew your knowledge of myths! You will be quizzed! May the goddess of wisdom and battle be with you!