Greek Mythology and
Literature
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Key Terms
mythology
Homer
Sappho
Aesop
fables
Mythology
• Ancient Greeks
were polytheistic.
• A body of stories
about gods and
heroes that tries to
explain how the
world works is
called mythology.
Greek Gods
• Greeks believed
gods caused
natural events and
made the world go
‘round.
• They created
myths to explain
these events and
the gods’ actions.
Zeus
Poseidon
Apollo
Hermes
What about Hephaestus’ picture lets us know it’s him?
Hephaestus
• Hephaestus (hi-FEStuhs) was the reason
for volcanic eruptions.
• He lived underground
and made weapons
and armor for other
gods.
• When volcanoes would
spit lava, it was said to
be from his
underground forge
where he made the
materials.
Demeter
• Demeter’s daughter
was kidnapped.
• The kidnapper allowed
Demeter to see her
daughter every six
months.
• During the six months
without her daughter it
would be winter in
Greece.
• The other six months
would be summer.
The Oracle of Delphi
• When the Greeks
needed advice, they
traveled to Delphi in
search of answers.
• The oracle of Delphi
was a female priest of
Apollo who they
thought the gods gave
answers.
• Leaders asked the
oracle how to rule.
The Greeks
built great
temples
honoring
their gods.
In return
for the
respect, Greeks
expected
help.
Heroes and Mythology
• Not all myths were
about gods, but rather
about heroes from
different city-states.
• Some heroes were real
people. Other heroes
were fictional.
• Heroes had special
abilities or fought
terrible monsters.
Theseus
slayed the
minotaur.
Hercules is the
most
famous of Greek
heroes. He slayed
the hydra, a huge
snake with nine
heads.
Ancient Greek
Literature
The Illiad tells the story of the Trojan War and
Achilles, the greatest of all Greek warriors.
The Odyssey describes the challenges Odysseus faced
returning home from war. He faced monsters, magicians,
and angry gods.
Homer’s poems
were memorized
by Greeks and are
seen as some of the
greatest works
of literature ever!
• Greeks created
great works of
literature.
• A poet named
Homer wrote the
Illiad and the
Odyssey.
• Both describe
great deeds
performed by
heroes.
Lyric Poetry
• Other poets wrote poetry
that were set to music
called lyres after the
instruments played while
the words were recited.
• The most popular poet
who wrote lyres was
Sappho (SAF-oh).
• Sappho was a woman who
wrote poems about love
and relationships.
Today, the words of songs are called lyrics after these Greek poets.
Characters in
fables are
usually
animals.
Fables
• Other writing was done to
teach lessons.
• Aesop (EE-sop) is famous
for fables, short stories
that teach the reader
lessons or give advice.
• Examples of Aesop’s
fables are “The Ants and
the Grasshopper,” “The
Tortoise and the Hare,”
and “The Boy Who Cried
Wolf.”
Europe is
named after
a Greek princess,
Europa.
Greeks Influence
Language
• Many words we use
today come from
ancient Greece.
• Some include:
*titanic - something large and
powerful. Named for Titans,
large, powerful gods.
*odyssey - a long journey after
Odysseus and the journey he
took in the “Odyssey.”
Although people no longer believe in Greek gods, their influence can be seen
all around us in movies, sporting events, and in art galleries.
The Atlas
Mountains
are named
after the
giant Atlas.