How the stories of Greek myths have inspired literature, poetry, sculpture and painting throughout the ages.
Olympian Gods and Goddesses: The major deities of the Greek pantheon, including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Dionysus.
Titans: The race of powerful deities who ruled the world before the Olympians, including Cronus, Rhea, Atlas, and Prometheus.
Heroes and Demigods: Mortals who were granted divine powers or ascended to godhood, such as Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, Achilles, and Odysseus.
Monsters and Creatures: Mythical beasts and monsters such as the Minotaur, Medusa, the Sphinx, and the Chimera.
Epic Poetry: The long narrative poems that tell the stories of heroes and gods, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer.
Tragedies: Plays that explore themes of fate, divine punishment, and human suffering, such as the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
Comedy: Plays that use humor and satire to explore contemporary issues, such as the works of Aristophanes.
Art and Architecture: Ancient Greek art and architecture, including pottery, sculpture, and temples, often depicted scenes from mythology.
Philosophy: The philosophical ideas and teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, were often shaped by their understanding of mythology.
Interpretations and Adaptations: The legacy of ancient Greek mythology in modern literature, film, and popular culture, including adaptations of the stories and characters in contemporary media.
Epic poetry: Long narrative poems that were recited or sung by ancient Greek poets at banquets and festivals. Examples include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Tragedy: Dramatic plays that were performed at festivals in honor of the god Dionysus. They often dealt with the lives and struggles of Greek heroes and legends, and explored themes such as justice, pride, and the will of the gods. Examples include plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
Comedy: Plays that were also performed at festivals, but focused on humor and satire. Example include plays written by Aristophanes.
Lyric poetry: Short poems that were meant to be sung or recited, often accompanied by a musician. They expressed personal emotions and thoughts, and celebrated love, beauty, and nature. Examples include poems by Sappho and Anacreon.
Hesiodic poetry: Poems that told stories about the origins of the world and the gods, as well as moral lessons and advice. Examples include Hesiod’s Works and Days and Theogony.
Iconography: The study and interpretation of images and symbols used in art and literature. Greek mythology has a rich tradition of visual iconography, from vase painting and sculpture to mosaics and frescoes.
Philosophy: The ancient Greeks also used their myths to develop philosophical ideas about human nature, ethics, and the meaning of life. Examples include the works of Plato and Aristotle.
Fables: Short stories that teach a moral lesson through the use of animals as characters. Although not unique to Greek mythology, many of Aesop’s fables contain references to Greek myths and legends.
Historical accounts: While not strictly mythology, ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Thucydides included stories and legends from Greek mythology in their accounts of the past.