The Age of the Gods or Theogony

The Age of the Gods, also known as Theogony, is a period in Greek mythology that deals with myths about the origin of the world, the Gods, and the human race. This era is characterized by the birth and rise of the Olympian gods, their battles, and their establishment as rulers of the cosmos.

The Age of Gods and Men

Following the Theogony, the Age of Gods and Men narrates stories of interactions between gods, demigods, and mortals. This period is rich with tales of divine intervention in human affairs, showcasing the complex relationships between the divine and the mortal realms.

The Era of the Heroes

The Era of the Heroes is marked by the limited activity of the gods and focuses on the exploits of legendary heroes. The most famous of these heroic myths is the Trojan War, which many researchers consider a separate fourth period due to its significance and detailed narrative.

Who Created Greek Mythology?

Greek mythology was initially shaped through oral and poetic traditions before being disseminated in writing through Greek literature. The oldest known literary sources are the two epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey of Homer (8th century BC), which are dedicated to the events of the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus that followed.

What is Greek Mythology?

The term 'Greek mythology' covers all the myths related to the Greek tradition, as they are presented through existing literary evidence. It specifically refers to the telling of mythical stories created by the Greeks, concerned with their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the ritual practices of their worship.

Greek mythology consists of a rich collection of stories that refer to the origin of the world and narrate the life and adventures of a wide variety of gods, heroes, heroines, and other mythological creatures. These stories were initially shaped through oral and poetic tradition before being disseminated in writing through works of Greek literature.

When Did Greek Mythology Begin?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact year of the birth of Greek mythology, as it is believed to have originated from centuries of oral tradition. Greek myths likely evolved from stories told in the Mycenaean and Minoan sites, the latter of which flourished from about 3000 to 1100 BCE.

History and Origin of Greek Mythology

Mythology has changed over time to adapt to the evolution of Greek culture. The first inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula, who were agricultural populations, attributed a spirit to every natural phenomenon. Over time, these vague spirits took human form and became part of mythology as gods and goddesses.

During the descent of tribes from the north, a new divine pantheon based on conquest, strength, bravery in battle, and heroism emerged. Older deities of the agricultural world were assimilated by stronger ones or completely discredited.

Modern scholars attribute interpretations and symbols of our time to Greek myths. For example, Sigmund Freud used the myth of Oedipus to formulate his theory of the Oedipal complex. Others emphasize the homosexual elements in ancient Greece through its myths, believing that these relationships were projected onto gods and heroes.

By the end of the 5th century BC, poets had attributed at least one lover to every major god, except Mars, and to many legendary personalities. The adaptation of Greek mythology stories was a common phenomenon, first introduced by the Alexandrian poets and continued by writers of the early Roman Empire.

The achievement of epic poetry was to create historical circles and consequently develop a concept of mythological chronology. Although contradictions in the stories make absolute dating impossible, it is almost possible. The mythological works of Hesiod (8th century BC) are also considered extremely valuable sources of information: Theogony and Works and Days, which refer to the ancient Greek conception of the creation of the world, the succession of divine rulers, human times, the origins of human drama, and sacrificial practices.

Conclusion

Greek mythology is an integral part of Greek culture, even today. It has exceedingly influenced Western civilization, its philosophy, history, politics, art, and literature, while poets and artists from across the world have derived inspiration from it. Greek mythology continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the rich tapestry of human imagination and the timeless quest to understand the world around us.