Post on 24-Dec-2015
transcript
What is a myth?
• A story which explains the history, rituals, or beliefs of a society
• A story by which ancient people attempted to account for things which they experienced
A myth is entirely imaginative
What is the difference between a Myth and a Legend?
• Both deal with the same supernatural figures, but a myth is purely imaginative while a legend is based on historical truth
Creation Myth
I. Chaos: unending nothingnessA. Gaia: the earthB. Eros: loveC. Gaia gave birth to Uranus: the sky
D. Gaia + Uranus1. Hecatoncheires 2. Cyclops3. Titans:
E. Uranus hated his children – banished them to the
center of the earth (Tartarus)F. Gaia encouraged the Titans to rebel – sickle –
Cronus agreed to help get rid of his father
II. Cronus
A. Youngest titan – made his siblings pledge he could rule
B. Ambushed Uranus and slashed him with sickle (Furies, Aphrodite)
C. Released the titans - became rulerD. Marries Rhea (his sister)E. Swallowed his children
III. Zeus
A. Sixth child of Rhea and CronusB. Rhea tricked Cronus – he swallowed a rockC. Became Cronus’ cup bearer D. Declared war on Titans E. Zeus released the cyclops and hundred-
handed giants
F. ThunderboltG. Titans flee toH. AtlasI. TyphonK. Pan M. Prometheus (forethought) and Epimetheus (afterthought)
IV. Prometheus and Epimetheus
A. Mortal creatures B. ManC. Stolen fire D. Pro’s punishmentE. Which child will overthrow Zeus?
VI. Division of the universe
• Zeus: lord of the sky; ruled from Mt. Olympus• Hades: king of Tartarus (the underworld)• Poseidon: ruler of the sea
VII. The Olympian Family
A. Hera: queen of the gods; married to Zeus1. beautiful2. tree of golden apples3. unfaithful husband4. protector of honourable marriage
B. Athena
1. Daughter of Zeus and Metis2. Goddess of war, wisdom, and justice3. Invented the plough, the ship, the pot and
the yoke4. Very masculine appearance5. Athens is named after her
Apollo & Artemis
• Zeus and Leto• Twins• Apollo: god of the sun• Cruel to women who rejected him• Artemis: goddess of the hunt, moon• Insisted on chastity from her huntresses
Hermes
• Patron god of thieves, merchants and traders, and messenger to the gods
• Winged sandals & helmet