Greek Mythology PDF
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University of Saint Louis
Homer
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This document is a study of Greek mythology. It provides background information on the subject, including the Iliad and Odyssey, as well as detailing the Trojan War. It also features a discussion of the causes of the war, the key figures, and the ultimate outcome. The document covers the story of the Greek heroes and their tragic events throughout the war.
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# GREEK MYTHOLOGY Background The Olympians - Iliad and Odyssey Weeks 6 & 7 Great Books (GRBK 1013) ## At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to: - identify and describe the Olympian gods and other significant lesser Greek deities; - analyze the symbolic elements present in The Iliad...
# GREEK MYTHOLOGY Background The Olympians - Iliad and Odyssey Weeks 6 & 7 Great Books (GRBK 1013) ## At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to: - identify and describe the Olympian gods and other significant lesser Greek deities; - analyze the symbolic elements present in The Iliad and The Odyssey; - reflect on the values, virtues, and flaws demonstrated by various Greek gods and goddesses; - present a personal self-characterization inspired by a chosen god or goddess; and - evaluate the influence of Greek mythology on modern literature, art, and culture ## ABOUT THE AUTHOR ### Homer Homer is a legendary ancient Greek poet who is traditionally credited as the author of two epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey that served as foundational works of ancient Greek literature. His works explore themes of heroism, fate, the interactions between gods and mortals, and the complexities of the human experience. ## The myth of the Trojan War Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. ## A fight between two great armies - **Greeks** The Greeks were a coalition of warriors from various Greek city-states led by King Agamemnon of Mycenae. - **Trojans** The Trojans were the inhabitants of the city of Troy; known for their bravery and determination to protect their homeland. ## Causes of the Trojan War - Judgment of Paris - Abduction of Helen - Ambition for conquest ## Where is Troy located? Northwest coast of Asia Minor Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor constitutes most of the territory of modern-day Turkey. ## The Judgment of Paris The myth begins with a grand feast on Mount Olympus, where the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite vied for the title of the fairest. Paris, a Trojan prince, was chosen to decide. Each goddess offered him a bribe, and Paris ultimately chose Aphrodite, who promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world. ## The abduction of Helen As promised, Aphrodite helped Paris secure the love of Helen, who was married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta. Paris abducted Helen and took her to Troy, sparking outrage and leading to the Greek invasion. ## Gathering of Greek forces Menelaus, the aggrieved husband, sought revenge and enlisted the aid of his brother Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae. They rallied Greek city-states and heroes to form a mighty army, including warriors like Achilles, Odysseus, and Ajax. ## The Trojan War begins The Greek fleet sailed across the Aegean Sea and laid siege to the city of Troy for ten years. Both sides engaged in numerous battles, raids, and heroics. The Trojan prince Hector emerged as a formidable defender of his city, while Achilles became the most celebrated Greek warrior. ## Epic Heroes and Tragic Events The Iliad, an epic poem attributed to Homer, focuses on the events of the Trojan War. It recounts the heroic deeds of Achilles, the slaying of Hector, and the tragic deaths of various characters, including the Trojan prince Troilus and the Greek hero Patroclus. ## The Trojan Horse As the Greeks struggled to breach the walls of Troy, the clever Greek warrior Odysseus devised a plan. The Greeks constructed a giant wooden horse, hiding a select group of warriors inside. They presented the horse as a peace offering, and the Trojans brought it within their city walls. ## The Fall of Troy Once inside the city, the Greek warriors emerged from the Trojan Horse, opened the gates, and allowed the main Greek army to enter. Troy was sacked and destroyed, ending the war. The surviving Trojans faced various fates, with some perishing, some enslaved, and others founding new settlements. ## How would you feel if you were excluded from an important gathering while all your family members were warmly invited? "Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldn't that be a sight?" **Achilles** _Troy (2004)_
