Myths, Legends, and Fables

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Myths, Legends, and Fables
Some of our earliest and most fascinating
literature comes from a period before Christ
(B.C.) in which the ancient Greeks and Romans
were attempting to answer questions about life,
the world, and the universe.
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The ancient people didnt believe in one God
they attempted to answer puzzling questions by
inventing many gods.

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Mount Olympus

• Where the gods lived
• Surrounded by a gate of clouds
• Guarded by the goddesses named the Seasons

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The Temple of Zeus at Olympia
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Gods and Goddesses

• Had super-human powers
• Had human weaknesses
• Quarreled among themselves
• Played tricks on each other and people of earth.

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We know about these gods and goddesses through
myths.
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Myths

• entertain
• explain natural occurrences
• explain mans existence
• explain the origin and lives of the gods
• explain the religious beliefs of the times

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Mythology is important today because it is used
in

• literature
• music
• art

• advertising
• historical studies
• language

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Fables usually attempt to teach or enforce some
useful truth or moral, and frequently contain
animals which speak and act like human beings.
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Legends differ from either myths or fables.
These stories have come down from the past, and
many people believe them to be true. However,
the facts in legends cannot be proven.
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The Titans Cronus Ruler of the Titans
until Zeus dethroned him Ocean River
encircling the earth
Cronus
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The Titans continued Tethys Wife of
Ocean Hyperion Father of the sun, moon and
the dawn Mnemosyne Memory
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Themis Justice Iapetus Father of
Atlas Atlas Bore the world on
his shoulder Prometheus Savior of mankind
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Zeus or Jupiter King of the Gods
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Poseidon or Neptune God of the Sea
Hera or Juno Queen of the Gods
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Hades or Pluto God of the Underworld
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Pallas Athena or Minerva Goddess of War
Hestia or Vesta Goddess of the hearth and its fire
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Ares or Mars God of war
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Apollo or Phoebus Apollo God of the Sun
Aphrodite or Venus Goddess of love and beauty
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Artemis or Diana Goddess of the moon
Hermes or Mercury Messenger of the gods presided
over any event which required skill and dexterity
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Hephaestus or Vulcan Artist made weapons for the
gods