Introduction to Greek Mythology 1 Prepare yourself for a spectacular and scandalous journey filled with: 2.

Introduction to Introduction to GreekGreek

MythologyMythology

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Introduction to Greek MythologyIntroduction to Greek MythologyPrepare yourself for a spectacular and scandalous Prepare yourself for a spectacular and scandalous

journey filled with:journey filled with:

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Unit ObjectivesUnit Objectives

Students will be able to…Students will be able to…define mythology and explain its purpose.define mythology and explain its purpose.

identify mythological vocabulary and its relevance in identify mythological vocabulary and its relevance in today’s world.today’s world.

identify the gods and goddesses and explain their identify the gods and goddesses and explain their relevance to today’s world. relevance to today’s world.

identify the archetypes of mythology and explain their identify the archetypes of mythology and explain their relevance to today’s world. relevance to today’s world.

read and analyze stories from Greek Mythology to make read and analyze stories from Greek Mythology to make connections between these classic stories and modern connections between these classic stories and modern society. society.

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Why We Study Greek Why We Study Greek MythologyMythology

It provides insight into the human condition It provides insight into the human condition ((human naturehuman nature).).

It grants us a glimpse at an ancient people It grants us a glimpse at an ancient people trying to make sense of phenomena they could trying to make sense of phenomena they could not explain.not explain.

It is the source for many names and terms we use It is the source for many names and terms we use today. today.

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Big Ideas of the UnitBig Ideas of the UnitGreek Mythology has provided the Greek Mythology has provided the

foundation of our modern vocabulary.foundation of our modern vocabulary.

The plots, themes, and characters of The plots, themes, and characters of classical literature still resonate today classical literature still resonate today because they illustrate human nature. because they illustrate human nature.

Archetypes are symbols used in Archetypes are symbols used in literature to effectively communicate literature to effectively communicate their ideas.their ideas.

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What is a myth?What is a myth? Myth comes from the Greek Myth comes from the Greek ““mythosmythos””

which meant which meant ““speechspeech”” or or ““discoursediscourse”” and and

now means now means ““fablefable”” or or ““legend.legend.””

A myth is A myth is ““a story of forgotten or vague a story of forgotten or vague origin, basically religious or supernatural origin, basically religious or supernatural in nature, which seeks to explain or in nature, which seeks to explain or rationalize one or more aspects of the rationalize one or more aspects of the world or a society.world or a society.”” - Pantheon.org- Pantheon.org

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In the same way, Greek In the same way, Greek Myths…Myths…

Were used to explain:Were used to explain:

~ the creation of the earth, ~ the creation of the earth,

~ death and the afterlife, and ~ death and the afterlife, and human experiences: love,human experiences: love,

~ jealousy, ~ jealousy, revengerevenge, & war., & war.

*They were also used as *They were also used as entertainment and were only entertainment and were only told told orallyorally because most people because most people could not read.could not read.

Gods & GoddessesGods & GoddessesGreek Myths include gods & goddesses. Greek Myths include gods & goddesses.

A god or goddess is A god or goddess is immortalimmortal. This means . This means that that they can never die they can never die but they had human but they had human emotions.emotions.

Mortals are men and women that lived on Mortals are men and women that lived on earth. The gods often interacted with them.earth. The gods often interacted with them.

Polytheistic – They had more than Polytheistic – They had more than just one godjust one god

AjaxAjax - Greek warrior in the Trojan War, who "cleaned up" - Greek warrior in the Trojan War, who "cleaned up" in battle; Ajax is the name of a popular household in battle; Ajax is the name of a popular household cleanser.cleanser.

AmazonAmazon - Race of warrior women; - Race of warrior women; amazon.com - huge - huge on-line bookstore. There is also the Amazon Health Care.on-line bookstore. There is also the Amazon Health Care.

AmbrosiaAmbrosia - In ancient Greek mythology, - In ancient Greek mythology, ambrosiaambrosia is is sometimes the food, sometimes the drink, of the Greek sometimes the food, sometimes the drink, of the Greek gods. There is Ambrosia Natural Foods, Ambrosia gods. There is Ambrosia Natural Foods, Ambrosia Software, the famous Ambrosia Salad, and a ton of cafes, Software, the famous Ambrosia Salad, and a ton of cafes, banquet halls and restaurants named Ambrosia.banquet halls and restaurants named Ambrosia.

AtlasAtlas - Was doomed to support the heavens on his - Was doomed to support the heavens on his shoulders; a modern moving company (Atlas Van Lines); shoulders; a modern moving company (Atlas Van Lines); also, Atlas Travel is a popular name for travel agencies also, Atlas Travel is a popular name for travel agencies all over the globe. Atlas Railroad Company, Atlas all over the globe. Atlas Railroad Company, Atlas Snowshoes, and even Atlas Games.Snowshoes, and even Atlas Games.

JunoJuno - Roman name for Hera, wife of Zeus; Juno is a - Roman name for Hera, wife of Zeus; Juno is a popular web-hosting company (www.juno.com), popular web-hosting company (www.juno.com), specializing in free web pages and custom e-mail.specializing in free web pages and custom e-mail.99

MYTHS OF THE MYTHS OF THE TWELVE OLYMPIANSTWELVE OLYMPIANS

English IEnglish I

Twelve OlympiansTwelve Olympians

Zeus (Jupiter)Zeus (Jupiter) Hera (Juno)Hera (Juno) Poseidon (Neptune)Poseidon (Neptune) Hades (Pluto)Hades (Pluto) Pallas Athena (Minerva)Pallas Athena (Minerva) ApolloApollo Artemis (Diana)Artemis (Diana) Hermes (Mercury)Hermes (Mercury) Ares (Mars)Ares (Mars) Hephaestus (Vulcan and Mulciber)Hephaestus (Vulcan and Mulciber) Hestia (Vesta)Hestia (Vesta) Aphrodite (Venus)_Aphrodite (Venus)_

• Came after the Titans.

• Called Olympians because Olympus was their home.

Mt. OlympusMt. Olympus

Place of perfect peacePlace of perfect peaceNot the same as HeavenNot the same as HeavenWhere the 12 Olympians liveWhere the 12 Olympians liveEat ambrosiaEat ambrosiaDrink nectarDrink nectar

Zeus (Zeus (JupiterJupiter)) Supreme ruler-Lord of the Sky, the Rain-god and the Supreme ruler-Lord of the Sky, the Rain-god and the

Cloud-gathererCloud-gatherer Had the greatest power, but was NOT omnipotent (all-Had the greatest power, but was NOT omnipotent (all-

knowing) he could be deceived.knowing) he could be deceived. ThunderboltThunderbolt Married to Hera, but often cheated on her – a Married to Hera, but often cheated on her – a

womanizerwomanizer Breastplate-aegis (“eejis” armor plate that protects Breastplate-aegis (“eejis” armor plate that protects

the chest)the chest) Bird-eagleBird-eagle Tree-oakTree-oak Oracle-Dodona in the land of oak treesOracle-Dodona in the land of oak trees

Zeus (Zeus (JupiterJupiter))

Jupiter is so named because it is so big – it is the Jupiter is so named because it is so big – it is the ““King of PlanetsKing of Planets””

ZeusZeus

HeraHeraZeus’s wife and sisterZeus’s wife and sisterProtector of marriage and married Protector of marriage and married

womenwomenConsidered one of the most beautifulConsidered one of the most beautifulCow and peacock sacred to herCow and peacock sacred to herArgos was her favorite cityArgos was her favorite cityShows her anger in punishing the many Shows her anger in punishing the many

women Zeus fell in love with, even if women Zeus fell in love with, even if when they yielded only because he when they yielded only because he coerced or tricked themcoerced or tricked them

A very important role in Trojan WarA very important role in Trojan War

HeraHera

No planet, but there is an asteroid named after her plus a city in Alaska

Poseidon (Poseidon (NeptuneNeptune))

Ruler of the seaRuler of the seaHis wife – Amphitrite (His wife – Amphitrite (grandaughter of grandaughter of

the Titan, Ocean)the Titan, Ocean)Gave the first horse to manGave the first horse to manStorm and calm were under his controlStorm and calm were under his controlShown carrying his trident, a three-Shown carrying his trident, a three-

pronged spearpronged spearCalled the “earth shaker”Called the “earth shaker”

PoseidonPoseidon

Neptune is so named

because the blue looks like

water

Hades Hades (Pluto)(Pluto)Son of Cronos and RheaSon of Cronos and RheaNot necessarily evilNot necessarily evilUnderworld and ruler over the deadUnderworld and ruler over the deadAlso called “Pluto, the God of Wealth, Also called “Pluto, the God of Wealth,

of the precious metals hidden in earth”of the precious metals hidden in earth”Wife Persephone (Proserpine) whom Wife Persephone (Proserpine) whom

he carried from the earth and made he carried from the earth and made Queen of the Lower WorldQueen of the Lower World

King of the deadKing of the dead

Hades (Hades (PlutoPluto))

Pallas Athena (Pallas Athena (MinervaMinerva))

Daughter of Zeus-sprang from his head (Daughter of Zeus-sprang from his head (no mother)no mother) Daughter of Zeus and Metis (titan) – she popped out of his head after he Daughter of Zeus and Metis (titan) – she popped out of his head after he

swallowed the pregnant Metisswallowed the pregnant Metis Virgin goddessVirgin goddess

Goddess of the City, the protector of civilized life, of Goddess of the City, the protector of civilized life, of handicrafts (weaving) and agriculture, handicrafts (weaving) and agriculture, Goddess of war, Goddess of war, goddess of wisdomgoddess of wisdom

Inventor of bridleInventor of bridle (a harness fitted around a horse’s head to (a harness fitted around a horse’s head to restrain or guide an animal) who first tamed horses for men restrain or guide an animal) who first tamed horses for men to useto use Zeus’ favorite child – she would carry his thunderboltZeus’ favorite child – she would carry his thunderbolt

Temple ParthenonTemple Parthenon Athens her special cityAthens her special city Olive created by her; was her treeOlive created by her; was her tree Owl is her birdOwl is her bird

Pallas Athena (Pallas Athena (MinervaMinerva))

Phoebus Apollo Phoebus Apollo Son of Zeus and Leto (Son of Zeus and Leto (LatonaLatona)) Master of musicians who delights Olympus as he plays the Master of musicians who delights Olympus as he plays the

golden lyregolden lyre Lord of the “silver bow”Lord of the “silver bow” Archer-godArcher-god The Healer (first taught men the healing art)The Healer (first taught men the healing art) God of LightGod of Light God of TruthGod of Truth No false words ever comes out of his mouthNo false words ever comes out of his mouth Oracle was at Delphi-direct link between the gods and menOracle was at Delphi-direct link between the gods and men Laurel was his treeLaurel was his tree Dolphin and crow sacred to himDolphin and crow sacred to him God of sun, music, and medicineGod of sun, music, and medicine ““Phoebus” means brilliant or shiningPhoebus” means brilliant or shining

ApolloApollo

Artemis (Artemis (DianaDiana))

The goddess of wilderness, the hunt and wild The goddess of wilderness, the hunt and wild animalsanimals

Apollo’s twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Apollo’s twin sister, daughter of Zeus and LetoLeto

Cypress was sacred to her and wild animals Cypress was sacred to her and wild animals especially the deerespecially the deer

In some stories she is fierce and revengefulIn some stories she is fierce and revengeful She is the moon goddess sometimesShe is the moon goddess sometimes

Virgin goddessVirgin goddess

As Diana, she is also a goddess of lightAs Diana, she is also a goddess of light

ArtemisArtemis

Aphrodite Aphrodite (Venus)(Venus)

The Goddess of Love and BeautyThe Goddess of Love and Beauty laughter-loving goddesslaughter-loving goddess

Often in a mocking mannerOften in a mocking mannerDaughter of Zeus and Dione in Daughter of Zeus and Dione in The IliadThe IliadMyrtle was her treeMyrtle was her treeThe dove her bird—sometimes to the The dove her bird—sometimes to the

sparrow and the swansparrow and the swan In some stories, known as the wife of In some stories, known as the wife of

HephaestusHephaestus

Aphrodite (Aphrodite (VenusVenus))•Born from the foam in the sea caused by the attack of

Cronos/ Saturn on Ouranus/Uranus. “Aphros” is

foam in Greek

Venus is so named because it is a

beautiful planet and can be easily seen with just the eye

Hermes Hermes (Merury)(Merury)Son of Zeus and Maia (Son of Zeus and Maia (daughter of Atlasdaughter of Atlas))On his feet winged sandals; wings were On his feet winged sandals; wings were

on his low-crowned hat too and on his on his low-crowned hat too and on his magic wand, the Caduceusmagic wand, the Caduceus

Shrewdest and most cunning of all godsShrewdest and most cunning of all godsMade the lyre out of tortoise shellMade the lyre out of tortoise shellGod of Commerce and the Market, God of Commerce and the Market,

protector of tradersprotector of tradersGuide of the dead, the Divine Herald who Guide of the dead, the Divine Herald who

led the souls down to their last homeled the souls down to their last homeMessenger of godsMessenger of gods

HermesHermes

Mercury revolves around the sun so fast,

it was named for the messenger god. One year is faster than one

day on Mercury

Ares (Ares (MarsMars))

God of WarGod of WarSon of Zeus and HeraSon of Zeus and Hera

Supposedly both detested their sonSupposedly both detested their sonHis bird was the vultureHis bird was the vultureDog wronged by being chosen as his Dog wronged by being chosen as his

animalanimal

AresAres

Hephaestus (Hephaestus (VulcanVulcan)) God of FireGod of Fire Considered unattractiveConsidered unattractive Also lame Also lame because he was thrown off Mt. Olympus for because he was thrown off Mt. Olympus for

interfering with a fight between Hera and Zeusinterfering with a fight between Hera and Zeus Kindly peace-loving god popular on earth and Kindly peace-loving god popular on earth and

heavenheaven Protector of the blacksmiths—patron of Protector of the blacksmiths—patron of

handicraftshandicrafts Wife is AphroditeWife is Aphrodite Some poets said Vulcan's forge was under Some poets said Vulcan's forge was under

volcanoes and caused smoke and fire to come from volcanoes and caused smoke and fire to come from them during an eruption.them during an eruption.

HephaestusHephaestus

Hestia (Hestia (VestaVesta))

Zeus’ sisterZeus’ sisterVirgin goddessVirgin goddessGoddess of the hearth, symbol of home, Goddess of the hearth, symbol of home,

around which newborn children must be around which newborn children must be carried before they could be received into the carried before they could be received into the family.family.

Every meal began and ended with a prayer to Every meal began and ended with a prayer to herher

Each city had a public hearth to Hestia where Each city had a public hearth to Hestia where the fire was never allowed to go out.the fire was never allowed to go out.

HestiaHestia