Stories of gods and goddesses

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.

Scientific – explained events in nature

Literary – entertained with good storytelling

Religious – gave meaning to life; explained the role of gods in everyday life

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)

In Greek mythology, gods “did not create the universe . . . the universe created the gods.”

(Edith Hamilton, 24)

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.

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.

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).

• Zeus• Hades• Neptune• Hera• Athena

They had human emotions and weaknesses

They were immortal with supernatural powers

However, they were also vulnerable and could be hurt

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.

Often these heroes were demi-gods – half human; half god.HerculesAchillesOdysseusPerseus

Cyclops Pegasus Cerberus Centaur Chimera Minotaur Gorgons

Mythology has influenced our modern world. Products

Movies Troy Hercules Clash of the Titans Harry Potter The Lightning Thief Pirates of the Caribbean

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”

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!