Introduction to Mythology Heroes Gods and Monsters of

Introduction to Mythology Heroes, Gods, and Monsters of the Greek Myths

Mythology: • A traditional story of events that explains the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.

Mythology OR a collection of fictional stories intended to explain the unexplainable.

Classical Greek Mythology as an Oral Tradition • Entertainment • national pride • religious education

Oral Tradition The practice of passing along stories, tales, and folklore by word of mouth

Oral Tradition Oral tradition is responsible for many of the “inconsistencies” of ancient mythology.

Genre = Fantasy Many science fiction and fantasy books, movies and comic books are based upon the style and manner of myths.

Authors = “The Classicists”

The Importance of Myths were critical to the ancient Greeks These stories touched all aspects of Greek life, including art, music, architecture, military endeavors, religion, and education.

Moral Qualities Greek myths and sunlight are represented by moral quality. Heroes are set in sunlight, monsters belong to the darkness.

Categories of Myths of creation: these explain the beginning of time, space, and man Myths of explanation: these explain the great questions of the universe Myths of morality: these teach lessons and reinforce cultural morality

Why Study Mythology? Greek myths are the foundations for the arts as we know them, including movies, television, commercial products, sports, music, and comic books. A knowledge of Greek mythology enhances a person’s ability to understand appreciate the world as a whole.

Allusions in Modern Literature Many themes from mythology are alluded to (found) in modern literature.

What makes a hero?

OTHER FORMS OF ORAL TRADITIONS…

Legends • Definition: fictional stories loosely based upon real/historical people and events. • Also known as “tall-tales” • Rooted in facts, but stories have been changed through the years…WHY?

Fables • Definition: A brief story, often containing animal characters that teaches a lesson or moral • Fables deal with “useful truth”

Rick Roiden’s “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” Podcast