All About Greek Myths

Greek mythology was at one time, the religion of the Greeks. The Greek gods that we study in a literary and fictional fashion were, in fact, gods that were worshipped by the ancient Greeks. These Gods were a group of deities today referred to as the “Olympians.” The Olympians are ruled by Zeus, from which all other Olympians descended. It is important to note that other gods did exist for the ancient Greeks; other gods ruled the skies and the earth. However, it is the stories of the Olympians that have transcended the centuries. The oldest myths were written by Homer and Hesiod in approximately 800 BC. They gave us tales of, not only gods, but of heroes. These were humans chosen by the gods to receive certain gifts of strength or cunning. These heroes were elevated above others, and there are many stories passed down through the ages of the tasks they performed in the name of honor or love.

The myths played a very important role in explaining the creation of the world, the seasons, the existence of fire, and many other ordinary things in Greek life. If there was anything that needed explanation, a Greek god or goddess was usually responsible for that action or object. Most cities had their favored god or goddess, and that city would erect elaborate temples in honor of their god or goddess. They would pray to their deity for safety, protection, and wealth. In exchange, they would bring offerings of gold and jewels, and many would come to live at the temple as servants. If a storm or flood destroyed a part of their city, they would assume that their god or goddess was angered and would hasten to please him or her again.

• Greek Mythology: An introduction to Greek mythology, this site offers the reader the difference between Greek and Roman mythology. It also lists each of the gods, both Olympias and Titans, the Heroes, the Creatures, as well as the stories and family trees of mythology.

• EUHEMERUS and the Greek Myths: This site gives the writings of Euhermerus, a Greek philosopher who lived in the third century BC. He began to doubt the legitimacy of the Greek mythology as a religion and began to see the Greek gods and goddesses as man-made incarnations.

• Classical Mythology: A list of several gods and goddesses with both their Roman and Greek names, and the beliefs that each culture holds about that particular deity.

• Greek Mythology - Clipart ETC: Available clip art and pictures for use of various gods, goddesses, and depiction of Greek mythological stories.

• GREEK MYTHOLOGY: Article written by Robert Graves on the history and development of Greek mythology.

• Greek Mythology Creature: This site is dedicated solely to the creatures in Greek mythology. The creatures are listed, and the stories for each are available.

• Greek Mythology: These are Greek mythological stories that are associated with the sun, Helios, and Appollo, who are the sun gods.

• Images of Greek Gods and Goddeses: Art images of many gods and goddesses. Each deity has many different images available.

• Greek Mythology: Some of the more familiar gods and goddesses are introduced on this page, as well as the stories associated with them.

• Greek Mythology.com: This comprehensive site has information on gods and goddesses, myths, heroes, places, and creatures.

•  Exploring Mythology & the Greek Gods in Classical Literature & Art: The Theoi project is interested primarily in the use of Greek mythology in classic literature and art. These findings and images are depicted here.

• The Immortals * Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant: A list of the Olympic gods and goddesses with a description of each as well as their heritage.

• MythNET - Main Page (Greek Mythology): This site is divided into several sections: the twelve Olympian gods, great heroes, genealogical charts, and MythNET’s statement of purpose. Sidebars link readers to many other topics such as lesser gods, the creation, tales of lovers, and more.

• Mythography | Greek Mythology and Art: This page discusses gods and goddesses; heroes and heroines; lovers and legends; and creatures and chimerae. Each of these sections is further divided into more specific information.

• Archaeology Education: Explores the archeological findings associated with Greek mythology.

• Ancient Greek Maps: Ancient Greek maps associated with various stories in Greek mythology.

• Homer: An introduction to the writings of Homer, including The Iliad and The Odyssey, and their place in Greek mythology.

• Zeus Page: This page is all about Zeus, his history and his stories.