Epic and myth NOTES Myth The word myth

Epic and myth NOTES

Myth �The word myth comes from the Greek word mythos. �A traditional story rooted in a particular culture that usually explains a ritual, belief, or natural phenomenon. �Most myths grew out of religious rituals.

Epic �A long narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a great hero. �Epics embody the values of the people who tell them.

Features of an Epic �Tells the story of a hero, a figure of great power or importance. �The hero has many adventures in war or on a long journey. �Often begins in the middle of a story. �The setting covers a large area of land, sometimes a sea. �Gods get involved in the hero’s life, sometimes helping or creating difficulties.

Titans �The Titans, also known as the elder gods, rules earth before the Olympians overthrew them. �The ruler of the Titans was Cronus who was dethroned by his son Zeus. �(Other Titans include Rhea, Atlas, and Prometheus)

Olympians �The Olympians are a group of 12 gods who rules after the overthrow of the Titans.

Mt. Olympus �The place where ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the Gods and Goddesses lived

Zeus �The King of the Gods and Goddesses. �Zeus married Hera, Queen of the Gods.

Immortal �Eternal, everlasting, undying. The ancient Greeks believed that the gods and goddesses were immortal.

Unit Vocabulary �Fate �Personification �Curse �Imagery �Prophecy �Odyssey �Oracle �Chariot �Adversity �Oath