Thursday, May 14, 2020

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. 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