Transcript myth - cnusd

Greek 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 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 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.
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.