Greek Mythology Overview

Origins and Development

• Greek civilization began around 2000 BC.
• Greek mythology fully developed by 700 BC.
• Depicts Gods in human form, relatable emotions.
• Unlike other religions, no sacred texts or prophecies guiding life.
• Gods resided on Mount Olympus, created a social hierarchy.

The Olympian Gods

Twelve Chief Gods (Olympians)

• Zeus: God of thunder, ruler of Gods.
• Hera: Queen of heaven, guardian of marriage.
• Apollo: God of light, music, and prophecy.
• Hephaestus: God of fire and craftsmanship.
• Athena: Goddess of wisdom and war.
• Artemis: Goddess of wildlife and the hunt.
• Ares: God of war.
• Hermes: Messenger of the Gods.
• Demeter: Goddess of agriculture.
• Aphrodite: Goddess of love and beauty.
• Hestia: Goddess of the hearth.
• Poseidon: God of the sea.

Relationship between Gods and Humans

• Gods control nature and human well-being.
• Punish unacceptable behavior.
• Myths intricately woven into daily life.
• Passed down through oral tradition and poetry.

Classic Collections of Myths

• Theogony by Hesiod.
• Iliad and Odyssey by Homer.

Creation Myth

• Chaos existed before creation.
• Erebus and Night emerged from chaos; Love brought order.
• Gaea (Earth) and Uranus (Sky) created.
• Cronus overthrew Uranus, leading to further generations of Gods.

The Rise of Zeus

• Cronus swallowed his children to prevent prophecy.
• Rhea saved Zeus, leading to a rebellion.
• Zeus freed siblings and defeated Cronus in Titanomachy.
• Zeus became ruler of the Gods.

The Era of Gods and Mortals

• Myths included themes of love and punishment.
• Gods often fell in love with mortals, leading to heroes.
• Prometheus punished for stealing fire for mankind.

Notable Gods and Their Roles

• Zeus: Leader of the Gods; enforcer of justice.
• Hera: Jealous of Zeus' affairs, protector of marriage.
• Hephaestus: Creator of weapons.
• Athena: Born from Zeus' head; represents wisdom.
• Apollo: God of arts, healing; twin of Artemis.
• Artemis: Goddess of hunting, protector of wildlife.
• Ares: Embodies the brutality of war.
• Aphrodite: Symbolizes love and desire.
• Hestia: Maintains the hearth; embodies domesticity.
• Hermes: The clever messenger; guide of souls.
• Poseidon: Powerful deity of the sea.
• Demeter: Associated with agriculture; story of Persephone.

The Heroic Age

• Began with the advent of the Greeks in Thessaly.
• Notable heroes include Heracles, Perseus, and Oedipus.
• Events include the expedition of the Argonauts and the Trojan War.

Transition to Philosophy

• Shift from mythological explanations to rational thought in the late 5th century.
• Philosophers like Xenophanes and Plato criticized traditional myths.
• Myths seen as lies or outdated beliefs by some.

Modern Interpretations

• Myths studied for cultural impact rather than literal truths.
• Influence on literature and arts persists in modern times.
• Myths offer insight into human nature and societal values.

Conclusion

• Greek mythology remains a significant cultural touchstone.
• Stories illustrate the complexities of human experience through divine narratives.
• Both Gods and mortals displayed a range of emotions and flaws.