G10 Key Elements of Greek Mythology Flashcards
the study of “Myths” — and myths are stories about supernatural beings in early times, which were handed down orally from one generation to another
Mythology
Myths attempt to explain such things as
Nature(Where did Earth come from?Heavens?Seasons?Geography?
Man(Where did we come from?)
Gods(Where do the gods come from?)
The Greeks and Romans believed in
polytheism
poly
many
theism
God
polytheism
many gods
Why study Greek Mythology?
Interesting and Entertaining
Shows how ancient people viewed the world and gives us an account of their history
It is constantly referenced to in everyday life
It is composed mainly of stories about gods and goddesses, but it is not an account of Greek religion. Instead, these stories were written to serve as a way of explaining how things came to be.
Greek Mythology
teaches about various subjects such as the responsibilities of humans, right and wrong behavior, love and hate, emotions, strengths and weaknesses of humans, family relationships, and rivalry and conflicts, among others
Greek Mythology
form of pure entertainment and were told by ancient Greeks to each other to pass the time
Greek Mythology
Elements of Greek Mythology
Setting Characters Plot Themes Motifs
(element of greek mythology)usually in ancient Greece, sometimes in Mount Olympus or other fictional and mythical places such as the underworld
Setting
(element of greek mythology)gods and goddesses, heroes, or mythical beings
Character
most of these stories have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, although some stories are interrelated
Plot
universal ideas in a literary work (i.e., fate, revenge, reward for goodness and punishment for evil, etc.)
Themes
(element of greek mythology)recurring structures that help develop the theme (i.e., beauty, love, etc.)
Motifs
Themes and Motifs in Greek Mythology
Fate Reward for goodness and punishment for evil Love War Vengeance Beauty
Basis of Classical Greek Mythology
Theogony by Hesiod
Iliad by Homer
Odyssey by Homer
Author of Theogony
Hesiod
Author of Iliad
Homer
Author of Odyssey
Homer
the earliest group of Divinities; led by Cronus
Titans
12 titans(first generation)
Mnemosyne Themis Tethys Oceanus Iapetus -Clymene Crius Phoebe Coeus Hyperion Theia Rhea Cronus
the most powerful group.They are called _ because they lived on Mount Olympus. The _ overthrew the Titans. This group consists of several ranks of divinities, with twelve gods and goddesses making up the top rank.
Olympians
ruler of all divinities in Mount Olympus; the god of the sky and thunder
Zeus
god of the sea and earthquakes; Zeus’s brother
Poseidon
