This is an introductory powerpoint addressing the definition and fundamentals of Greek/Roman mythology. It addresses the where, why and who of the creation and study of the Greek gods and goddesses.

1. Mythology
Mrs. Johnson

2. • Study of stories
about
supernatural
beings in early
times.
• Handed down
orally.
Definition

3. Roman Mythology
• We have both Roman
and Greek mythology.
• The Romans conquered
the Greeks and took
their culture of gods
and goddesses.
• They renamed them
with Roman names.

4. Why Have Myths?
• Myths were invented to explain the
unexplainable.
• Their presence show the evolution
of man from the primitive to the
intellectual.
• Knowledge has replaced myths
today.

5. What makes a Myth?
 Myths tell stories about natural events,
people, and animals.
 They were early literature and science.
 Myths are always about gods/goddesses.
 They usually teach a moral lesson.

6. Two Types of Myths
1. Natural events: earthquakes, thunder,
etc.
2. Moral tales that teach a lesson to
humans about human behavior.

7. Greek God
Roman God Symbols of
Domain
Athena
Minerva
Armor, owl,
olive branch
goddess of wisdom,
law, war, and city
Ares
Mars
Sword, spear,
vulture
god of war
Hermes
Mercury
Winged
sandals
messenger of the gods
Persephone
Proserpina
flowers
goddess of springtime,
underworld; Hades’
wife
Hestia
Vesta
Sacred fire
goddess of home and
hearth
Demeter
Ceres
rake
Goddess of grain &
harvest; Persephone’s
mom
Authority

8. Domain
Greek God
Roman God Symbols of
Hephaestus
Vulcan
Dionysus
Bacchus
Zeus
Jupiter
Thunderbolt,
eagle
King of the gods and
ruler of the sky
Hera
Juno
Golden crown,
peacock, cow
Queen of the gods;
goddess of marriage
Aphrodite
Venus
Swan, roses,
doves
goddess of love and
beauty; born of the sea
Apollo
Apollo
Golden
chariot & bow,
god of sun, music, truth;
Artemis’ twin
Authority
Anvil, hammer
god of fire & forge;
Aphrodite’s hubby;
crippled
Vine of grapes god of wine, fertility,
inspiration

9. Greek God
Roman God Symbols of
Domain
Artemis
Diana
Silver bow &
arrow; deer
Goddess of hunt, moon,
children; Apollo’s twin
Poseidon
Neptune
Trident; horse
god of seas
Hades
Pluto
Helmet to
make himself
invisible
God of the underworld &
wealth
Iris
Iris
Rainbow
goddess of rainbows
Eros
Cupid
Bow & arrows
god of love &
relationships
Heracles
Hercules
The hero
son of Zeus and a
mortal
Authority

10. Mythology Websites
• www.mythweb.com
• www.pantheon.org