Greek Mythology: Origin of Gods

• Greek mythology is a body of stories and legends concerning the gods, heroes, and rituals of the ancient Greeks.

What is a Myth

• A myth is a traditional story that explains a people's early history or a natural/social phenomenon.
• Myths typically involve supernatural beings or events.
• Myths explain the origin of the universe, natural phenomena, human nature, and cultural practices.
• Myths often convey moral lessons or explore universal themes like love, loss, heroism, and fate.

Origin of the Gods and Goddesses

• The world began with Chaos, a void, according to Greek mythology.
• From Chaos, Gaia (Earth), Tartarus (the Underworld), Eros (Love), Erebus (Darkness), and Nyx (Night) emerged.
• Gaia gave birth to Uranus (Sky); together, they produced the Titans, the first generation of gods.
• Cronus, the most notable Titan, overthrew Uranus and ruled the cosmos with Rhea, his sister and wife.
• Cronus and Rhea's children included Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, and Demeter.
• Cronus swallowed his children at birth, fearing a prophecy that one would overthrow him.
• Rhea tricked Cronus by giving him a stone in swaddling clothes instead of Zeus.
• Zeus was hidden and, as an adult, overthrew Cronus, freeing his siblings from Cronus's stomach.
• The Titanomachy, a great war then occurred between the Titans and Olympian gods.
• After a decade of battle, the Olympians, aided by the Cyclopes and Hecatoncheires, triumphed. Zeus freed both from imprisonment by Uranus.
• The Titans were imprisoned in Tartarus, and the Olympian gods, led by Zeus, established their rule over the cosmos.

Specifics of the Gods and Goddesses

• Zeus is the king of the gods, ruler of Mount Olympus, and god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice. His symbols: thunderbolt, eagle, oak tree, scales.
• Hera is the queen of the gods and wife of Zeus; goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family. Her symbols: peacock, cow, lily.
• Poseidon is the god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses. His symbols: trident, dolphin, horse, bull.
• Hades is the god of the underworld and ruler of the dead. His symbols: Helm of Darkness, Cerberus, cypress tree.
• Demeter is the goddess of agriculture, harvest, fertility, and nourishment. Her symbols: wheat, bread, torch, pig.
• Hestia is the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. Her symbols: hearth, fire, donkey.
• Athena is the goddess of wisdom, handicraft, and warfare. Her symbols: owl, olive tree, shield, spear.
• Apollo is the god of music, arts, knowledge, healing, plague, prophecy, poetry, manly beauty, and archery. His symbols: lyre, laurel wreath, bow and arrow, raven.
• Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, the Moon, and archery. Her symbols: bow and arrow, stag, hunting dogs, crescent moon.
• Ares is the god of war, violence, and bloodshed. His symbols: spear, helmet, dog, and vulture.
• Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. Her symbols: dove, swan, rose, and myrtle.
• Hermes is the messenger of the gods and god of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings. His symbols: caduceus, winged sandals, tortoise.
• Hephaestus is the god of fire, metalworking, crafts, and blacksmiths. His symbols: hammer, anvil, tongs, and forge.
• Dionysus is the god of wine, celebrations, ecstasy, and theatre. His symbols: grapevine, ivy, leopard, and thyrsus.

Mythical Creatures

• Cerberus is a multi-headed dog guarding the Underworld, preventing the dead from leaving.
• Cyclopes are a race of giants with one eye, known for strength and craftsmanship.
• Harpies are winged spirits with a bird body and a woman's face who snatch food and carry souls to the Underworld.
• Centaurs have the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse, often depicted as wild, except for Chiron, who was wise.
• The Minotaur is a creature with a bull's head and a man's body, confined in the Labyrinth built by Daedalus for King Minos.
• The Sphinx has a lion's body and a human's head, guarding city entrances and posing riddles.
• Sirens are dangerous femmes fatales who lure sailors to their deaths with enchanting voices and music.
• Gorgons were monstrous sisters with snakes for hair; Medusa's gaze could turn people to stone.
• The Hydra is a multi-headed serpent monster that regenerates two heads when one is cut off.
• Pegasus is a winged divine stallion, usually white, associated with inspiration and poetry.

Heroes and Legends

• Hercules (Heracles) was the son of Zeus and Alcmene, known for strength and the Twelve Labors to atone for killing his family.
• Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë, is famous for slaying Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster.
• Jason was the leader of the Argonauts, who sought the Golden Fleece in Colchis.
• Theseus, son of Aegeus, king of Athens, is known for slaying the Minotaur in the Labyrinth.
• Odysseus (Ulysses), king of Ithaca, is known for cunning, especially in the Odyssey, his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.
• Achilles was a hero of the Trojan War, nearly invulnerable except for his heel, as prophesied; he was slain by Paris.

Epic Tales

• The Iliad, by Homer, tells of the Trojan War, focusing on Achilles' wrath and events during Troy's siege.
• The Odyssey, by Homer, recounts Odysseus's 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, filled with trials.
• The Argonautica, by Apollonius of Rhodes, tells of Jason and the Argonauts' quest for the Golden Fleece.
• The Theogony, by Hesiod, describes the origins of the gods and the cosmos, a genealogical account of the Greek pantheon.
• Works and Days, by Hesiod, advises on agriculture, morality, and proper conduct, including myths and allegories.

Cultural Impact

• Greek mythology has profoundly influenced Western culture, including art, literature, philosophy, and language.
• Many English words come from Greek myths, like "narcissism" (from Narcissus), "echo" (from Echo), and "titanic" (from the Titans).
• Greek myths have been adapted in literature, film, and art throughout history.
• Greek mythology's stories and characters continue to inspire, exploring timeless themes.
• Studying Greek mythology gives insight into the beliefs and values of the ancient Greeks.
• The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece as a religious festival to honor Zeus.
• Greek architectural styles, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, have long influenced building design.
• Greek philosophy, including the teachings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, has shaped Western thought.