Chapter 8 Ancient Greece
Name_________________________
Section 3 Greek Mythology & Literature
Pgs. 242-249
1. Why did the ancient Greeks believe in myths?
The ancient Greeks believed in myths to explain natural or
historical events and to try to explain to the world why these
events occurred.
2. What was often the explanation for natural events such as
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
The ancient Greeks believed the gods had caused these events
because they were upset and mad about something!
3. Who were the king and queen of all Greek gods?
The king was Zeus and the Queen was Hera!
4. Who was the god of the sea?
Poseidon was the God of the sea.
5. Who was the god of war?
Ares was the God of war.
6. Who was the goddess of love?
Aphrodite was the Goddess of love.
7. Who was the god of the underworld?
Hades was the God of the underworld.
8. What were some events that the Greeks believed their gods were
responsible?
The Greeks believed their gods were responsible for
earthquakes, volcanoes, and even the change of seasons.
9. What role did heroes play in Greek myths?
Greek myths featured adventure stories where heroes faced
terrible monsters and had special abilities to overcome their
problems and save the day!
10.
Who in your opinion was the most famous of all Greek
heroes? Why?
Hercules is considered the most famous of the Greek gods
because he fought many monsters and performed many
impossible tasks!
11.
What was the purpose of the ancient Olympic Games?
The purpose of the ancient Olympic Games was to honor all the
Greek gods.
12.
Why was it important that the 2004 Olympic Games took
place in Athens?
The 2004 Summer Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece
because this was the birthplace of the Olympics!
13.
How are the modern Olympic Games similar and different
to the ancient Olympic Games?
Similar- takes place every FOUR years, track & field events,
wrestling, and boxing events then and now were contested
Different- only men competed in the ancient games and more
sports are included today than in the past including the Winter
Olympic Games!
14.
Describe the story of the epic poem the Iliad written by the
poet Homer?
The Iliad tells the story of the last years of the Trojan War and
the Greek warrior, Achilles, and describes in detail the battles
between the Greeks and the Trojans.
15.
What is the story the Odyssey also written by Homer about?
The Odyssey tells the story of the challenges that Odysseus
faced in his ten-year journey to return to Greece after the Trojan
War ended.
16.
Who was Aesop?
Aesop was a Greek writer that became famous for the fables that
he wrote which taught people lessons about life.
17.
Why did the Greeks tell fables?
The Greeks loved to tell stories and teach their readers lessons
about life and give advice on how people should live their lives.
(MORALS)
18.
What are the lessons of Aesop’s fables “The Tortoise and
the Hare” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” teach us?
The story known as The Tortoise & the Hare teaches that it is
better to work slowly and carefully than to hurry and make
mistakes. The story The Boy Who Cried Wolf warns that you
should not play pranks or practical jokes on others!
19.
What are some modern references to Greek mythology
today?
Many schools, colleges, and professional sports teams use
mythical figures as team mascots as well as many movies refer
to the ancient Greek myths. ( USC Trojans, Michigan State
Spartans, Tennessee Titans etc.)
20.
Give two examples of how the Greek literature and
mythology influence our language today?
1. Achilles heel- refers to a person’s weakness
2. Herculean task- refers to a difficult or hard job
3. Midas touch- refers to a person who has the ability to get
rich easily