Classical mythology

Jean-Baptiste_Marie_Pierre_-_Le_Rapt_d'Europe

== Classical Mythology ==

Classical mythology refers to the body of myths from the ancient Greeks and Romans, which have had a profound influence on Western culture and literature. These myths encompass a wide range of stories about gods, heroes, and the natural world, and they have been passed down through generations in various forms, including literature, art, and oral tradition.

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is a collection of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. Major sources for Greek mythology include the works of Homer, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, and the writings of Hesiod, particularly the Theogony and Works and Days.

Major Greek Gods and Goddesses

• Zeus - King of the gods, god of the sky and thunder.
• Hera - Queen of the gods, goddess of marriage and family.
• Poseidon - God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.
• Demeter - Goddess of the harvest and agriculture.
• Athena - Goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare.
• Apollo - God of the sun, music, and prophecy.
• Artemis - Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth.
• Ares - God of war.
• Aphrodite - Goddess of love and beauty.
• Hephaestus - God of fire, metalworking, and crafts.
• Hermes - Messenger of the gods, god of trade, thieves, and travel.
• Hestia - Goddess of the hearth and home.

Roman Mythology

Roman mythology is the body of traditional stories pertaining to ancient Rome's legendary origins and religious system, as represented in the literature and visual arts of the Romans. Roman mythology often borrowed from Greek mythology, adapting Greek deities and myths to fit their own culture.

Major Roman Gods and Goddesses

• Jupiter - King of the gods, god of the sky and thunder (equivalent to Zeus).
• Juno - Queen of the gods, goddess of marriage and family (equivalent to Hera).
• Neptune - God of the sea (equivalent to Poseidon).
• Ceres - Goddess of agriculture (equivalent to Demeter).
• Minerva - Goddess of wisdom and war (equivalent to Athena).
• Apollo - God of the sun, music, and prophecy (same as Greek Apollo).
• Diana - Goddess of the hunt and moon (equivalent to Artemis).
• Mars - God of war (equivalent to Ares).
• Venus - Goddess of love and beauty (equivalent to Aphrodite).
• Vulcan - God of fire and metalworking (equivalent to Hephaestus).
• Mercury - Messenger of the gods, god of trade and travel (equivalent to Hermes).
• Vesta - Goddess of the hearth (equivalent to Hestia).

Heroes and Legends

Classical mythology is also rich with stories of heroes and their adventures. Some of the most famous heroes include:

• Heracles (Hercules in Roman mythology) - Known for his strength and his twelve labors.
• Perseus - Slayer of the Gorgon Medusa.
• Theseus - Slayer of the Minotaur and king of Athens.
• Achilles - Hero of the Trojan War, central character in the Iliad.
• Odysseus - Hero of the Odyssey, known for his cleverness and resourcefulness.
• Aeneas - Trojan hero and legendary founder of Rome, central character in Virgil's Aeneid.

Influence on Western Culture

Classical mythology has had a lasting impact on Western culture, influencing literature, art, and philosophy. Many of the themes and characters from these myths have been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms throughout history, from the Renaissance to modern times.

Related Pages

• Greek mythology
• Roman mythology
• Homer
• Hesiod
• Virgil
• Iliad
• Odyssey
• Aeneid
• Heracles
• Perseus
• Theseus
• Achilles
• Odysseus
• Aeneas