3rd Six WeeksEnglish I

2012

Introduction to Greek Mythology

Greek Mythos=“discourse” or “speech”Dictionary: A traditional story dealing with

supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that informs or shapes the world view of a people, by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the customs or ideals of society. (Webster’s Dictionary)

Essentially, mythology is a way to explainWhere we came fromWhy things happenWhere we go when we die

What is mythology?

Interaction between gods and humansGods as hypertrophied humansGods as flawed beingsSupernatural beings and monstersLarger than life, godly “superheroes”

Elements of Greek Myth

Hercules fighting the Medusa

Myths explain natural occurrences.

Examples?Gaea and Uranus (creation of

the Earth, the Gods & Man)Thunder and lightning (Zeus)Earthquakes (Poseidon)Seasons (Persephone &

Demeter)The sun rising and setting

(Helios/Apollo’s chariot)

What is the purpose of myth?

These are questions that have echoed throughout history.

Fundamental questions:Who are we?Why are we here?How did we get here?What happens when we die?

To explain is to have controlControl is comfortingIt allows people to deal with the

fundamentals of life surrounding us each and every day.

Myths Explain Fundamental Philosophical Questions

Why womencouldn’t vote

To explain is to control

Athena and Poseidon both want to rule and protect Athens

Gift contest Poseidon=saltwater well (useless) Athena=olive tree (olives, wood, oil – all useful items

in Greece) Men vote for Poseidon, women for Athena Athena wins; Poseidon flood the Attic plain Athenians blame the women, take away vote

Myths Explain Culture and Institutions

Myths often relay a message or moralTeach cultural traditions, valuesIcarus

Stole his father’s wax wings and tried to touch the sun. He flew too high, against his father’s wishes, and the wings began to melt. Icarus tumbled to his death.

Moral of the story? Life has limits. Narcissus

A beautiful youth who was tempted to stare at his reflection in a lake. He was so drawn to his own reflection, he fell in and drowned.

Moral of the story? Excessive self-love and pride are dangerous

Myths as Means to Instruct

A biased version of history – “History is written by the winners”.

Reinforce Greek culture and power Trojan War – explains why the war

happened. Crete and King Minos – Minos was the 1st

king of Crete. Founding of Rome

Founded by sons of Mars, Romulus & Remus.

Brother founded two competing cities. They fought, Remus was killed, and

Romulus founded the city of Rome. Gave tellers sense of identity, sense of

place

Myths to Explain History

Many Greeks could not read or write. Oral storytelling provided entertainment for

the masses. The Greeks loved their stories filled with blood,

shocking situations, and sex.The Heroes

Herakles (Hercules), Odysseus, Theseus, Jason Stronger, smarter, more handsome than mere mortals Nobility in humanity - Humans are better than gods

Myths to Entertain

Cultural supremacy Greek superiority over non-Greeks Other as “barbarians”

“barbarian” - The Greeks thought everyone who didn’t speak Greek sounded like “ba ba ba”.

Religion: Cult & Ritual Maintained order Gave people reason to be loyal to a city

Temples and sacrifices Feared retribution of the gods If you wanted the gods to bless you, your family, your business,

your campaign, etc., you made an offering to the Oracles and Gods.

Oracle (orare – “to speak”) an oracle was a person or agency considered to be a

source of wise counsel or prophecy of the future, inspired by the gods.

Most famous oracle – The Oracle at Delphi. Dedicated to the god Apollo.

Cultural Supremacy and Civil Order

Why study mythology?

Mythical allusions and references In order to understand many of the allusions in Western

literature, you need to know Greek mythology.Provides the foundation for Western literature.

ExamplesWilliam Shakespeare

Titania & Oberon (the fairy Queen & King – A Midsummer Night’s Dream”)

The Tempest – many allusions to mythology.Poetry

John Keats & The Romantic Poets Art

Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”John William Waterhouse’s “Pandora”

To Understand Literature and Art

The Birth of Venus - Botticelli

Venus was born from the foam of the sea, perfectly formed.

“Pandora” by John William Waterhouse (1896)Pandora was allegedly the first woman, who was made out of clay. According to the myth, Pandora opened a jar, releasing all the evils of mankind — although the particular evils, aside from plagues and diseases, are not specified in detail— leaving only Hope inside once she had closed it again.

Archetype Characters, situations, and images that are

recognizable in many times and cultures. Greek characters, places, themes have

influenced (consciously or not) Western literature and art Journeys to the underworld Serpent figures Temptresses Sea monsters Buried treasure Suitors’ contests Loyal servant Epic Hero

Archetypes

Word origins – Where did these words originate?Volcano – Vulcan, god of fireHerculean – Hercules; a great taskaphrodisiac – Aphrodite; a love potionMusic – the Muses, goddesses of inspirationAtlas – a Titan forced to carry the world on his

back.Tantalize - Tantalos, punished by food held just

out of reach.Erotic – Eros, god of Love; desirable Narcissism – Narcissis. excessive self-love.

Myth and Language