Introduction to Greek Mythology What is Greek Mythology? • Greek Mythology is a collection of myths and legends that Greeks used to explain their world. • Although we now view these stories as fiction, the Greeks believed them to be true. What is mythology? • Some people use the word myth to mean fake, but… • Mythology is the study of stories that were used to explain the world and other human experiences. Gods & Goddesses • Greek Myths include gods & goddesses. • A god or goddess is immortal. This means that they can never die and that they live forever. • The immortals could not die but they did make mistakes and had human emotions such as: jealousy, love & anger. The Immortals Here are some of them… Zeus QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. • The King of the gods • God of the skies Hades • Zeus’ brother • God of the Underworld (Land of the Dead) QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. Poseidon QuickT ime™ and a TI FF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. QuickTime™ and a TIF F (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. •Zeus’ brother •God of the seas Herae ra •Zeus’ Wife QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. •Goddess of motherhood and child birth Aphrodite • Zeus’ daughter • Goddess of love QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. Greek myths also include… Odysseus • After fighting in a war for 10 years… • He spends 10 more years trying to return home Hercales (Hercules) • He is partgod and partman • Completes 12 dangerous tasks There are also… •Monsters and other creatures Centaurs •rude, aggressive halfhorse creatures • Satyrs are half-man and half-goat. • The leader of the Satyrs was a god called Pan. Satyrs QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. Cyclops • One-eyed monsters • The most famous one, Polyphemus, fights Odysseus in his cave. Nymphs • female nature spirits In our world today there are many references to Greek myths. Knowing these famous stories and characters will help you to better understand the world around you. They are also fun to learn! Greek Mythology in advertising… QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. More Mythological Images in Ads…