GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Myth is a traditional story of gods, demigods or supernatural humans. Myths show the
relations between gods and people. Mythology was a form of early science because it
helped Greeks to explain the unexplainable or unknowable aspects of life (weather, life).

Pictures: The Trojan War and Hercules and the Twelve Labors

Greek mythology is a collection of myths and legends that Greeks used to explain their
world. Although we now view these stories as fiction, the Greeks believed them to be
true. It was fully developed by about 700 BC. Homer and Hesiod are considered the
earliest Greek poets whose work has survived.

In the beginning there was no earth, sea or sky. There was only confusion and darkness
called Chaos. Chaos later gave birth to Mother Earth and then she eventually gave birth
to Uranus also known as Father Heaven. Then Mother Earth and Father Heaven had
many children (Cyclops and Titans). Among their children was the greatest titan Cronus.
Later he became the ruler over Heaven and Earth and married his sister Rhea. From
their union came the Olympian gods. The Titans were overthrown by The Olympian
gods.

The Titans (the pre-Olympian gods) were children of Heaven and Earth and parents of
the Gods of Olympus. Uranus is the sky god and the first ruler. Cronus and Rhea are Zeus
parents. Prometheus is the wisest Titan.

The Olympians are a group of 12 gods who ruled after Titans. They are all related in
some way.. The first generation of Olympians: Zeus, Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades and
Poseidon. The second generation Olympians were Athena, Ares, Hermes, Dionysus,
Apollo, Artemis and Hephaestus. They resembled the Greeks need to be grandiose. They
were heavily flawed because they mirrored the Greeks. They were unforgiving, jealous,
spiteful and sinful; they were often portrayed as physically strong, beautiful and
intelligent.

The Muses are nine goddesses in charge of different sciences and arts (including music,
dance, history and poetry). They are daughters of Zeus. They were meant to inspire
people.