Introduction to
Mythology
Western Literature
November 11, 2014
What is mythology?
• Myth: (noun) A traditional story, especially one
concerning the early history of a people or
explaining some natural or social phenomenon,
and typically involving supernatural beings or
events.
• Denotation: A type of story that explains a
phenomenon.
• Connotation: Myths are usually false. THIS IS
NOT THE DEFINITION THAT WE ARE USING TO
DISCUSS MYTHOLOGY.
Journal #5 – November 11,
2014
In your journal, answer the following
questions in complete sentences:
1. What does “mythology” mean to you?
2. What is your favorite myth?
3. What different Creation stories do you
know of? Explain the origin of each myth
(as defined on the earlier slide).
Famous Greek &
Roman
Gods/Goddesses
Take notes on the following figures of Greek and Roman
mythology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJCm8W5RZes
MOUNT OLYMPUS
Home of the Gods
Originally Thought to be a
Real Mountain
Finally Came to be
Thought of
as a Floating
Mountain
in the Sky
ZEUS
(Roman Name: Jupiter)
Supreme Ruler of the Gods
His weapon was the mighty
THUNDERBOLT
He falls in love
frequently and often
acts on it (even though
he is married)
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=qsGRBy3Kel0
HERA
(Roman Name: Juno)
Protector
Zeus’ofWife
Marriage
and Sister
and
Married Women
Very Jealous of
Zeus’ Numerous Lovers
HADES
(Roman Name: Pluto)
Lord of the Underworld
Ruler of the Dead
https://www.yout
ube.com/watch?v
=thuFj74xJeM
POSEIDON
(Roman Name: Neptune)
Ruler of the Seas and Oceans
https://www.youtub
e.com/watch?v=Mx
Kvd-G2J4c
DEMETER
(Roman Name: Ceres)
Goddess of Corn and
Agriculture
Her Moods Affect
the Seasons
Her daughter
Persephone is
abducted by Hades
to the Underworld.
https://www.youtu
be.com/watch?v=ce
IrhgLnniU
PERSEPHONE
(Roman Name:
Proserpine)
Goddess of Spring
She was Kidnapped
by Hades
Later Made the
Queen of the
Underworld
Spends Half the Year
in Hades, Half on Earth
APHRODITE
(Roman Name: Venus)
Goddess of Love and Beauty
Wife of Hephaestus
https://www.youtu
be.com/watch?v=c
SWgvvampnw
HESTIA
(Roman Name: Vesta)
Goddess of the Home
ARES
(Roman Name: Mars)
God of War
Son of Zeus and Hera
None of the Other Gods Like
Him Much
https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=pAQMdbHksw&list=UUKphg9yQ
bc0cLoQ2hLcsESw&index=21
ATHENA
(Roman Name: Minerva)
Battle Maiden and Goddess of
Wisdom (and Battle)
While Adopted by Hera,
She is the Daughter
of Zeus Only
(Sprang from his Head)
https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=99Vvx8L5xQo&list=
UUKphg9yQbc0cLoQ2hLcsES
w
HEPHAESTUS
(Roman Name: Vulcan)
God of Fire and the Forge
He is the Only Ugly God
Husband of Aphrodite
https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=dUdfp3qQuY0&list=
UUKphg9yQbc0cLoQ2hLcsES
w
APOLLO
(Roman Name: Apollo)
Twin Brother of Artemis
God of Music and Poetry
God of Light and Truth
False Words
(Never Told a Lie)
His Oracle at Delphi
was the Most Popular
https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=QPIg8JcXvH0
ARTEMIS
(Roman Name: Diana)
Twin Sister of Apollo
Goddess of the Moon
and the Hunt
Lady of the Wild Things
https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=oetQ0PivMws
HERMES
(Roman Name:
Mercury)
Messenger of the Gods
Has Wings on Sandals
and Cap
Appears the Most Often
of All the Gods
https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=ZnbIwNM1Pac&list=
UUKphg9yQbc0cLoQ2hLcsES
w
EROS
(Roman Name: Cupid)
The Greek God of Love and
Attraction
In some myths, he is the
son of Aphrodite and in
others he is a
primordial God
Story of Eros & Psyche
https://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=Is1NdrgJ
5Mg
DIONYSUS
(Roman Name: Bacchus)
The Greek God of Fertility
and Wine
A Patron of the Arts
He invented wine and
spread the art of tending
grapes. He has a dual
nature. On the one hand
bringing joy and divine
ecstasy. On the other
brutal, unthinking, rage.
Thus, reflecting both sides
of wine’s nature.
https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=ce5lrfQN0Bk
Reader’s Theatre for
“Prometheus and Pandora”
• ACTORS: Give us your best performance!
• AUDIENCE MEMBERS: Enjoy the
performance and take notes of important
quotes from the story.
You will write an analytic response
paragraph about this story at the
conclusion of our performance. Pay
attention!
Analytic Response Paragraph
• After reading “Prometheus and Pandora,” respond to the following
prompt using a main claim, evidence to support your claim with at least
two direct quotes, and commentary to warrant how your evidence
proves your claims.
• Do not use 2nd person (“you”) in this paragraph because your response
should have a formal academic tone.
• Your response paragraph is worth 25 points.
PROMPT: What is the purpose of the myth of Prometheus and Pandora?
Be specific with your response and defend your claims with direct quotes
from the text.
You will be evaluated on the following components:
/ 5 Clarity of claim
/ 5 Use of direct quotes
/ 5 Use of commentary
/ 5 Maintains a formal academic tone
/ 5 Mastery of the English Language (Grammar and Mechanics)
TOTAL: / 25 points
Homework Assignments
• Complete your analytic response
paragraph for “Prometheus and Pandora.”
• HONORS: Keep up with your reading with
How to Read Literature Like a Professor.
Five responses are due on December 1st!