Greek Mythology Summary

Greek Mythology

  • Used in Ancient Greece to explain human behavior and natural phenomena (1100 BC).

  • It was (and is) a religion, involving multiple gods and goddesses.

  • There were 12 main gods and goddesses, each with their own 'stories'.

  • They live on Mt. Olympus.

Mythology and Literature

  • Gods and goddesses frequently appear in ancient Greek literature, such as The Iliad, The Odyssey, and Greek dramas (500 BC).

  • They appear in many short stories, novels, poems, plays, etc., throughout history and across cultures.

  • Recognizing these mythological figures enhances understanding of literature.

  • Many themes and ideas in modern literature originate from Ancient Greece.

Aphrodite

  • Goddess of love, fertility, and beauty.

  • Born from the sea foam in the ocean.

  • Considered the most beautiful of all the goddesses.

  • Daughter of Zeus.

  • Married to Hephaestus but is unfaithful with Ares.

  • Symbol: dove.

Apollo

  • God of truth, light, prophecy, and music.

  • Son of Zeus and Leto.

  • Brother of Artemis.

  • Portrayed as a young man (beardless).

  • Symbols: lyre (musical instrument), bow and arrow.

Ares

  • God of war and violence.

  • Son of Zeus and Hera.

  • Handsome and cruel.

  • Usually depicted wearing armor.

  • Symbol: bloodstained spear and armor.

  • Sat on a throne made of human skin.

Athena

  • Goddess of wisdom, battle, and the city.

  • Athens was named for her.

  • Born from the head of Zeus.

  • Usually portrayed as a young woman with a shield and helmet.

  • Helped many heroes, including Odysseus, in their adventures.

  • Symbols: owl, armor.

Artemis

  • Virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon.

  • Daughter of Zeus and Leto; sister of Apollo.

  • She was born first and helped her mother deliver Apollo.

  • Usually depicted wearing buckskins and carrying a bow and arrow.

Dionysus

  • God of wine and parties.

  • Son of Zeus and Semele (a mortal woman).

  • Hera, out of jealousy, kills Semele, but Zeus saves Dionysus.

  • Symbol: grapes and wine.

Hephaestus

  • God of crafts and blacksmithing.

  • The only lame and ugly god.

  • Son of Zeus and Hera.

  • His mother threw him out of heaven because he was lame.

  • Married to Aphrodite.

  • Created Pandora's box.

  • Symbols: Crab, anvil.