Course Overview
This course provides a gateway into the captivating world of Greek mythology, tracing its ancient origins and illuminating its most enduring myths, divine pantheon, and legendary heroes. We shall venture into the rich cultural and historical landscapes that gave birth to these timeless tales, exploring their profound influence on the fabric of ancient Greek society and their indelible imprint on the literature and art of the Western tradition.
Session 1: Introduction to Greek Mythology
– Overview of the course and its key themes.
– Introduction to Greek mythology: definitions, significance, and origins.
– The role of myths in ancient Greek culture and religion.
– Key sources of Greek mythology: Hesiod’s Theogony, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Session 2: Creation Myths and the Rise of the Gods
– Exploration of Greek creation myths and cosmogony.
– Analysis of the primordial deities: Chaos, Gaia, Uranus, and the Titans.
– Discussion of the Titanomachy and the Gigantomachy: battles between the Titans, Giants, and Olympian gods.
– Examination of the Olympian gods and goddesses: their roles, attributes, and relationships.
Session 3: Heroes and Heroines of Greek Mythology
– Introduction to key Greek heroes and heroines: Perseus, Heracles, Theseus, and Atalanta.
– Analysis of their adventures, quests, and heroic traits.
– Discussion of the hero’s journey and its narrative structure.
– Examination of how these heroes reflect the values and ideals of ancient Greek society.
Session 4: The Trojan War and Its Aftermath
– Overview of the Trojan War: causes, key events, and aftermath.
– Analysis of significant characters: Paris, Helen, Achilles, Hector, and the gods’ involvement.
– Examination of the myths surrounding the Trojan War in Homer’s Iliad and its later adaptations.
– Discussion of the legacy of the Trojan War in Greek and Roman literature.
Session 5: The Underworld, Afterlife, and Myths of Love
– Exploration of Greek beliefs about the afterlife and the Underworld.
– Key figures of the Underworld: Hades, Persephone, Charon, and the Fates.
– Analysis of myths related to death and the afterlife, including the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice.
– Examination of myths of love and tragedy, such as Cupid and Psyche, and their impact on later traditions.
Session 6: The Enduring Legacy of Greek Mythology
– Discussion of the influence of Greek myths on Greek art, architecture, and drama.
– Analysis of mythological themes in works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
– Reflection on the lasting impact of Greek mythology on modern literature, art, and popular culture.
– Final synthesis and review of the course’s key themes, myths, and figures.