Introduction to Greek Mythology

Introduction to Greek Mythology Prepare yourself for a spectacular and scandalous journey filled with: DANGER! MAGIC! JEALOUSY! INCEST BLOOD AND GORE! PRE MARITAL RELATIONS EXTRA-MARITAL RELATIONS [AFFAIRS] LOVE! INTER-SPECIES RELATIONS! [humans and non-humans] MURDER!

What is a myth? • Myth comes from the Greek “mythos” which meant “speech” or “discourse” and now means “fable” or “legend.” • A myth is “a story of forgotten or vague origin, basically religious or supernatural in nature, which seeks to explain or rationalize one or more aspects of the world or a society.” - Pantheon.org

Summary of Greek Mythology • Polytheistic – They had more than just one god • Gods were different from the representation of the Catholic deity. They were more human in personality and likeness and had many human flaws. • Gods and goddesses controlled many elements and aspects of the earth, skies, heavens, and underworld.

Summary of Greek Mythology • Sacrifices were often made to these gods and goddesses. • Temples and shrines to them are still standing in Greece. The temple of “Athena Nike” means the “temple of Victorious Athena” [yes, the shoes are named after her].

Heroes and Demigods • Many Greek and Roman mythological characters weren’t gods or goddesses. • A demigod is a being that is part human and part god - Hercules, Perseus, Achilles • Some heroes and heroines were completely human, yet they accomplished unbelievable triumphs - Bellerophon, Jason, Odysseus

Greek Mythological Creatures • Many of these creatures created problems for the heroes and needed to be killed or defeated. • Examples are Scylla, the Minotaur, sirens, harpies, gorgons, the hydra, and the Sphinx. • Some of these creatures, however, helped heroes on occasion. • Examples are nymphs, nereids, dryads, pegasus, and the shades (ghosts of dead people).

Three categories of Myth: Pure myth, heroic saga and folktale • Pure Myth – both primitive science and primitive religion. • Consists of stories that explain natural phenomena like sun, stars, storm, volcano etc.

Three categories of Myth: Pure myth, heroic saga and folktale Explains: • how the world came into being • who the various gods are and what powers they control • how the gods affect the world and men • the means by which the gods gain these powers

Three categories of Myth: Pure myth, heroic saga and folktale Anthropomorphism: • Gods are visualized as having human shape, feeling human emotions, and performing human acts. • However, they are immortal and have more power than men.

Three categories of Myth: Pure myth, heroic saga and folktale • heroic saga–primitive version of history. • condenses and dramatizes lengthy historical events into epic encounters • changes legends to use them as propaganda

Important functions of heroic saga • establishes a grand past for people • embodies the values of society • orients the individual toward the standards and goals of His/her culture • gives meaning and directions to life • shows what manhood consists of and how a great man lives and dies

Summary of Greek Mythology – • told for sheer pleasure, no facts. • can have a deeper meaning • Makes an abstract idea understandable to the masses • Folk tale or fairy tale

Comparison of Mythology and Christianity MythologyChristianity Zeus fought Cronos (father) Satan fights with God Cronus thrown into Tartarus Satan thrown into hell Gilgamesh/ flood Noah / flood Zeus begot mortal children God begot fully mortal/fully divine Jesus Heroes Saints Pandora/ evil Eve/ evil Monsters Evil spirits Magic miracles Vengeful gods Old Testament vengeful God

Greek Roman Description

Introduction to Greek Mythology