Overview of Greek Mythology: Greek mythology is a rich collection of stories and legends created by

the ancient Greeks to explain the world around them and their own existence. These myths often
involve gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, embodying human virtues, vices, and emotions.

Key Gods and Goddesses: The Greek pantheon includes numerous deities, each representing
different aspects of life and nature. Key figures include Zeus (king of the gods, god of the sky), Hera
(goddess of marriage and family), Poseidon (god of the sea), Athena (goddess of wisdom and
warfare), and Apollo (god of music, prophecy, and healing).

Famous Myths and Stories: Myths such as the Odyssey and the Iliad by Homer are central to Greek
mythology. The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War, while
the Iliad focuses on the events of the war itself.

Heroes and Monsters: Greek mythology is full of heroic figures like Hercules, known for his incredible
strength and twelve labors, and Theseus, famous for defeating the Minotaur. These stories often
involve battles with fearsome monsters like Medusa, a gorgon with snakes for hair, and the Hydra, a
multi-headed serpent.

Impact on Culture: Greek mythology has profoundly influenced Western culture, inspiring literature,
art, philosophy, and even modern language (terms like "titanic" and "herculean"). Understanding
these myths helps us grasp the foundations of Western thought and art.