Greek Mythology An Oral Tradition - 1449 Words

Greek mythology was an oral tradition that began in the Bronze Age. Greek mythology was used as a means to explain the environment, the natural phenomena they witnessed, and the passing of time through days, months, and seasons (Cartwright). Around 700 BC, a poet named Hesoid, offered the first origin story of Greek mythology. The Theogony details an elaborate family tree of gods and goddesses who evolved from a primeval void and descended from Earth, the sky, the sea, and the underworld (History.com). Later Greek writers and artists used and elaborated these sources in their work and compiled ancient myths and legends for contemporary audiences (History.com). For the Greeks, these ancient gods and goddesses had control over every aspect of their lives. The ancient Greeks believed there were a great number of gods and goddesses. They could be kind or mean, angry or pleasant, cruel or loving (â€Å"Gods and Goddesses†). Olympian gods and goddesses looked like men and women and were vulnerable to human error (â€Å"Gods and Goddesses†). Temples and sanctuaries were built in honor of most gods and goddesses and festivals were held with parades, sports, sacrifices, and competitions. Each Greek god and goddess had a specific duty in the Earth (â€Å"Gods and Goddesses†). For the ancient Greeks, these gods and goddesses shaped their everyday lives. Greek myths, as any religious or non-written sources, were either believed or discounted by some people (Cartwright). Myths were certainly used forShow MoreRelatedGreek Lore Research Paper Outline1082 Words   |  5 Pages Greek Lore Research Paper Outline Folklore is a collection of stories passed down from generation to generation that include Legends, Myths, and Fairy Tales. Legends are traditional stories sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated. Myths are traditional stories, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Fairy Tales are false stories that is meant toRead MoreGreek Mythology Vs Roman Mythology1256 Words   |  6 Pages Greek vs. Roman Mythology The line separating Greek and Roman mythology may seem very fine, but there are actually a few distinct differences between the two. For example, the Greeks and Romans both presented many of their stories orally, however, the Greeks were the first people to begin writing them down. Greek mythology is superior as it puts more emphasis on the role of mortals, the appearance of gods is more relevant, and its origin is more interesting as it was original and came before theRead MoreOrder From Chaos : Analyzing And Evaluating The Hellenic Creation Myth Through The Lens Of Biblical Tradition1384 Words   |  6 PagesChaos: Analyzing and Evaluating the Hellenic Creation Myth through the Lens of Biblical Tradition Greek mythology is often understood through the lens of analyzing a dead religion; it is assumed that the influence of such myths is passive and fixed, only effecting the lives of those already long gone, whereas the very nature of such myths is to be active, dynamic, and illuminative. I, like many others with Greek heritage, rarely engage actively with the ancient Hellenic myths. Despite this, it isRead More Definition Essay1002 Words   |  5 PagesDefinition Essay The origin of the word myth seems to be a myth in itself. Myths have generally originated from a Greek history that used an oral tradition to explain events that occurred before the written word. Often supernatural beings or fictitious characters were used to explain popular ideas concerning phenomenas of nature or the history of people. The myths that were carried on from generation to generation were often very imaginative in an attempt to spark the interest of youngRead MoreZeus Of Greek And Indra Of Vedic1601 Words   |  7 PagesZeus of Greek and Indra of Vedic Mythology can be traced to many different ethnic groups because many values such rich oral and written traditions. There are many ways of telling stories, and through myths, many powerful thoughts and emotions, as well as wisdom, and culture are all folded into one outlet. The comparisons of mythology across different cultures is an attempt to identify shared themes and motifs in the myths themselves. In comparative mythology, the Hindu and Greek mythologies share fascinatingRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey1693 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"The ancient Greeks were a deeply religious people. They worshipped many gods whom they believed appeared in human form and yet were endowed with superhuman strength and ageless beauty. The Iliad and the Odyssey, our earliest surviving examples of Greek literature, record men s interactions with various gods and goddesses whose characters and appearances underwent little change in the centuries that followed. The Greeks attributed these epic narra tives to Homer, a poet living at the end of the 8thRead MoreStorytelling in The Odyssey Essay581 Words   |  3 PagesStorytelling in The Odyssey The story of Odyssey comes from a time when storytellers spread tales of heroes and heroic deeds. The Greeks have been known to tell their stories of their heroes in oral tradition. The first few lines of the Odyssey is the narrator asking a Muse to help him tell the story of Odysseus. The story is also filled with dialogue, which might indicate that it is a form of theatre and that these lines were performed orally. From the first few lines, the Odyssey could beRead MoreGreek Mythology And The Mythology1154 Words   |  5 Pagesand lessons of Greek mythology have shaped art and literature for thousands of years. Later Greek writers and artists used and elaborated upon these sources in their own work. Did you know that in ancient Greece, stories about gods and goddesses and heroes and monsters were an important part of everyday life. They explained everything from rituals to the weather, and they gave meaning to the world people saw around them. Many consumer products get their names from Greek mythology. For example sportsRead MoreGreek Culture : Ancient Greece1688 Words   |  7 PagesGreek Culture The Greek culture is a culture that I have always found very interesting because of the way it has evolved. The Greeks are very proud of their culture and they speak of their country with an intense passion. There are many things that are a major part of the Greek culture such as: religion, music, language, food, wines, and traditions (â€Å"History of Greece†). There are many factors that play a role in the creation of the Greek culture such as: religion, culture, history, and othersRead MoreTrickster-God-Creator1433 Words   |  6 PagesTricksters appear in the mythology and folklore of many cultures around the world. Although the power and relative divinity of each Trickster varies from tradition to tradition, Tricksters have important roles in the creation, development, and sometimes destruction, of each culture. The Coyote of Native North American traditions is often depicted as assisting the â€Å"Great Mystery† or â€Å"Great Spirit† in the creating a nd populating of the world (Leeming). In the Greek myths Hermes is initially a sly infant