GREEK CULTURE AND THE
MYTHS
Myth characteristics
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They function on simple logic and are
believable, even if not true.
They contain some “god or goddess”
interacting with humans or the physical world.
They often teach a lesson OR they explain
something about human behavior or the
natural world.
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While mythology is entertaining, and was
used that way during festivals and holidays,
mythology also had a purpose.
Mythology was a way for people to explain
the “unexplainable” events and items in their
world, things they couldn’t explain often due to
a lack of technology.
It’s important to
remember that while
myths tried to explain
things to a culture, they
also revealed the values
and fears of a culture.
Greek values
 Living
a balanced life
 Keeping your pride in check
 Honoring the gods
 Doing right by your family
 Contributing to your social group or family
 Developing intellectual and physical skills –
(strategy as well as weaving or physical strength)
Greek fears
Being
exiled from society (family or
town)
Anger of and punishment by the gods
Attack by unknown forces
Rebellion – not having the courage to
fight injustice OR dealing with those
who wanted to change a just system.
Which myths from HGM connect to these fears?
In other words, myths…
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Have simple, believable logic, even if not true.
Contain some “god or goddess” interacting with humans
or the world.
Teach a lesson, such as hubris, following
directions, avoiding extremes OR they explain
something about human behavior or the natural
world.
YOU NEED PAPER NOW
Quietly please! Something to write with would
be good, too. 
Set up the brainstorm for YOUR myth
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Front of the new page – write “ TEACHES A
LESSON” in a bubble in the middle of the page
Back of the page – write “explains the
world/human behavior” in a bubble in the middle
of the page
FILL the page by branching off those clouds. Both
clouds need at least three branches.
Which gods/goddesses will you include/create for
your myth?
Keep your writing LEGIBLE.
DO NOT WRITE THE STORY YET!
Spend some time on your brainstorm working out
details. Jumping to the story too soon leads to
problems with the story later. NOT A
CHALLENGE, just an observation…
Next time you should have…
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Both brainstorms completed and ready to share
with a neighbor (handwriting!)