GREEK MYTHOLOGYWHI.5

Essential Understanding

Greek mythology was based on a polytheistic religion that was integral to culture, politics, and art in ancient Greece.

Many of Western civilization’s symbols, metaphors, words, and idealized images come from ancient Greek mythology.

Greek Mythology

Based on polytheistic religion

Offered explanations of natural phenomena, human qualities, and life events

Greek gods and goddesses

Zeus Hera Apollo Artemis Aphrodite

Zeus

King of the Gods

Ruler of Mount

Olympus

Hera

Zeus’ Significant

other

Goddess of

Marriage and

Motherhood

Apollo God of the Sun

Artemis Goddess of

the Hunt

Aphrodite

Goddess of Beauty

Athena

Goddess of WisdomPatron god of Athens

Greek Gods and Goddesses Symbols and images in Western literature,

art, and architecture