1. Common Characteristics of Myths

2. 1. Myths are an attempt to explain natural phenomena For Example:  Winter came when Persephone was forced to spend part of the year in the underground

3. 2. Myths have many gods Many natural phenomena had to be explained requiring a huge cast of characters. For example:  Poseidon controlled the seas  Zeus ruled the heavens  Hades presided over the underworld

4. 3. The gods and heroes are superhuman beings Jason won the Golden Fleece by successfully performing impossible tasks Atlas held up the world

5. 4. Gods have human emotions Pandora was curious Eros was mischievous Hera was jealous

6. 5. Myths contain magic Circe transformed men into pigs. Athena was born from Zeus’ head – his “brain child!” The sons of the North Wind could fly.  So could Pegasus, the winged horse.

7. 6. Gods often appear in disguises Hera appeared to Jason as a crone (a weathered old woman). Aphrodite became a huntress.

8. 7. Good is rewarded and Evil is punished Baucis and Philemon were rewarded for their generosity to Zeus. Prometheus was horribly punished for stealing fire from the gods.

9. 8. Myths contain violence Prometheus’ liver was eaten by vultures.