Greek Mythology
Myths are traditional stories. The Greeks
used myths to explain things they did not
understand. Other myths taught moral lessons
or simply told entertaining stories. Since most
myths are older than writing, we don’t know
why people began to believe in myths, but we do
know that myths have been passed down from
generation to generation by word of mouth.
Greek poets told epic stories based on the
myths. An epic is a long poem about the gods
and their deeds.
Most ancient cultures practiced polytheism.
Polytheism is the worship of many gods. The
ancient Greeks were different from most other
cultures of their time because Greek gods and
goddesses looked and acted like human beings.
The Greeks told stories of their gods marrying
and having children. Greek gods would have
wars and celebrations and would often play
tricks on one another. Most people no longer
share the beliefs of the ancient Greeks, but they
still find great inspiration in the stories and
symbols of Greek mythology.
The ancient Greeks believed their gods lived
atop Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in
Greece. Zeus was the head of the pantheon, or
family of gods. Zeus ruled the sky with his
powerful thunderbolt. Many ancient Greeks
feared the anger of Zeus during violent
thunderstorms. Zeus's wife, Hera, was the
goddess of women and marriage.
Poseidon was said to be Zeus’ brother and
the ruler of the sea. Poseidon also had the
power to create earthquakes. Greek mariners
and fishermen believed that Poseidon would
strike the ground with his mighty trident when
he was ignored. A trident is a three-pronged
spear used by the ancient Greeks both to spear
fish and as a weapon. Poseidon might cause
shipwrecks with his trident, but Poseidon could
also create new islands and favor sailors with
food and safe travel to other lands.
A third brother named Hades ruled the
underworld. The Greeks believed that people
passed to Hades’ territory when they died, and
while they were treated
fairly in the underworld,
Hades would never allow
them to return to the
world they once knew.
The ancient Greeks
would honor Zeus at
great athletic contests
called the Olympics. The
poli built temples where
the Greek people would make sacrifices or pray
to the gods asking for good health or a
successful harvest.
The ancient Greeks would often consult
priests or priestesses called oracles before
making important decisions. Many ancient
Greeks believed that the gods spoke to the
oracles. The Greek oracles were said to be able
to read the rustling of leaves or marks on
animals as signs from the gods. The oracles
would often respond in unclear ways with
puzzling statements so it would be difficult for
people to prove them wrong.
Greek Mythology-Thinking Questions (SEPARATE SHEET OR BACK OF WKST.)
1.
Zeus was the most powerful Greek god. What do his powers suggest the people of ancient Greece feared?
2.
Make a prediction about modern society that would be similar to what a Greek oracle would make. Consider how
the oracles made sure they could not be proven wrong.
3.
How were the Greek gods different from the gods of most other ancient cultures?
4.
THE BIG QUESTION----How did Greek religion reflect and/or influence, the values and practices of ancient
Greek life? (Look in your book, online, Odyssey (if you have English), Handouts, etc. to find evidence. BRAINSTORM
WITH OTHERS, BUT IN THE END, I AM LOOKING FOR YOUR RESPONSE) I am looking for Specific Examples &
Analysis on your part. No points awarded for anything less than 8 bulleted items or sentences. No points awarded for
Examples with no Analysis!!!!