Introduction to the basics of Greek and Roman mythology. There is a practice at the end for students as well.

1. Stories from the Beginning of Time

2.  a traditional story, especially one concerning the
early history of a people or explaining some natural
or social phenomenon, and typically involving
supernatural beings or events
 It explains the view of a group of people and helps
them to understand the world around them
 Most cultures have some type of myth – typically
they begin with a Creation Myth
 Greek/ Roman mythology is most commonly
thought of when one talks about mythology.

3.  Etymology (origin) Greek
 Muthos= story
 Logo= speech or argument

4.  A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with
supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serv
es as a fundamental worldview of a people.
 Explains aspects of the natural world or the psychology,
customs or ideals of a society.
 Common to find similarities in stories and
universal symbols and themes across different
cultures’ myths.
 Greek, Roman, Native American, Celtic, South
American, African, and Norse mythology are
examples of myths from different cultures.

5.  Greek gods are not infinitely omniscient and omnipotent
 manifesting typical human foibles such as philandering,
feasting and drinking, and obsessive jealousy.
 To the Greeks, the life of the gods so closely resembled
human life that the gods felt real and tangible.
 the myths of the Greeks reflect a view of the universe
that acknowledges the mystery and beauty of humanity.
 In general, Greek myths involve less strange and
frightening magic than the myths of other ancient
civilizations.
 individuals become heroes by virtue of bravery and
strength rather than supernatural powers.

6. 1. A myth is a story that is, or was considered, a true
explanation of the natural world and how it came to
be.
2. Characters are often non-human and are typically gods,
goddesses, supernatural beings or mystical “fist people.”
3. Setting is typically ancient, or prior to the time when
actual records were kept. Myths are typically set in a
world very similar to our own, but with supernatural
monsters or areas.
4. The plot of a myth may take place between a
supernatural world and our present day world. Myths do
this to highlight the basic human behaviors that are
essential in any setting.
5. Myths possess events that bend or break natural
laws. This is often done to magnify the “super-
naturalness” of the mythical world.

7. 6. Promotes “Social Action”—myths try to tell people how to act
and live. Core values such as individualism, family and
community are often instilled in mythical heroes.
7. Myths have sense of mystery, or the unknown.
8. Dualities (or complete opposites such as night/day, good/evil)
often play important roles in the plot of a myth.
9. Myths often have an emphasis on language… Mythical
heroes are often sophisticated storytellers.
10. Myths are often metaphoric—that is, myths are created to
comment or analyze a real world event. Real world questions
that myths often attempt to answer are:
 Why are we here?
 Who are we?
 Why are we living? What is our purpose?

8.  To learn about ancient cultures
 As inspiration for the arts
 To teach values and morals
 To understand allusions used in modern language
 To understand common characteristics in cultures
 For entertainment!!

10. Thus the natives of Poso, a
district of Central Celebes, say
that in the beginning the sky
was very near the earth, and
that the Creator, who lived in
it, used to let down his gifts to
men at the end of a rope.

11. One day he thus lowered a stone; but
our first father and mother would
have none of it and they called out
to their Maker, 'What have we to do
with this stone? Give us something
else.' The Creator complied and
hauled away at the rope; the stone
mounted up and up until it
vanished from sight.

12. Presently the rope was seen coming down from heaven
again, and this time there was a banana at the end of it
instead of a stone.

13. Our first parents ran at the banana and took it. Then
there came a voice from heaven saying: 'Because ye
have chosen the banana, your life shall be like its
life. When the banana-tree has offspring, the
parent stem dies; so shall ye die and your children
shall step into your place.

14. Had ye chosen the stone, your life would have been
like the life of the stone changeless and immortal.'
The man and his wife mourned over their fatal
choice, but it was too late; that is how through the
eating of a banana death came into the world.

15.  What phenomenon was the story explaining?
 What supernatural elements were present?
 What can you tell about the Indonesian culture based
on this myth?

17. Greek
 Zeus
 Apollo
 Hades
 Poseidon
 Hera
 Athena
 Demeter
 Persephone
Roman Area of Power
 Jupiter King of the gods; the sky
 Apollo The sun; music
 Pluto King of the underworld
 Neptune Ruler of the seas
 JunoWife of Zeus; marriage
 Minerva Wisdom
 Ceres Agriculture; earth
 Proserpine Goddess of the underworld;
Demeter’s daughter

18.  Centaur
 Gorgon
 Pegasus
 Nymph
 Sphinx
 Muses
 Fates