Greek mythology

Q: Who are some of the major figures of Greek mythology?

Greek myth takes many forms, from religious myths of origin to folktales and legends of heroes. In terms of gods, the Greek pantheon consists of 12 deities who were said to reside at Mount Olympus : Zeus , Hera , Aphrodite , Apollo , Ares , Artemis , Athena , Demeter , Dionysus , Hephaestus , Hermes , and Poseidon . (This list sometimes also includes Hades or Hestia ). Other major figures of Greek myth include the heroes Odysseus , Orpheus , and Heracles ; the Titans ; and the nine Muses .

Q: What are some major works in Greek mythology?

Some of the most important and well-known works of Greek mythology are the epic poems of Homer : the Iliad and the Odyssey . In these, many of the characteristics of the Olympian gods and notable heroes are outlined. The fullest and most important source of myths about the origin of the gods is the Theogony of Hesiod , which also includes folktales and etiological myths. Hesiod also contributed Works and Days , an epic poem about the agricultural arts which includes elements of myth.

Q: When did Greek mythology start?

It is difficult to know when Greek mythology started, as it is believed to have stemmed from centuries of oral tradition. It is likely that Greek myths evolved from stories told in the Minoan civilization of Crete, which flourished from about 3000 to 1100 BCE.

Written by A.W.H. Adkins, John Richard Thornhill PollardSee All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023 • Article History

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Who are some of the major figures of Greek mythology?

What are some major works in Greek mythology?

When did Greek mythology start?

Greek mythology, body of stories concerning the gods, heroes, and rituals of the ancient Greeks. That the myths contained a considerable element of fiction was recognized by the more critical Greeks, such as the philosopher Plato in the 5th–4th century bce. In general, however, in the popular piety of the Greeks, the myths were viewed as true accounts. Greek mythology has subsequently had extensive influence on the arts and literature of Western civilization, which fell heir to much of Greek culture. Although people of all countries, eras, and stages of civilization have developed myths that explain the existence and workings ...(100 of 4054 words)

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