Perennially fascinating, ancient Greek mythology has inspired and continues to inform creative activity from “highbrow” literature to popular media. This course will explore major mythological events and characters beginning with the creation tale, which features a succession of generations of gods embroiled in gender and generational conflict. We will examine the gods’ importance in ancient Greek ritual and cultural life and then hero tales—Herakles, Oedipus, the Trojan War cycle, and more. By appreciating the diversity and complexities of ancient Greek mythological tales, we can move beyond the merely entertaining stories to learn that these myths touch on virtually every aspect of human relationships and activities. The stories reveal ancient Greek thinking on profound human issues, and these insights will in turn illuminate our contemporary values and beliefs.
