Mythology What is a myth? A traditional story used to explain beliefs about the world Uses the supernatural to interpret natural events The Greeks used myths and the gods/goddesses to explain almost everything Myths often include Gods/Godesses, Monsters, and Human Heroes The Titans (The Elder Gods) There were many of them. Enormous size, incredible strength Cronos: Ruler of the titans Rhea: Wife of Cronos The Olympian Gods These gods were said to live on Cronos and Rhea Mount Olympus were parents of – Zeus (Jupiter, Jove) – Poseidon (Neptune) – Hades (Pluto) – Hera (Juno) – Demeter (Ceres) Zeus Roman Name: Jupiter Supreme god of the Olympians. Fathered many characters in mythology Hera Roman Name: Juno Zeus’s sister and wife Jealous Punished the women Zeus fell in love with Poseidon Roman Name: Neptune God of the Seas and Waters “The Earthshaker” Hades Roman Name: Pluto God of the Underworld/ Dead Kidnapped Persephone Demeter Roman Name: Ceres Goddess of the Earth and Harvest Athena Roman Name: Minerva Goddess of Wisdom and War Sprang from Zeus’s head Ares Roman Name: Mars God of War Son of Zeus and Hera Bloodthirsty and merciless Hephaestus Roman Name: Vulcan God of Fire/Forge Son of Zeus and Hera Kind, unlike his brother Apollo Roman Name: Apollo God of Light/Sun and Music Brother of Artemis Artemis Roman Name: Diana Goddess of the Moon/ Hunt Sister to Apollo Hermes Roman Name: Mercury Messenger of the Gods Appears in more myths than any other character Son of Zeus and Maia Aphrodite Roman Name: Venus Goddess of Love and Beauty Daughter of Zeus and Dione Dionysus Roman Name: Bacchus God of Wine and theater Son of Zeus and Senele Eros Roman Name: Cupid Young God of Love Son of Aphrodite and Hephaestus Creatures of Mythology Satyrs~Gods of the Gorgons~ snake woods and haired monsters. mountains. Half There are 3, Medusa man, half goat is the most famous. Muses~ Goddesses Turn human to who presided over stone arts and sciences Centaurs~ half man half horse. Savage Heroes of Mythology Hercules~ known to Theseus~ known for be the strongest triumph over many mortal. Completed monsters. Killed the 12 labors given to minotaur in the him by Hera. labryinth Became a god upon Odyssesus~ King of after his death. Ithaca. Known for Perseus~ known for his Trojan Horse his quick thinking. idea and his travel s Killed Medusa. home from the Trojan War .