Ani's Greek Mythology Website -- Intro

Introduction to Greek Mythology

Ancient Greeks had to face many forces of nature. In their effort to understand the nature, they invented stories to account for the things that went on in their lives. These tales, known as myths, were spread around by travelers. They contained the powerful Olympian gods, sea gods, woodland gods, sky gods, underwater gods, half-gods, human heroes, courageous or romantic adventures, betrayals, battles, wanderings, and so on.

The first written record of Greece is the "Iliad", written by Homer. Unlike other early civilizations, Greeks made their gods in their own image. They assigned human frailties as well as superhuman strengths to their gods. For example Zeus, the highest of the gods, was very powerful as well as unfaithful to his wife, Hera. Some of his mistresses were Leto, Leda, Io, Maia, Simile, and Europa. All of them bore him children. The gods could be fair as well as extremely unfair and incalculable.

For more on Greek Mythology press on one of the buttons below in the top row. You'll find a list of characters, summaries of famous myths, interesting facts, etc. You can also sign my guestbook or just e-mail me!