Greek

Mythology
What is Mythology?
o Long ago, people had a hard time explaining
what was happening around them.
o There were no scientists or teachers to
explain why things happened - like why we
have 4 seasons, for example.
o They made up their own stories to explain why
and how things worked.
o These stories are called MYTHS.
Types of Myths
 Explanatory Myths:
Myths that answer natural questions about
natural objects.
 Aesthetic Myths:
Myths that have no purpose except to
entertain.
Why Study Mythology?
 We study mythology
because it is the
religion, the science,
and the literature of
people from the past.
A Creation Myth
Greek gods - Family Tree
ZEUS: King of the gods and the sky
 Roman name:
Jupiter

 Symbol:
Thunder bolts
Poseidon: god of the oceans
 Zeus’ brother
 Roman Name:
Neptune
 Symbol: Trident
HADES: god of the
underworld
 Brother of Zeus
and Poseidon
 Roman Name:
Pluto
 Symbol: Invisible
Helmet
HERA: Queen of the gods
 Wife of Zeus
 Roman Name:
Juno
 Symbol: Golden
Crown
HESTA: goddess of home and hearth
 Zeus’ virgin sister
 Roman Name:
Vesta
 Symbol: Sacred
Fire
DEMETER: goddess of grain and harvest

 Responsible for the

creation of seasons
 Also known for
fertility
 Roman Name: Ceres
 Symbol: Rake
ATHENA: goddess of wisdom and
law

 Daughter of Zeus
 Roman Name:
Minerva
 Symbol: Armor and
an Owl
APOLLO: god of the sun

 Son of Zeus, twin brother of Artemis

 Roman Name: Apollo
 Symbol: Golden Chariot and Harp
ARTEMIS: goddess of the hunt and
moon

 Daughter of Zeus
and twin sister of
Apollo
 Roman Name: Diana
 Symbol: Silver bow
and arrow
APHRODITE: goddess of Beauty and
Love

 Daughter of Zeus
 Roman Name: Venus
 Symbol: Roses and
Doves
ARES: god of War
 Son of Zeus and
Hera
 Roman Name: Mars
 Symbol: Sword and
Spear
HEPHAESTUS: god of fire and
forge

 Son of Hera
 Fatherless
 Roman Name: Vulcan
 Symbol: Anvil and Hammer
HERMES: Messenger of the gods
 Son of Zeus
 Responsible for guiding
souls to the underworld
 Roman Name: Mercury
 Symbol: Winged
Sandals