Greek Mythology

REVIEW OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY IN PREPARATION FOR READING

ANTIGONE BY SOPHOCLES

PREPARED BY J.S. WILLIAMS

ENGLISH 9

WHAT IS A MYTH?

This research assignment will carry you on quite a few twists and turns. Along the way, you will learn a good deal about Greek mythology, the story of The Odyssey, its author, Homer, and a whole lot more. At this time, I recommend that you open internet explorer and go to http://dictionary.reference.com/. Keeping this window open, click on Internet Explorer again to open a second window. Use it to do the work coming shortly.

Homer's famous tale is a myth. Do you remember what the suffix "-logy" means? If so, then you are halfway to truly understanding what the word "mythology" means. What exactly is a myth though? Go to the following website and find out:

http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/GREECE/myth.html

When you find the definition for myth, write it in the space provided here. Don't forget to include information on who wrote myths.

A myth is a traditional or legendary story that usually concerns some being or hero or event. Myths are created with or without a determinable basis of fact or natural explanation, especially one that concerns deities (god-like beings) or demigods. Myths are usually told to show some practice or rite.

Now, continue reading the same website. When you venture upon each of the following terms, define them here.

Mt. Olympus Ð'- Mt. Olympus is a mountain peak in the north-east of Greece near the Aegean coast. It was by ancient Greeks to be the home of the gods.

Greek Gods (general description) Ð'- The Greek gods were beings of immense power and/or abilities that are depicted in Greek mythology.

Zeus Ð'- Zeus was said to be the supreme deity of the ancient Greeks. He was known as the "god of the heavens" and was identified by the Romans as Jupiter.

At this point, double click on at home on Mt. Olympus to continue with your definitions.

Poseidon Ð'- The ancient Greek god of the sea, earthquakes and horses. He is able to create massive earthquakes. Although he is was one of the supreme gods of the 12, he mostly stayed in his underwater lair. He is identified by the Romans as Neptune. Poseidon is part of a trinity of creation. Zeus was the ruler of the sky, Hades had the underworld and Poseidon had all water.

Athena Ð'- Known as the Virgin deity of the ancient Greeks, worshiped as the goddess of wisdom, fertility, the useful arts and prudent warfare. She is symbolized as an owl, and also help great heroes such as Perseus, Jason, Cadmus, Odysseus, and Heracles on their quests.

So, to this point, you should be aware that the ancient Greek people created a pretty large hierarchy of Gods, Goddesses, and monsters who behaved in ways quite similar to the Greeks themselves. The stories of how these figures interacted with each other on Mount Olympus explained good things that happened in Greece like the changing seasons and the rising and setting of the sun, as well as bad things like earthquakes and disease epidemics.

Besides leaving Western Civilization these fabulous mythological characters and stories, the Greeks also started the Olympic Games. Our modern games are named for the city in which they were started, Olympia. This city still exists today, along with some of the sites the ancient Greeks used