Greek Mythology

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Greek Mythology
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What is Mythology?

• Long ago, people had a hard time explaining what
  was happening around them.
• There were no scientists or teachers to explain
  why things happened - like why we have 4
  seasons, for example.
• They made up their own stories to explain why and
  how things worked.
• These stories are called MYTHS.

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Types of Myths

• Explanatory Myths
• Myths that answer natural questions about natural
  objects.
• Aesthetic Myths
• Myths that have no purpose except to entertain.

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Why Study Mythology?

• We study mythology because it is the religion,
  the science, and the literature of people from
  the past.

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A Creation Myth
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Greek gods - Family Tree
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ZEUS King of the gods and the sky

• Roman name
• Jupiter
• Symbol
• Thunder bolts

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Poseidon god of the oceans

• Zeus brother
• Roman Name Neptune
• Symbol Trident

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HADES god of the underworld

• Brother of Zeus and Poseidon
• Roman Name Pluto
• Symbol Invisible Helmet

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HERA Queen of the gods

• Wife of Zeus
• Roman Name Juno
• Symbol Golden Crown

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HESTA goddess of home and hearth

• Zeus virgin sister
• Roman Name Vesta
• Symbol Sacred Fire

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DEMETER goddess of grain and harvest

• Responsible for the creation of seasons
• Also known for fertility
• Roman Name Ceres
• Symbol Rake

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ATHENA goddess of wisdom and law

• Daughter of Zeus
• Roman Name Minerva
• Symbol Armor and an Owl

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APOLLO god of the sun

• Son of Zeus, twin brother of Artemis
• Roman Name Apollo
• Symbol Golden Chariot and Harp

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ARTEMIS goddess of the hunt and moon

• Daughter of Zeus and twin sister of Apollo
• Roman Name Diana
• Symbol Silver bow and arrow

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APHRODITE goddess of Beauty and Love

• Daughter of Zeus
• Roman Name Venus
• Symbol Roses and Doves

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ARES god of War

• Son of Zeus and Hera
• Roman Name Mars
• Symbol Sword and Spear

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HEPHAESTUS god of fire and forge

• Son of Hera
• Fatherless
• Roman Name Vulcan
• Symbol Anvil and Hammer

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HERMES Messenger of the gods

• Son of Zeus
• Responsible for guiding souls to the underworld
• Roman Name Mercury
• Symbol Winged Sandals