understanding the basics of greek mythology

Understanding the Basics of

Greek Mythology

An introduction to the structure of mythology and the major Gods

Greek myths represent a section of ancient Greek religion that originated in present day Greece and Asia Minor about 1200 b.c.The ancient texts we call Greek Myths are mostly from the period known as Classical Greece, before 500 b.c.

This date reflects when the myths were written down, although they originated over 700 years before.

The Structure of the Universe

Mount Olympus: The home of the Gods; may be a mountain or just a section of heaven

Earth

The Underworld: Area hidden in the earth for the dead ruled by HadesTartarus: Area far beneath the underworld; the ultimate prison

Keep in Mind…

The Gods lived atop Mt. Olympus, but often descended to earth, sometimes in their own shapes, and sometimes disguised as humans or animals. Often times, Gods mated with humans to form heroes and/or future Gods.

While the myths may seem like just stories, they represent an important part of history as well as literature.

Stop!

1. Find a partner

2. Introduce yourselves.

3. The person with darker color bottoms starts.

4. With your partner, do a Rally Robin

5. For 45 seconds, you and your partner will “volley” back and forth, statements about what you just learned.

Creation

Gaea, known as Mother Earth, joined with Uranus, the Sky, and gave birth to many children.

Gaea first gave birth to several monsters, including the Titans and the Cyclopes. Uranus was not pleased and threw many of them into Tartarus. In response to Uranus’ cruelty, Cronos, one of the Titans, attacked his father and took over his power. Cronos was now the lord of the universe and ruled with cruelty.

Creation Cont’d Cronos married his Titan sister Rhea, who gave birth to many children. However, because he was fearful his children would overpower him, Cronos swallowed each one.These actions enraged Rhea, who saved one of her sons, Zeus, by tricking Cronos into swallowing rocks instead of the child.Zeus matured, and his wife Metis tricked Cronos into vomiting the children he had last swallowed. This act frightened Cronos, and he surrendered his powers.

The Olympians

Zeus, the most powerful of all the Gods, ruled the Universe with the help of his brothers and sisters, six of his children, and the goddess of love.

The Gods themselves could never die, and although they were all-powerful, they often made choices which we would consider today as being “un-Godlike.”

Olympian Family Tree

Zeus

Hestia*Hera

(+Zeus)

Hades

Demeter

Athena AresHephaestus

(Zeus + Leto)

Apollo Artemis

Aphrodite

(Cronos+Gaea)

(+Maia) Hermes

*some say Hestia gave her position to Dionysis, but some don’t agree

Poseidon

Hebe?

The “correct” gods inhabiting Mount Olympus are debatable, and depending on the source, up to 14 gods held a place on the council

Stop!

1. Find a partner – sticky hands

2. Introduce yourselves.

3. The person with shorter hair

4. With your partner, do a Volley Robin

5. For 45 seconds, you and your partner will “volley” back and forth, statements about what you just learned.

The OlympiansZeus is considered the superior leader of the Gods. He is the lord of the sky and the rain god.

His weapon is the thunderbolt. He is married to Hera, but is known for his many affairs, as well as his strict punishments to those who lie or break oaths.

The Olympians

Poseidon, the second most powerful God, is the lord of the sea. His weapon is a trident, which can shake the earth and shatter any object.

Poseidon is known for his quarrelsome personality and greed, often disputing with other Gods.

The OlympiansHades, the god of the underworld and ruler of the dead, and he is constantly looking to increase his subjects.

This greedy god is also the god of wealth, due to the precious metals mined from deep in the earth. He has a helmet that makes him invisible.

The Olympians

Hestia, the virgin goddess, does not have a distinct personality and is not a major part of the myths. She is the goddess of the hearth.

The Olympians

Hera, Zeus’ wife and sister, is the protector of marriage.

Her sacred animals are the cow and the peacock.

Many myths center around Hera’s jealous revenge for Zeus’ infidelities, as well as her abilities to outwit him.

The Olympians

Ares, the god of war, is the son of Zeus and Hera. He is considered murderous and disliked by the gods—even his parents.

His bird is the vulture and his animal is the dog.

The OlympiansAthena, Zeus’ daughter, sprang full-grown and in armor from Zeus’ head, therefore she has no mother. She was Zeus’ favorite child and allowed to use his thunderbolt.

She is the goddess of city, handicrafts, and agriculture and embodies wisdom, reason, and purity. Her tree is the olive, and her bird is the owl.

The Olympians

Apollo, Aretemis’ twin brother, is the god of music and plays the golden lyre. He is also the god of healing, truth, and light. His biggest task is to drive the sun across the sky and is famous for his oracle at Delphi.

The OlympiansAphrodite, the goddess of love, desire, and beauty, has no parents as she sprang from the sea foam.

The myrtle tree is her bird, while the dove, swan, and sparrow are her birds.

The Olympians

Artemis

demeter

Hermes

Hephaestus

Another image of the gods on Mt. Olympus

Other Lessor Gods

Hebe: goddess of youth; sometimes part of Olympus

Persephone: queen of the underworld

Dionysus: god of wine; sometimes part of Olympus

Nemesis: god of vengence

Other Lessor Gods cont’d

Prometheus: stole fire for humans

Pandora: her curiosity unleashed the world’s miseries

Pan: god of shepherds who looks like a goat

Eris: goddess of discord who is often involved in war

Even More Lessor Gods and Monsters

-Giants

-The Muses

-The Fates-Cyclopes

-Hecatoncheires

-The Graces

-Typhoes

-Cerberus

-The Sirens

Works Cited

D’Aulaire, Ingri & Edgar. Book of Greek Myths. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing: New York, 1962.

Messagenet. Greek Mythology. 2002. www.messagenet.com/myths.

Hunt, J.M. Greek Mythology. 29 Aug 2003. www.desy.de.

Parada, Carlos. Greek Mythology Link. 1997. www.homepage.mac.com.