Greek and Roman Mythology Introduction · Introduction . What is a myth? A myth is a story that...
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Greek and Roman Mythology Introduction
Transcript of Greek and Roman Mythology Introduction · Introduction . What is a myth? A myth is a story that...
Greek and Roman Mythology Introduction
What is a myth?
A myth is a story that ancient cultures used to explain the mysteries of the world.
Examples:
- How the world was created.
- How certain customs began.
What is a myth?
The word “myth” comes from the Greek word “mythos” meaning legend or story.
Three Types of Traditional Stories
1. Saga – story based on a historical event. An example would be the story of the Trojan War in The Iliad and The Odyssey.
2. Legend – a story based on a historical person or place.
3. Folktale – an adventure. For example, the Greek tale of Perseus tells of a princess being saved by a sea monster.
Purpose of Mythology
Mythology had four purposes:
1. They explained the world.
2. They were a way to explore.
3. They provided legitimacy.
4. They were entertaining.
They explained the world.
• Myths helped to explain how the world originated and developed.
• Myths also helped worshippers make sense of the religious rituals they practiced and how those rituals began.
• In addition, myths helped ancient people to explain the relationship between men and women, how cities were founded, and who the gods were.
They were a way to explore.
• Myths allowed people to explore the consequences of their actions. Stories of quests and tragedies helped people understand moral issues and religious obligations.
They provided legitimacy.
• Legitimate - well reasoned and sincere
• Myths helped ancient families trace their ancestry, making them legitimate by linking them to mythical ancestors.
They were entertaining.
• Myths were a way to entertain people.
• Epic tales and poems kept audiences captivated.
• Some public performances drew crowds of 15,000 people.
More about Greek Myths!
How did the myths get passed down?
• In ancient times, most myths were passed on by storytelling, or word of mouth.
• Ancient people heard the stories over and over again from the time they were small children until they knew them by heart.
How did the myths get passed down?
• They were acted out at festivals and in public performances, and women told myths to each other as they wove.
• Myths have also been passed down through writing, rituals, dances, acting, and art
Types of Myths
• Myths can be grouped into three different categories:
– Cosmic Myths
– Myths about gods
– Myths of Heroes
Cosmic Myths
• Cosmic Myths tell about the Earth, including the origin of the world, fires, floods and other natural disasters, as well as the afterlife.
• The oldest cosmic myths are from Ancient Egypt and the Near East.
• The Babylonians had a creation myth called Enuma elish (When on high) that dates back to the 12th century B.C
Myths about The gods
• Ancient people associated the Earth, objects in the sky, and features of the physical world with the gods and goddesses of their cultures.
• In many mythologies, there was a divine family made up of gods.
• Many cultures tended to have the same type of gods, but with different names and characteristics
Myths of Heroes
• Most mythologies also have myths about heroes.
• Some heroes are mortals with one divine parent and others are totally human, but have godlike characteristics.
Myths of Heroes
• Many myths about heroes are about the hero’s birth or a quest or journey and his or her return home.
• One of the most famous hero myths is the Greek story of Odysseus – a hero who has been away from home for 20 years fighting the Trojan War.
