1. An Introduction to… Greek Mythology & “The Odyssey” 1

2. What is a myth? A traditional story rooted in primitive folk beliefs of cultures Uses the supernatural to interpret and explain natural events Explains a culture’s view of the universe and the nature of humanity 2

3. Gods / Goddesses: Spiritual beings with supernatural abilities, gifts, or appearances. They usually represent or embody certain ideals and values within a culture For example: if bravery is an important trait in a culture, then their god will be very brave by nature. 3

4. The Principal Gods – Zeus (Jupiter) – Ruler of: ___ – Poseidon (Neptune) – Ruler of: ___ – Hades (Pluto) – Ruler of: ___ Other Olympians include: – Athena – Hermes – Aphrodite – Persephone 4

5. Mount Olympus 5

6. Zeus Roman Name: Jupiter (also Jove) Supreme god of the Olympians. Shoots thunderbolts from the heavens! 6

7. Zeus 7

8. Poseidon Roman Name: Neptune God of the Seas and Waterways AKA “The Earthshaker” 8

9. Hades Roman Name: Pluto God of the Underworld/ Land of the Dead Kidnapped Persephone 9

10. Athena Roman Name: Minerva Goddess of Wisdom and War Odysseus’ guide Sprang from Zeus’s head 10

11. Hermes Roman Name: Mercury Messenger of the Gods Wears golden sandals that help him to travel FAST 11

12. Aphrodite Roman Name: Venus Goddess of Love and Beauty Sprang from the ocean foam 12

13. Persephone Goddess of the Underworld Daughter of Zeus Abducted by Hades 13

14. Eros Roman Name: Cupid Young God of Love Son of Aphrodite 14

15. The Muses Nine daughters of Zeus Inspired artists of all kinds: music, art, drama, athletics, ANY related talent or skill! “Muse” = to amuse, Amusement Homer & other ancient Greek storytellers invoke the Muses to help them tell a story 15 Clio, Urania, Thalia, Melpomene, Erato, Calliope, Euterpe, Terpsichore, Polyhymnia

16. The Gorgons Three snake- haired monsters Medusa is most well-known Their look turns men to stone. 16

17. The Centaurs Half man, half horse Savage creatures (except Chiron) 17

18. Sources Graphics in this presentation were taken from the following web sites: – http://www.bulfinch.org/fables/search.html – http://www.pantheon.org/ – http://www.messagenet.com/myths/ – http://mythman.com/ – http://web.uvic.ca/grs/bowman/myth/index.html – http://www.paleothea.com/ – http://www.entrenet.com/%7Egroedmed/greekm/myth.html 18

19. The Epics 1.) There are _2_ world-famous Greek epics, entitled _The Iliad__ and __The Odyssey. ∙ The Iliad is: -the model for the epic of war -Homer’s first epic -tells of a 10 year war called the Trojan War 19

20. The model for the epic of the long journey Homer’s second epic Tells of a Greek soldier’s attempt to return home after the war 20

21. Characteristics of an EPIC:  long narrative poem that tells the adventures of heroes  has a hero of national/historical importance  hero takes a quest or journey in search of something, some place, or some value.  journey involves a vast setting, sometimes even the Land of the Dead  involves some type of supernatural forces and/or beings. 21

22. Places in “The Odyssey” 22