Greek mythology forms the bedrock of many literary works in English literature. Its origins in oral tradition and early written sources provide crucial context for understanding how these myths shaped narratives and themes in later works.
The major Greek deities, heroes, and epics establish archetypes and conventions that influence literature through the Renaissance and beyond. Mythological themes like fate vs free will, hubris, and transformation continue to resonate in works studied in this course.
Origins of Greek mythology
- Greek mythology forms the foundation for many literary works studied in Literature in English: Through Milton, shaping narratives and themes
- Understanding the origins of these myths provides crucial context for analyzing their use and adaptation in later literature
Oral tradition and storytelling
- Myths passed down through generations via oral storytelling by bards and poets
- Allowed for regional variations and evolving narratives over time
- Emphasized memorable characters, dramatic plots, and moral lessons to aid retention
- Incorporated local folklore and historical events, blending fact and fiction
Early written sources
- Hesiod's Theogony (~700 BCE) systematized the Greek pantheon and cosmogony
- Homer's epics (Iliad and Odyssey, ~800 BCE) popularized many mythological stories
- Homeric Hymns (~700-500 BCE) provided detailed accounts of individual gods
- Later works by Apollodorus and Ovid compiled and preserved mythological traditions
Influence on ancient literature
- Myths served as source material for Greek tragedies and comedies
- Provided cultural touchstones and shared references for audiences
- Allowed authors to explore complex themes through familiar stories
- Inspired creation of new literary forms (lyric poetry, pastoral)
Major Greek deities
- Greek deities play significant roles in literature from antiquity through the Renaissance and beyond
- Understanding their attributes and relationships is crucial for interpreting mythological allusions in texts
Olympian gods vs titans
- Olympians overthrew the Titans in a ten-year war called the Titanomachy
- Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades divided rule over sky, sea, and underworld
- Twelve main Olympian gods resided on Mount Olympus
- Some Titans (Prometheus, Atlas) remained important figures in mythology
Divine hierarchies and domains
- Zeus ruled as king of gods, with other deities having specific realms of influence
- Gods often associated with natural phenomena or human activities (Poseidon: sea, Ares: war)
- Lesser deities, nymphs, and spirits populated the natural world
- Demigods and heroes bridged the gap between divine and mortal realms
Mortal interactions with gods
- Gods frequently intervened in human affairs, both helping and hindering mortals
- Myths often explored consequences of defying or pleasing the gods
- Mortals sometimes tricked or outsmarted gods (Sisyphus, Prometheus)
- Divine-mortal relationships produced heroic offspring (Hercules, Perseus)
Greek heroes and epics
- Greek heroes and epics provide models for heroic narratives in later literature
- Understanding these archetypes helps analyze character development and plot structures in works through Milton
Homeric epics: Iliad and Odyssey
- Iliad focuses on Trojan War, exploring themes of honor, rage, and mortality
- Odyssey follows Odysseus' ten-year journey home, emphasizing cunning and perseverance
- Both epics establish conventions for epic poetry (invocation of the Muse, epic similes)
- Characters like Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus become archetypes for later heroes
Heroic archetypes and quests
- Heroes often of divine or noble parentage (Theseus, Perseus)
- Typical quest structure: call to adventure, trials, ultimate challenge, return
- Common heroic traits: strength, courage, cleverness, tragic flaws
- Quests often involve slaying monsters (Minotaur, Medusa) or retrieving objects (Golden Fleece)
Tragic heroes in Greek drama
- Protagonists of high status brought low by a fatal flaw or error in judgment
- Oedipus exemplifies the tragic hero in Sophocles' plays
- Themes of fate vs free will central to many tragic narratives
- Catharsis achieved through audience's emotional connection to hero's downfall
Mythological themes in literature
- Greek myths introduce enduring themes that resonate throughout English literature
- Recognizing these themes helps in analyzing their treatment in works from various periods
Fate vs free will
- Gods often decree mortals' fates, yet characters struggle against predetermined outcomes
- Oracles and prophecies play significant roles in many myths (Oedipus, Paris)
- Questions of divine justice and mortal responsibility frequently explored
- Theme continues in later works like Beowulf and Shakespearean tragedies
Hubris and nemesis
- Hubris: excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall
- Nemesis: divine retribution for hubris or transgression against natural order
- Examples include Icarus flying too close to the sun and Arachne challenging Athena
- Concept influences character development in works like Paradise Lost
- Gods often transform themselves or mortals out of love or punishment
- Metamorphoses common in myths (Daphne into laurel, Narcissus into flower)
- Exploration of different types of love: romantic, familial, platonic
- Theme of transformation central to works like Ovid's Metamorphoses and later adaptations