Greek Mythology

Overview

• Greek mythology comprises myths originally told by ancient Greeks.
• It is a genre of ancient Greek folklore, now part of classical mythology.
• Myths explain the origins of the world, deities, heroes, creatures, and ancient Greek religious practices.
• Scholars study Greek myths to understand ancient Greek religious and political institutions and the nature of mythmaking.

Origins and Propagation

• Greek myths began in an oral-poetic tradition, likely by Minoan and Mycenaean singers in the 18th century BC.
• Homer's epics, Iliad and Odyssey, incorporate Trojan War myths.
• Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days discuss the creation of the world and human ages.
• Myths are also found in Homeric Hymns, lyric poetry, and works from the Hellenistic Age and Roman Empire.

Visual Representations

• Ancient Greek vase paintings and votive gifts depicted gods, heroes, and mythic episodes.
• Geometric designs portrayed scenes from the Epic Cycle and Heracles' adventures.
• Art from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods features mythological scenes.

Influence

• Greek mythology has significantly influenced Western culture, arts, and literature.
• It continues to inspire poets and artists and remains part of Western heritage.

Sources

• Literary sources include epic poems by Homer, the Epic Cycle, and writings of Hesiod.
• Mythical narratives appear in Athenian drama by tragedians like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
• Historians and geographers like Herodotus and Pausanias documented local myths.

Archaeological Sources

• Discoveries of Mycenaean and Minoan civilizations provided evidence for mythological details.
• Visual sources on pottery predate literary sources and sometimes portray unique myths.

Mythic History

• Greek mythology evolved with culture and reflects political changes.
• Early inhabitants used animism, later replaced by a pantheon with invaders' gods.
• Myths evolved with societal changes, such as pedagogic pederasty.
• Three broad periods of mythical history: the age of gods, the age of gods and mortals mingling, and the age of heroes.

Creation Myths

• Hesiod's Theogony starts with Chaos and the birth of Gaia (Earth).
• Titans, Cyclopes, and Hecatoncheires were born from Gaia and Uranus.
• The myth of Zeus defeating Cronus and the Titans' overthrow.

Greek Pantheon

• The Olympians, including Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, reside on Mount Olympus.
• Other divine beings include Pan, Nymphs, and the Erinyes.
• Gods are anthropomorphic, immortal, and possess unique powers.

Age of Gods and Mortals

• Tales include love stories involving gods and mortals, often with tragic endings.
• Stories of cultural artifacts, like Prometheus stealing fire, are prominent.

Heroic Age

• The age of heroes features Heracles, the Argonauts, the Trojan War, and aftermath.
• Heracles' myths involve solitary exploits and heroic feats.
• The Argonauts, led by Jason, sought the Golden Fleece.

Trojan War

• The Trojan War is a central myth involving heroes like Achilles and Hector.
• The Greeks used the Trojan Horse to infiltrate Troy.
• The aftermath includes the return voyages and stories of the next generation.

Philosophical and Cultural Interpretations

• Myths were central to Greek culture; Homeric epics were educational.
• Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle scrutinized myths, questioning their morality.
• Rationalism grew during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, questioning mythological validity.

Modern Interpretations

• Modern understanding of Greek mythology emerged in the 18th century.
• Comparative mythology and psychoanalytic approaches, like those of Freud and Jung, have influenced interpretations.

Influence on Art and Literature

• Greek myths influenced Renaissance art and literature.
• Classical themes continue to inspire modern dramatists and novelists.