1. Whats mythology? Refers to the (usually) oral retelling of myths Refers to the (usually) oral retelling of myths Myths are stories that cultures share. In many cases, they offer explanations for: Myths are stories that cultures share. In many cases, they offer explanations for: Natural events Natural events The state of humanity The state of humanity The origins of the universe The origins of the universe Historical events Historical events The mythology of ancient Greece serves these purposes The mythology of ancient Greece serves these purposes

2. Greek Mythology Believed all nature contained gods/goddesses the natural world was alive Believed all nature contained gods/goddesses the natural world was alive Gods lived on Mt. Olympus Gods lived on Mt. Olympus Difference between gods and humans: IMMORTALITY and MORTALITY Difference between gods and humans: IMMORTALITY and MORTALITY Gods could and did marry mortals Gods could and did marry mortals …stories about Olympian deities reflect the human world of ancient Greeceits understanding of nature, its personal relationships, and its wars. …stories about Olympian deities reflect the human world of ancient Greeceits understanding of nature, its personal relationships, and its wars. –Barry R. Katz, Ph.D. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Classics at New York University, in Alice Lows Greek Gods and Heros.

6. Who you should know.. NameGod of: AphroditeLove and Beauty ApolloLight and Music AresWar AthenaWisdom and Art DionysusFertility PoseidonThe Sea ZeusKing of the Gods