Greek Mythology Summary

Overview

This lecture presents a comprehensive summary of Greek mythology, from the creation of the world and gods to the epic tales of heroes and the Trojan War, ending with the transition to the Age of Man.

Origins of the World and the Gods

In the beginning, there was chaos, from which arose Gaia (Earth), Eros (Love), Night, Day, and Tartarus.
Gaia and Uranus (Sky) produced the Titans, including Cronus and Rhea.
Cronus overthrew Uranus, later swallowing his own children due to a prophecy.
Zeus, saved by Rhea, later defeated Cronus, rescued his siblings, and led the gods to victory over the Titans.
The Titans were imprisoned in Tartarus, except for a few like Prometheus and Themis.

The Olympian Order and Creation of Man

Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades divided the world: sky, sea, and underworld, respectively.
Prometheus created mankind from clay and stole fire from the gods for humanity.
As punishment, Zeus chained Prometheus and created Pandora, whose box unleashed evils upon the world, leaving only hope inside.

The Ages of Man and Flood Myth

Humanity passed through the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages, each ending in decline.
Zeus sent a great flood to destroy corrupt humanity; only Deucalion and Pyrrha survived and repopulated the earth by throwing stones that became people.

Major Gods and Their Myths

Zeus: king of gods, multiple marriages and affairs, father of many gods and heroes.
Hera: queen of gods, goddess of marriage and women, known for her jealousy.
Poseidon: god of the sea, earthquakes, and creator of horses.
Athena: goddess of wisdom and war, sprang fully formed from Zeus's head.
Apollo and Artemis: twins; Apollo is god of the sun, music, and prophecy; Artemis is goddess of the hunt and moon.
Aphrodite: goddess of love, born from sea foam.
Hephaestus: god of fire and smithing, craftsman of the gods.
Ares: god of war, represents violent conflict.
Hermes: messenger god, god of thieves, guides souls to the underworld.
Demeter: goddess of agriculture, mother of Persephone.
Hades: god of the underworld; judges souls of the dead with Persephone.

The Underworld and Afterlife

Souls cross the river Styx, judged for their deeds, and sent to Asphodel (ordinary), Elysium (heroes), or Tartarus (punishment).
Famous punishments: Sisyphus (endless boulder-rolling), Tantalus (eternal hunger/thirst), Danaides (leaky tubs).

Heroic Age and Notable Heroes

Perseus: slew Medusa using gifts from the gods, rescued Andromeda.
Heracles (Hercules): completed 12 labors to atone for killing his family under Hera’s spell.
Theseus: slew the Minotaur in Crete with Ariadne's help, later became king of Athens.
Jason: led the Argonauts to retrieve the Golden Fleece with Medea’s magic.
Atalanta: famed huntress, participated in the Calydonian Boar Hunt.

The Trojan War

Paris of Troy abducted Helen, causing a war between Greece and Troy.
Greek heroes: Achilles (nearly invulnerable), Odysseus (cunning), Ajax, Menelaus, Agamemnon.
Notable events: Achilles’ quarrel with Agamemnon, Hector’s death, Trojan Horse ruse (by Odysseus), fall of Troy.

The Odyssey and Later Legends

Odysseus's ten-year journey home included encounters with Polyphemus the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and Calypso.
Odysseus, with Athena's help, reclaimed his home and wife Penelope after killing her suitors.

Transition to the Age of Man

With the gods withdrawing, the Age of Heroes ended and the Age of Iron (modern humanity) began.

Key Terms & Definitions

Olympians — The principal gods who ruled from Mount Olympus.
Tartarus — Deep abyss for punishment of wicked souls and Titans.
Pandora's Box — Source of all human miseries, but also hope.
Elysium — Paradise for heroes and the blessed dead.
Trojan Horse — Wooden structure used by Greeks to enter Troy.
The Fates — Three goddesses who control human destiny.

Action Items / Next Steps

Review major gods and their roles for further study.
Read about the 12 Labors of Heracles and the journey of Odysseus.
Prepare outlines on the Trojan War’s causes and consequences.