1. Review of Greek Mythology
Stories of gods and goddesses

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Greek Myth Facts Originated around 1500 B.C.
(500 years before Old Testament)
Most often recorded in the works
of great poets
Homer (The Illiad and the Odyssey)
Virgil (The Aeneid)

5. Ancient Greece

6. Ancient Mediterranean (close-up)

7. Belief System in Ancient Greece
In Greek mythology, gods “did not create the universe the universe created the gods.” (Edith Hamilton, 24)

8. The Greek Creation Myth
In the beginning, there was only chaos. From chaos emerged: Gaea – Mother Earth (more important) Ouranos – Father Heaven Gaea and Ouranos had three types of children, all monster, the most important of which were the Titans.

9. Father of the Gods
The most powerful Titan was Cronus (time). Cronus ruled with his wife/sister Rhea Until their son, Zeus, overthrew his father and conquered the Titans – becoming the supreme ruler of the universe.

10. 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).

11. The Olympians (see notes for all 12)
Zeus
Hades
Neptune
Hera
Athena

12. 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

13. Greek Mythology vs. Biblical Tradition
Polytheistic (many gods) vs. Monotheistic (one God) After centuries, Christianity eventually replaced this “pagan” belief system as a form of religion. Myths are still shared for entertainment and education.

14. Greek myths also included heroes
Often these heroes were demi-gods – half human; half god.
Hercules
Achilles
Odysseus
Perseus

15. Also monsters and mythical creatures. . .
Cyclops
Pegasus
Cerberus
Centaur
Chimera
Minotaur
Gorgons

16. Why Study Greek Mythology?
Mythology has influenced our modern world.
Products
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
              
                             

17. 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

18. Cultural Influences Psychology- 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.

19. MYTHOLOGY lessons
This week you will read a couple of passage and watch a couple of movie excerpts to refresh and renew your knowledge of myths! You will be quizzed! May the goddess of wisdom and battle be with you!