The Intriguing Origins of Ancient Greek Mythology

The collection of stories that comprises Greek mythology describes the exciting lives of the gods and heroes of ancient Greece, including the origins of the world, the birth of the gods, and the volatile times in which they lived. Many of today’s modern traditions, rituals, and even many literary expressions can all have their origins traced back to the days when Titans, Giants, centaurs and heroes ruled the earth.

Many gods, goddesses, and elaborate mythological creatures are brought vividly to life through the tales of ancient Greek mythology. The Cyclops, the Pegasus, and Medusa all can be found in its stories.

Greek Mythology in Literature

Many ancient yet famous writings were entirely based upon the lives of the gods and the heroes of Greek mythology. The poet Homer wrote his epics Iliad and Odyssey to tell the stories of the Trojan War. Such heroes as Achilles, Ares, and Heracles figured heavily in these tales.

Another writer of the time and possibly a contemporary of Homer, Hesiod wrote Theogony, or Origin of Gods. It is the most complete work of the time to survive which accounts for the origins of the world and the birth of the gods. Hesiod’s Works and Days tells of farming life in a land filled with gods, and includes stories of Prometheus, Pandora, and the Four Ages.

Archaeology and Artifacts

Ancient Greek artifacts such as pottery and vases are painted with pictures that depict the gods, the goddesses, and their adventures. In fact, much of today’s Greek mythology is derived from paintings, drawings, and writings that date back as far as 900 BC.

Another source of information regarding the lives of the ancient Greek mythological gods and heroes can be found in the archeological treasures that have been discovered during the past 200 years.

During the 19th century, archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the ancient Mycenaean civilization. Then, in the 20th century, a British archaeologist unearthed the Minoan civilization of ancient Crete.

The discoveries of these two men helped to explain and expand upon much of the information contained in Homer’s epic poems, and provided historians with archaeological evidence that corresponded with many of the myths and stories surrounding the gods and goddesses of ancient Greek mythology.

Over time, many of the stories and myths have changed to follow the evolution of society and culture. Later poets and storytellers brought in gods that followed settlers from other parts of the world, and combined their new knowledge with the ancient gods, creating newer versions of old mythological tales. Sometimes a writer would re-tell one of the old stories but add his own twist with an alternate ending, although there are not many of those to be found anymore. The merging of new cultures with the ancient Greek culture has caused some of the old stories to bend, or to blend with tales brought from other places.

One thing is for certain, though. The wild, fantastic, and sometimes violent details of the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, their exploits and adventures, betrayals and acts of heroism, are enough to capture the minds and imaginations of all who partake in their magnificence.

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