Greek mythology

For thousands of years, humans across the globe marvel at the rhythm of the seasons, the movement of stars across the night sky, the daily miracle of the sunrise. They wonder what causes volcanic eruptions, thunderstorms, earthquakes… They ask, who runs the world? One group of people living over 3000 years ago comes up with some creative answers. These people are from Greece, but their civilization later spreads into Europe, Egypt, and South-West Asia. They are the ancient Greeks.

The ancient Greeks tell stories to explain the workings of the universe. Together, these stories, or myths become known as Greek mythology. At the centre of Greek mythology are 12 main gods and goddesses ruled by the king of the gods, Zeus. These gods are said to live on the tallest mountain in Greece: Mount Olympus. From their perch they direct the world and every aspect of human life.

Zeus, for instance, is the god of the sky, Poseidon the god of the sea, and Athena the goddess of wisdom and war. The Greek gods and goddesses look like men and women although they can change themselves into animals and other forms. They are by no means perfect beings. They experience emotions and make mistakes. But unlike humans, they never die.

They are immortal. Besides the 12 main gods, there are many other powerful deities. Some of these are heroic half-gods, half-humans. These heroes are not immortal like the gods, but many possess a superhuman talent — like Heracles, who is stronger even than some gods. The heroes have serious failings too.

Sometimes they are too prideful, too rash, too cruel… These flaws often cause them to be cursed or killed. Monsters and human-animal hybrids also feature in the myths. There is the one-eyed giant, Cyclops, and the winged horse, Pegasus as well as dragons and other magical creatures of all kinds. The gods, heroes, and monsters of the Greek myths participate in violent wars and heroic battles. They embark on adventures that are courageous, romantic, and tragic.

Their world is full of bickering and compromise, fear and folly. These stories are not just an explanation for the universe, but timeless truths teaching the importance of bravery and intelligence, and the nature of right and wrong. The ancient Greeks tell their stories to family and friends over many generations. Each storyteller spins the tales in their own way, but whatever power and personality a character has is consistent from story to story. The stories are also recorded in poems and dramas by early writers and their characters are made into stone statues and painted onto pottery.

Through these writings and relics, the Greek myths travel down through history… …to the present day where they continue to inspire, entertain, and instruct us.