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.

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

TWO NAMES, POWERS THE SAME Many gods and goddesses have both Greek and Roman names. That is because the ancient Romans adopted a great deal of Greek mythology and made it their own. Often, they changed the names of the particular gods and goddesses.

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).

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

Zeus (Jupiter) God of Gods Lord of the Sky and the leader of all the gods, the rain god, and cloud gatherer. Thunderbolt, Eagle Wore an aegis: used to represent a protective shield He was the most powerful, but was not all knowing. He could be outwitted or deceived. His wife was the Goddess Hera, but he had various lovers and affairs. Some say that this can be explained by his worship at many towns, where the people would merge the town’s god with Zeus, making that god’s wife a lover of Zeus’ as well.

Zeus’ Children

Poseidon (Neptune) God of the Sea Trident Powerful, secretive Vengeful, usually argumentative with other gods Controlled the seas and its waves and storms with his trident. Introduced horses to mankind and had a special connection with bulls and horses. Was sometimes called the “Earth Shaker.”

Hades (Pluto) God of the Underworld dark bearded, crown, scepter, key, helmet of invisibility, chariot Was in charge of the Underworld (the realm of the dead) and the dead themselves (but not of Death). God of wealth and precious metals in the Earth. Barely ventured out of the underworld and onto Earth or Olympus (was not welcome there).

Hera (Juno) Goddess of Marriage Protector of Married Women Zeus’ wife and sister Daughter of Cronus & Rhea Peacock, cow, pomegranate Powerful, bold, jealous The beautiful protector of marriage and married women. Avenged infidelity often

Hestia (Vesta) Goddess of Home and Hearth Hearth fire Good-natured, loving Does not appear in many myths Daughter of Cronus & Rhea Seven Vestal Virgins oversee her fire Virgin Goddess

Ares (Mars) God of War Spear, vulture, dog Boastful, loud, cruel Terrorized mortals Son of Zeus and Hera, but neither parent liked him. Thought to have been a bloodstained, murderous coward.

Athena (Minerva) Goddess of War & Wisdom Owl, olive, wisdom, crafts Wise, even-tempered, fierce in battle—strategic war Sprung from Zeus’ skull fully armed The Battle Goddess/Goddess of the City, the protector of civilized life, handicrafts, and agriculture Was fierce, ruthless, and defensive of state. Zeus’ favorite child and was trusted with his most valuable possessions, such as the thunderbolt. Virgin Goddess

Hermes (Mercury) God of Travelers, Thieves, & Shepherds Son of Zeus & Maia Winged sandals and hat, caduceus Witty, happy, clever, friendly, helpful Chief messenger, not the most honest god The messenger of the gods, famously known for his winged shoes and winged hat. Was said to be the most shrewd and cunning, and a master thief and a guide of the dead.

Apollo God of Light & Purity Son of Zeus and Leto Twin brother of Artemis Healing arts, music Played beautiful music on his lyre. The God of Light and Truth (and always told the truth.) Lord of the Silver Bow/Archer God

Artemis (Diana) Goddess of the Hunt & Moon Daughter of Zeus & Leto Twin of Apollo Virgin goddess Cypress tree, wild animals, deer Aloof, majestic, nature-loving, quick to anger, athletic Skilled archer, lived among virgin nymphs “Lady of Wild Things”

Hephaestus (Vulcan) God of Fire & Forge Sometimes told as the son of Zeus and Hera, and other times to only Hera. Fire, quail, hammer, forge Ugly and lame Helped by Cyclopes in underground forges Wife is Aphrodite

Aphrodite/Venus Goddess of Love Dove, rose, apple Seductive, irresistible, sometimes treacherous The foam-risen goddess Hephaestus won her hand, not heart, she’s in love with Ares Led Paris to Helen

Why Study Greek Mythology? Mythology has influenced our modern world. FTE- Hermes (delivered messages from god to god) Artemis Research – Artemis was the goddess of the hunt (they hunt for informaiton) Nike- goddess of victory (Check is the shape of the wing) Midas- King Midas (Everything they touch turns to “gold”) Pandora- First woman in Greek Mythology (name means “all beautifiul” Odyssey Minivan- The Odyssey is a story of a long journey                                             

Mythology in the Movies Troy Hercules Clash of the Titans Harry Potter The Lightning Thief Pirates of the Caribbean All of these movies either are an interpretation of a myth or contain elements of greek mythology Troy- based on The Illiad Hercules- a very loose interpretation of Hercules Clash of the Titans- features the famous hero Perseus The Lightning Thief- Modern movie with characters from Greek Mythology Harry Potter- dog is Cerberus Pirates of the Caribbean- Calypso

Cultural Influences Psychology- Names- Oedipus Complex Narcissus (Narcissism-excessive love for yourself) Names- Planets (Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus) and constellations (Pisces, Orion) Words- “atlas,” “titanic,” “midas touch,” “panic” I tell the story of Oedipus and Naricissus and have them summarize one. When the Romans conquered the Greeks, they changed the names of the gods to Roman names. The planets are named after the Roman names.