- Introduction: The Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology and More
- Creation of Humans in Greek Mythology
- Myth vs. Legend and Religion
- Greek Myths and Legends
There are conflicting stories about the beginnings of human life in Greek mythology. One reason for the multiplicity of explanations is that mankind was created repeatedly in mythological time, perhaps in an effort to get things right. Another complicating factor is that some groups had their own, local origin stories that pertained just to the people of that location. Despite this, there are some parallels with other cultures.
Flood Myths
Flood myths are universal. The Greeks had their own version of the great flood myth and the subsequent need to repopulate the Earth. Read about:
Prometheus, Pandora, and Fire
In Greek mythology, Prometheus brought fire to mankind and as a result enraged the king of the gods. To punish mankind, the evils of the world were sent to man in a pretty package. Prometheus paid for his crime with a torture designed for an immortal. Find out how in:
5 Ages of Man
Hesiod tells a creation story, tracing the lineage of mankind through five successive "ages" or "races" from the "Golden Age" to the present "Iron Age."
Read Hesiod's Works and Days and Theogony.
The Great Homer Nodding
Homer was the most important of the Greek poets, but we do not know exactly who he was, nor whether he wrote both the Iliad and the Odyssey. For more on Homer, read:
Philemon and Baucis
According to ancient Roman mythology and Ovid's Metamorphoses, Philemon and Baucis had lived out their long lives nobly, but in poverty. Jupiter, the king of the gods, had heard of the virtuous couple, but based on all his previous experiences with humans, he had serious doubts. Jupiter was willing to give mankind one final chance before destroying humanity and starting over again. Read the story of:
Introduction: The Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology and More
Life Begins in Greek Mythology
Myth vs. Legend and Religion
Greek Myths and Legends
