Introduction to Mythology

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Introduction to Mythology

• Heroes Legends of Greece and Rome

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What is a myth?

• A myth is a traditional story that attempts to
  explain beliefs, customs, or happenings in nature
• Typically passed from one generation to the next
  through the oral tradition
• Myths have heroes, heroines whose qualities are
  beyond human limitations

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What is a legend?

• Similar to a myth a traditional story passed
  down through generations
• Often features heroes and heroines
• However, a legend is often more strongly rooted
  in historical fact
• Legends focus less on religion and the
  supernatural than myths

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Myths Legends of Greece Rome

• For the Greeks Romans, myths functioned
  principally in 3 ways
• They explained happenings in nature
• They recounted the activities of gods/goddesses
• They entertained readers and listeners
• One of the most significant pieces of literature
  shaped from traditional Greek mythology The
  Odyssey, by Homer (not Simpson)

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Reading Myths Legends

• Almost all hero stories reveal something about
  the ideals values of a culture
• Look for clues in the reading that will give you
  insights into the culture
• Examine the parts gods the supernatural play in
  a story
• Think about the heroes admired in America today-
  e.g. Superman, Michael Jordan, etc.

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Heroes of Greek Mythology

• Ancient Greek mythology recounts tales of the
  gods and their relationships with humans
• These myths show contrast between puny mortals
  and the powers of nature, divine beings
• Some myths depict humans of extraordinary
  ability DEMIGODS (half god, half human)

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The Greek Epic Hero

• Epic a long poetic story about the adventures of
  a national hero
• Prime examples Homers The Iliad and The
  Odyssey, circa 9th century B.Cgt
• The Odyssey features the Greek hero, Odysseus--
  reveals many heroic qualities admired by ancient
  Greeks, and many facets of early Greek
  civilization

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Tonights Homework!

• Write an essay of no less than 12 typed pages
  arguing the function of the epic hero in early
  neo-Homeric literature
• Memorize first 723 lines of Homers Iliad
• DUE TOMORROW