Myth. A myth is a story that explains objects or events in the natural world. These objects or events are explained as being caused by some supernatural force or being, often a god. Greek mythology portrayed gods as figures who participated in daily life alongside people. Look for examples in this story of how the actions of gods affected the workings of the world.
Chronological Order. Events arranged in order of the time when they happened are said to be in chronological order. This method of organization is used in most literary works, whether they are fiction or nonfiction. Why do you think this selection is told in chronological order?
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• History Connection. Greek culture began to develop thousands of years ago. For centuries, people thought that the story of the Trojan War (1250 BC) was simply a myth, but in the 1800s, the ruins of Troy were discovered. The oral tradition thrived, led by Homer, who is credited for two great epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which told of the tale of the return of the hero Odysseus from the Trojan War to his home in Ithaca. During the 400s BC, the Greeks made major contributions in art, philosophy, theater, and literature.
• Hercules was known as the son of Zeus, the leader of the Olympian gods, the god of the sky, and the god of thunder. His mother was Alcmena, a mortal human. Hera, wife of Zeus and queen of the gods, was jealous of Alcmena. Ares, the god of war, and Hebe, the goddess of youth, sprang from the union of Hera and Zeus. Hera alone gave birth to Hephaistos, the god of fire. Apollo, the god of poetry and music, was the son of Zeus and Leto. Athena, another daughter of Zeus, was the goddess of wisdom, justice, and peace.
If you had to choose between being very strong and very intelligent, which would you choose? Why?
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