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GREEK
MYTHOLOGY
By : Orquidea Ponce
12/4/2021
Greek mythology, as in other ancient cultures, was used as a means to explain the environment in
which humankind lived, the natural phenomena they witnessed and the passing of time through the
days, months, and seasons. Myths were also intricately connected to religion in the Greek world and
explained the origin and lives of the gods, where humanity had come from and where it was going
after death, and gave advice on the best way to lead a happy life. Finally, myths were used to re-tell
historical events so that people could maintain contact with their ancestors, the wars they fought,
and the places they explored.

The Telling of Myths

In modern usage the term 'myth' perhaps has negative connotations suggesting a lack of authenticity
and reliability. However, it should not be assumed that myths were whole-heartedly believed in nor
should it be assumed that the Greeks were wholly sceptical of them. Probably, the Greek myths, as
with any religious or non-written sources, were believed by some and discounted by others. Myths
were certainly used for religious and educational purposes but also may well have had a simple
aesthetic function of entertainment. What is certain is that the myths were both familiar and popular
with a wide section of Greek society through their common representation in art, whether that be
sculpture on public buildings or scenes painted on pottery.

Without wide-spread literacy, the passing on of myths was first done orally, probably by Minoan
and Mycenaean bards from the 18th century BCE onwards. This of course allows for the possibility
that with each re-telling of a particular myth, it is embellished and improved upon to increase
audience interest or incorporate local events and prejudices. However, this also is a modern
interpretation, for it is also possible that the telling of myths followed certain rules of presentation,
and a knowledgeable audience may not have willingly accepted ad hoc adaptations to a familiar tale.
Over centuries though, and with increasing contact between city-states, it is difficult to imagine that
local stories did not become mixed with others to create a myth with several diverse origins.
 Topics

The subjects touched upon in Greek literature were related to the Greek gods linked to fatum or
destiny; philosophy linked to morality and reason; and politics. In epic lyric, the themes were
related to Greek heroes, their battles and their relationship with the Gods. Lyric poetry was related
to soul feelings and intimate emotions. In theater, the themes were focused on great human passions
and everyday life.

Genres

The literary genres used in classical Greek literature were epic poetry, lyric poetry and theatre. They
also developed oratory.

o In Greek epic poetry, the Iliad and Homer’s Odyssey stand out as classics of this genre.
These works are known as epics because they sing the exploits of Greek heroes.

o In lyric poetry, sentimental and emotional themes. These could be performed by a soloist or
by a choir. Representatives of this genre are Anacreontic, Safo and Pindaron, among others.

o In theater, Greeks had two types of dramatic works, comedies and tragedies. Through this
genre, it was sought that the spectator reflect and have fun with common life elements and
with the virtues and vices of man in front of his destiny. The best-known playwrights of the
Greek classical period are Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.
 Importance of Greek literature

Greek literature is important because it was the first to stand out in European history and was the
generator of literary genres that have served as models for other countries.

Just as the aesthetics and arts of the West originated in Classical Greece, Greek literature gave rise
to the great ideas of humanity and the questions of man and the role he plays in the world, life,
death, its virtues, its vices, its pleasures and torments.

Representatives

Of the most outstanding representatives of Greek literature we can mention the following:

In epic poems:

Homer: Rhapsody to whom are attributed the epic poems of the “Iliad and the Odyssey; stories that
tell of Achilles’ anger and Ulysses’ return to Ithaca. The Homeric hymns are also attributed to him.

In philosophy:

Hesiod: Greek poet and philosopher, his works are inspired by mythological characters. For many,
he is known as the first Greek philosopher.

Socrates: Greek philosopher, Plato’s master and one of the greatest representatives of Western
philosophy. Socrates did not leave written works in life because he believed that each person should
develop his own ideas.

Plato: Greek philosopher, his works are part of Western classical thought. Among his best known
and studied texts, we can mention the Republic.

Aristotle: Greek philosopher, logic and scientist; his ideas are part of Western thought. He wrote
more than 200 treatises on various subjects such as metaphysics, rhetoric, politics, ethics, among
others. Among his most outstanding works, we can mention Metaphysics.

In history:

Herodotus: Historian and geographer, author of Greek cosmogony. Among his best-known works
are the nine books of history.

In lyric poetry:
Sappho: Greek poet, also known as the tenth muse because of its importance in classical poetry.
Among her best-known works is the hymn in honor of Aphrodite.

Anacreon: Greek poet who sings the pleasures of life, love and wine. His poetry influenced poets
of the Middle Ages. Among his best-known works are the poems Anacreontic.

Pindar: Greek choral lyric poet known for his Odes in honor of the Olympic Games. It sings of the
life, beauty, strength and vigor of youth.

In the theater:

Aeschylus: Greek playwright of tragic works, characterized by giving life to great characters and
touching moral and religious themes. Among his best-known works is the trilogy Oresteia.

Sophocles: tragic playwright created from works linked to Greek mythology and with characters
who are moved by their will rather than by their destiny. Among his best-known works is Oedipus
the King.

Euripides: playwright who revolutionized the Greek tragedy with works full of realism and
pessimism, with characters who rebel against the gods. Among his most outstanding works,
Hippolytus can be mentioned.

Classical works of Greek literature

Of the classical works of Greek literature we can mention the following:

o The Iliad and the Odyssey, Homer.

o The Republic, Plato

o Oedipus King, Sophocles

o Rhetorical art, Aristotle

o Ode to Aphrodite and to the Beloved, Sappho

o The Nine Books of History, Herodotus

o Prometheus in chains, Aeschylus

o Medea, Euripides
1. Minoan Tomb of Crete (2018)

A farmer from Kentri Ierapetra discovered a carved tombstone from the Late Minoan III period
when he parked his car under an olive tree.It turned out to be a tomb containing two large
representations in relief, two skeletons and 24 ceramic pieces with reliefs and colourful
representations.

2. Argilus stoa (2013)

Archaeologists working on the site of the ancient city of Argilus ( an ancient Macedonian coastal
city on the shores of the Eastern Gulf) in 2013 found the remains of a stoa or portico, the type of
construction where merchants set up their businesses for sale to the public.But unlike others
previously discovered, this time it was composed of different rooms, suggesting that each owner
had been building his business by attaching it to the existing ones. It is therefore a rare find. What’s
more, the portico dates back some 2,500 years, making it the oldest in northern Greece.

3. The ancient lost city of Vlochós (2016)

Some 300 kilometres north of Athens in Thessaly, researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg
and Bournemouth looked at ruins already known on a mountain slope. Previously they had been
discarded as belonging to an irrelevant settlement, but the new research revealed that it was an
ancient lost city, dating back some 2,500 years.

It occurred in September 2016 in the vicinity of the town of Vlochós, and since then archaeologists
have unearthed the remains of towers and walls, and found abundant pieces of pottery and coins
from 500 BC.

Daskalio pyramidal promontory in Keros / photo Michael Boyd – Cambridge University

4. The pyramid of Keros (2018)

On the Greek island of Keros, home to the world’s oldest island sanctuary, archaeologists
discovered that 4,000 years ago its inhabitants excavated a terraced mound, giving it the appearance
of a stepped pyramid. The surprise came when they examined the interior and found that it had a
sophisticated drainage system.

5. The ancient ship base of Piraeus (2010)

A local fisherman was the key to finding the submerged remains of the ancient Athenian naval base
in Piraeus. From there came the ships that faced the Persian Empire in the Battle of Salamina.

6. The palace of Knossos, much larger than believed (2016)

New discoveries at the Cretan site of Knossos suggest, not only that the palatial area was much
larger and more influential than previously thought, but that it also survived the volcanic eruption of
Thira (Santorini) around 1200 BC.

7. Delos Underwater Findings (2017)

Numerous submerged structures were found around the island of Delos, including an old port. There
are also many shipwrecks from different periods. All this confirms the theory that Delos was an
important commercial centre, a crossroads of maritime routes and a link between Mediterranean
peoples.

8. The ancient silver mine of Laurium (2009)

In 2009, the ruins of the Laurium silver mines were excavated in Sounion National Park, near the
town of Agios Konstadinos. The wealth coming from these and other gold, iron and silver mines
contributed to sustain the Athenian Empire between the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. And with the
profits obtained from them, the monuments of the Acropolis and the city walls, among others, were
paid for.

9. Evia’s ancient inscription (2018)

In August 2018, a fragment of marble was found hidden under stones on a path in Evia. It turned out
to contain a profuse Hellenistic inscription that may shed light on life in ancient Greece. Petroglyphs
from Asphendou Cave / photo S. Murray

10. Parietal art in Asphendou Cave (2018)

In Crete’s Asphendou cave, already known for its abundance of petroglyphs, archaeologists
discovered what is believed to be Greece’s oldest example of art, dating back to the Ice Age more
than 11,000 years ago. The reliefs show up to 37 deer of an extinct type around that date, the
Candiacervus ropalophorus. General view of the Iklaina site / photo Iklaina Archaeological Project

11. Iklaina’s discoveries (2018)

The results of the excavations at Iklaina, some 10 kilometres northeast of the town of Pylos, have
led to a review of our knowledge of the Mycenaean states, with truly unexpected findings. These
include a primitive Mycenaean palace, large Cyclopean walls, terraces and inscriptions in Lineal B.
Moreover, from the studies carried out the experts deduce that Iklaina was the first city-state of
Greece.

12. The combat agate from Pylos (2017)

In the summer of 2015 archaeologists working around the Mycenaean palace of Nestor in Pylos,
Greece, found a tomb with the remains of a warrior from 1500 B.C. Next to it was an amazing
treasure made up of weapons, gold jewellery and other objects, mostly in Minoan style. A
reconstruction of his face was even carried out and he was given the name of Griffin Warrior. In
November 2017, the team from the University of Cincinnati announced the discovery in the tomb
itself of a truly impressive object: a seal carved from a precious stone that researchers already
consider to be one of the finest works of prehistoric Greek art ever found. When Cicero found
Archimedes.

It was believed that the family of Greek gods lived in a cloud palace above Mount Olympus (the
highest mountain in Greece). These gods were thought to have special powers, and each had control
over a different aspect of life. Many of them also appear in the tales of Greek mythology.
 GREEK GODS AND DEITIES
GREEK GODS AND
DEITIES

Zeus
The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece!
Zeus was the king of the gods, and the most powerful. He was the god of the sky and thunder, and
controlled the weather. He had different powers, his most famous being the ability to hurl lightning
bolts at those who displeased him! He hated dishonesty, and would punish those who lied or broke
promises.

Hera

Ancient Greece Hera-

Hera was Zeus’ wife and queen of the gods. She was the goddess of women, marriage and family.
Hera was well worshipped by the Ancient Greeks, and the oldest and most important temples of the
region were built in honour of her. Her sacred animals were the cow, lion and peacock.

Poseidon

Ancient Greece Poseidon

Poseidon was the brother of Zeus, and god of the sea and earthquakes. Although one of the gods of
Mount Olympus, he spent most of his time in the ocean. His weapon was a trident which was said to
be so powerful it could shake the earth and shatter any object! He had a reputation for being bad-
tempered and moody, and would seek revenge on those who angered him.

Aphrodite

Ancient Greece Gods Aphrodite

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. The Greeks believed Aphrodite was created from the
foam of the sea on the shores of Paphos, Cyprus. She was considered the most beautiful of the gods,
and later married Hephaestus, god of metalwork and fire. Her sacred animal was the dove.

Hades

Ancient Greece Hades

Hades was Zeus and Poseidon’s elder brother. Although a god of Mount of Olympus, Hades rarely
left his dark kingdom, the underworld, where he ruled over the dead. Because he represented death,
Hades was the most feared of the Ancient Greek gods – some people even refused to say his name!
Hades was aided in the underworld by his three headed dog, Cerberus.

Hermes

Ancient Greece Hermes

A son of Zeus, Hermes was the messenger of the gods. He was also responsible for guiding the dead
to the underworld. Hermes was said to be the fastest of the gods and wore winged sandals and a
winged hat. He was also known for his intelligence and wit, and would help Zeus with his important
decisions.

Demeter

Ancient Greece Demeter

Demeter was the goddess of agriculture, vegetation and crop growth. She was also associated with
the seasons. The Ancient Greeks believed that her daughter, Persephone, was taken from her for
four months each year, during which Demeter would grieve and withdraw her gifts from the world,
creating winter.

Apollo

Ancient Greece Gods Apollo

A son of Zeus, Apollo was the Greek god of music, arts, light and medicine. He was famous for
playing the lyre (an instrument a bit like a small U-shaped harp) – and he was also believed to have
invented the lute (a pear-shaped string instrument). Although associated with health and healing,
together with his twin sister Artemis, he could bring disease and plague to humans.

Athena

Ancient Greece Athena

Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, skill and war. She taught humans various skills and
crafts such as weaving, and would protect heroes during war. She was said to be Zeus’ favourite
daughter, so much so that he would allow her to use his weapons – even this blastastic thunderbolt!
Her sacred animal was the owl.

Contributions of the Ancient Greeks

The early civilization that flourished in ancient Greece had huge implications for the development
of mankind. In every sector of life, from law to politics to sport, the terminology and innovations of
this period are still relevant today. In fact, it's fair to say Western civilization as we know it was
made possible by the advancements made by our Greek ancestors.
The Acropolis

Temple of Athena at Parthenon

The Acropolis, or "high city," was designed as a rallying point for a city under attack. It also housed
the main temples. The Acropolis in Athens was home to the iconic Parthenon temple and its remains
exist to this day. The Athenian Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Olympic Games

Attila Szabo of Hungary competes during the Men's Decathlon Discus Throw on Day 13 of the
London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England

The greatest festival of athletics in the world dates back to an ancient Greek festival at Olympia, in
honor of the god Zeus. Athletes gathered from all over the Greek world to compete for honors.
Events in the original Olympic games included throwing the discus and the javelin, which are still
practiced today.

Citizenship

Flag of Greece

The concept of citizenship was developed by the ancient Athenians. Citizens were the group from
which the government were selected. They completed a compulsory period of military service and
took part in jury service. To become a citizen, a man had to have been born to Athenian parents.
Women took no part in public life during this time.

Aesop's Fables

Portrait of Aesop

The storyteller Aesop is said to have been a slave who entertained his master so well that he was
granted freedom. Aesop's fables have been handed down the ages and are still told today. Perhaps
the most famous of Aesop's fables is the story of the tortoise and the hare, in which the slower
tortoise outwits the quicker hare.

The Trojan Horse

The procession of the wooden horse of Troy painting by Tiepolo

Legend has it that in order to penetrate the walled city of Troy, Greek warriors built a giant wooden
horse, inside which, they concealed 30 of their men. This was a fake gift to the Trojans, who
brought it into the city. At nightfall, the men who had been hidden inside the horse opened the gates
and let in the Greek army.

Socrates

Socrates was the original philosopher. He considered the nature of beauty, knowledge and what is
right. His method was to ask questions, to try to expose the flaws in his fellow Athenians'
preconceived notions. Socrates went on to teach Plato, the next great Athenian philosopher.

Plato

Woodcut of Plato

Plato examined the nature of philosophy and established it as a tool for examining the ethics of the
day. He conceived of certain abstract ideas (for example, beauty, justice, or equality) which existed
beyond our physical world. He taught that in order to be good, people must study and understand
the nature of goodness itself.

Aristotle

'Aristotle contemplates the bust of Homer', Rembrandt

Aristotle studied at Plato's Academy and tutored the future emperor Alexander the Great. He
established the first ever botanical garden and the world's first zoo. Aristotle carried out
philosophical inquiries into the nature of man, establishing that the greatest good in life is
happiness, the goal towards which we should all aspire.

Theater

Ancient Greek theater

Theater was a huge part of ancient Greek culture, with theaters in every town and competitions to
find the best playwrights and actors. The word theater comes from the Greek "Theatron," which
described the seating section of the outdoor arenas where people watched plays. Comedies,
tragedies and satirical plays were all invented by the Greeks.

Trial by Jury

Ancient Athenians invented trial by jury. Jurors had to be citizens of at least 30 years of age. A jury
could consist of up to 500 people to ensure that it was impossible to bribe the majority. Having
heard both sides of the case, the jury would decide on the accused person's guilt.