English 9BMrs. Lux

MYTHOLOGY

Defining Moments

• Mythology = the study of myths• What are myths?• Stories about supernatural beings, in early

times, handed down orally from one generation to another

• Collected from groups of people– Like Greeks, Romans, Celts, etc.

Purpose of Myths

• To EXPLAIN• Nature– Where did earth come from?

• Man– Where did man come from?

• Gods– Where did the gods come from?

How do we know about myths?

• LITERATURE• Primary source of knowledge about ancient myths

VirgilHomer – Iliad & OdysseyHesiodOvid

Why is mythology important?• Interesting• Entertaining• Shows how ancient

people viewed their world

• Constant references to mythology all your life

• Allusions– Literature, music, arts,

advertising, history, language

Mt. Olympus

• Council of 13 gods• Zeus• Hera• Athena• Ares• Apollo• Hestia• Poseidon

• Hades• Hephaestus• Artemis• Hermes• Aphrodite• Demeter

Unit Focus

• Creation stories• Hero study– Comparing Greek heroes to modern heroes

• Research project• Presentations• Overall Focus Questions: What did you learn

about Greek mythology? How and where does it apply today?