Understanding the Basics of Greek Mythology

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Understanding the Basics of Greek Mythology
An introduction to the structure of mythology and
the major Gods
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Greek myths represent a section of ancient Greek
religion that originated in present day Greece
and Asia Minor about 1200 b.c.
The ancient texts we call Greek Myths are mostly
from the period known as Classical Greece, before
500 b.c.
This date reflects when the myths were written
down, although they originated over 700 years
before.
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The Structure of the Universe
Mount Olympus The home of the Gods may be a
mountain or just a section of heaven
Earth
The Underworld Area hidden in the earth for the
dead ruled by Hades
Tartarus Area far beneath the underworld the
ultimate prison
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Keep in Mind
The Gods lived atop Mt. Olympus, but often
descended to earth, sometimes in their own
shapes, and sometimes disguised as humans or
animals. Often times, Gods mated with humans to
form heroes and/or future Gods.
While the myths may seem like just stories, they
represent an important part of history as well as
literature.
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Creation
Gaea, known as Mother Earth, joined with Uranus,
the Sky, and gave birth to many children.
Gaea first gave birth to several monsters,
including the Titans and the Cyclopes. Uranus was
not pleased and threw many of them into Tartarus.
In response to Uranus cruelty, Cronos, one of
the Titans, attacked his father and took over his
power. Cronos was now the lord of the universe
and ruled with cruelty.
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Creation Contd
Cronos married his Titan sister Rhea, who gave
birth to many children. However, because he was
fearful his children would overpower him, Cronos
swallowed each one.
These actions enraged Rhea, who saved one of her
sons, Zeus, by tricking Cronos into swallowing
rocks instead of the child.
Zeus matured, and his wife Metis tricked Cronos
into vomiting the children he had last swallowed.
This act frightened Cronos, and he surrendered
his powers.
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The Olympians
Zeus, the most powerful of all the Gods, ruled
the Universe with the help of his brothers and
sisters, six of his children, and the goddess of
love.
The Gods themselves could never die, and although
they were all-powerful, they often made choices
which we would consider today as being
un-Godlike.
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Olympian Family Tree
(CronosGaea)
Zeus
Hera (Zeus)
Hades
Hestia
Demeter
Poseidon
(Maia) Hermes
Hebe?
Hephaestus
Ares
Athena
(Zeus Leto)
Aphrodite
some say Hestia gave her position to Dionysis,
but some dont agree
Apollo
Artemis
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The correct gods inhabiting Mount Olympus are
debatable, and depending on the source, up to 14
gods held a place on the council
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• For 45 seconds, you and your partner will
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  you just learned.

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The Olympians
Zeus is considered the superior leader of the
Gods. He is the lord of the sky and the rain god.
His weapon is the thunderbolt. He is married to
Hera, but is known for his many affairs, as well
as his strict punishments to those who lie or
break oaths.
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The Olympians
Poseidon, the second most powerful God, is the
lord of the sea. His weapon is a trident, which
can shake the earth and shatter any object.
Poseidon is known for his quarrelsome personality
and greed, often disputing with other Gods.
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The Olympians
Hades, the god of the underworld and ruler of the
dead, and he is constantly looking to increase
his subjects.
This greedy god is also the god of wealth, due to
the precious metals mined from deep in the earth.
He has a helmet that makes him invisible.
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The Olympians
Hestia, the virgin goddess, does not have a
distinct personality and is not a major part of
the myths. She is the goddess of the hearth.
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The Olympians
Hera, Zeus wife and sister, is the protector of
marriage.
Her sacred animals are the cow and the
peacock. Many myths center around Heras jealous
revenge for Zeus infidelities, as well as her
abilities to outwit him.
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The Olympians
Ares, the god of war, is the son of Zeus and
Hera. He is considered murderous and disliked by
the godseven his parents.
His bird is the vulture and his animal is the
dog.
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The Olympians
Athena, Zeus daughter, sprang full-grown and in
armor from Zeus head, therefore she has no
mother. She was Zeus favorite child and allowed
to use his thunderbolt.
She is the goddess of city, handicrafts, and
agriculture and embodies wisdom, reason, and
purity. Her tree is the olive, and her bird is
the owl.
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The Olympians
Apollo, Aretemis twin brother, is the god of
music and plays the golden lyre. He is also the
god of healing, truth, and light. His biggest
task is to drive the sun across the sky and is
famous for his oracle at Delphi.
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The Olympians
Aphrodite, the goddess of love, desire, and
beauty, has no parents as she sprang from the sea
foam.
The myrtle tree is her bird, while the dove,
swan, and sparrow are her birds.
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The Olympians
Artemis
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demeter
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Hermes
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Hephaestus
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Another image of the gods on Mt. Olympus
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Other Lessor Gods
Hebe goddess of youth sometimes part of Olympus
Nemesis god of vengence
Persephone queen of the underworld
Dionysus god of wine sometimes part of Olympus
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Other Lessor Gods contd
Prometheus stole fire for humans
Pandora her curiosity unleashed the worlds
miseries
Pan god of shepherds who looks like a goat
Eris goddess of discord who is often involved in
war
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Even More Lessor Gods and Monsters
-The Graces
-The Muses
-The Fates
-Cyclopes
-Hecatoncheires
-Giants
-Typhoes
-Cerberus
-The Sirens
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Works Cited
DAulaire, Ingri Edgar. Book of Greek Myths.
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing New York, 1962.
Messagenet. Greek Mythology. 2002.
www.messagenet.com/myths.
Hunt, J.M. Greek Mythology. 29 Aug 2003.
www.desy.de.
Parada, Carlos. Greek Mythology Link. 1997.
www.homepage.mac.com.