122 Greek Mythology Essay Topics & Examples

Welcome to our list of Greek mythology essay topics! In you need good title ideas for your history paper or project, look no further. Here, you will find Greek mythology research topics that will help you learn more about gods like Zeus and Aphrodite. Check them out!

🔝 Top 10 Greek Mythology Essay Topics

🏆 best greek mythology topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 simple & easy greek mythology essay topics, 👍 good greek mythology topics for essays, 🔍 greek mythology research topics, ✅ greek mythology topics for presentation, ❓ research questions about greek mythology.

  • The Hero’s Journey Archetypes
  • What’s the Meaning of Pandora’s Box?
  • Love Story of Orpheus and Eurydice
  • Hades, Persephone, and the Afterlife
  • The Twelve Olympian Gods and Their Roles
  • Athena vs. Poseidon: The Contest for Athens
  • Infidelity and Betrayal in Greek Mythology
  • The Labors of Heracles and Divine Punishment
  • The Myth of Narcissus and the Narcissistic Personality
  • The Complexity of Medea’s Character in Greek Mythology
  • “The Matrix” Trilogy and Greek Mythology: Comparison One of the exceptions of the previous statements is the Matrix trilogy directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski.”The Matrix”, The Matrix: Reloaded”, and “The Matrix: Revolution”, all of which gained a cult status among fans, […]
  • Hercules in Greek Mythology The theme of his legends interpretation was to show the power of mythological heroes on the example of one of the most strong and powerful.
  • The Issue of “Man’s Relationship with the Divine” in Greek Mythology As the reader explores the idea of divinity throughout most of the Greek mythologies and epics, it becomes clear that there is a strong connection between the people of Greece and their gods thus making […]
  • Roman & Greek Mythology in Pop Culture: Examples, Referenses, & Allusions One of the most famous examples of the use of the characters taken from Greek mythology in pop culture must be the mentioning of the famous goddess, Venus, in advertising, which is, in fact, based […]
  • Classical Mythology: Rats in Greek Mythology Hephaestus was the son of Zeus and Hera, and was the god of the creative fire, and was the divine artisan who worked with metals.
  • Medusa in Greek Mythology So, it should be pointed out that Medusa was the great character of the Ancient mythology and remains to be the significant image in the world of modern literature and art.
  • Athena and Gender Roles in Greek Mythology According to Eicher and Roach-Higgins, the elements of her dress were important because they immediately communicated specific ideas about her character that was as contradictory as the physical gender of the birthing parent.”In appropriating the […]
  • The Suffering Women in Greek Mythology Zeus told Hermes to go down to the underworld and bid the lord of it to let his bride to return to Demeter.
  • Perseus: A Hero of Greek Mythology With the protection of Hermes and Athena, Perseus went ahead and beheaded Gorgon Medusa and took her head to the king of the island.
  • Greek Mythology: Story of Demeter and Persephone Review For example, Venus was the goddess of love, and her son Cupid was considered as the god of love; Pan was the god of the jungle, while Hymen was attributed to the domain of marriage, […]
  • Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History The ancient religious stories of the Minoans and the Mycenaean were transmitted orally to the other parts of the Mediterranean region which later fused with the Greek traditions and religious practices.
  • Greek Mythology Influence In fact, majority of the traditions that people in the modern society carry out have their origin in Greece. One Greek mythology that has influenced the whole world is the celebration of the Olympic Games.
  • The Dichotomy of Women in Greek Mythology The male competitive spirit pushed women out of public life, and in the private sphere, the freedom of women was subjected to significant restrictions.
  • Medea in Greek Mythology: Literary Analysis In this case, the position of kingship was the highest in political rankings, equivalent to the presidency in modern-day practices. Most importantly, the element of leadership in Greek mythology was characterized by concessions and plots.
  • Political Concerns in Greek Mythology In other words, the ritual of killing the ruler to seize the throne is normal; it is the natural order of things for the Greeks and Romans.
  • Ancient Greek Mythology: Deities of the Universe Hades is the eldest son of Kronos and Rhea, the god and the guardian of the Underworld, the realm of the dead.
  • Owls in the Greek Mythology. A Lecture for Librarians They also believed that the owl was a keen full watcher of Athens trade, and that is why it was engraved at the back of their coins.
  • Greek Deities in Primary Sources Hades is the god of the underworld, and he is the son of Cronus and Rhea. Dionysus is the god who represents wine-making, the fertility of the soil, drinking, and even theater; he is the […]
  • Greek Mythology – Medea by Euripides While the character shares certain features with some of the female leads in other Ancient Greek plays, Euripides’ Medea stands on her own as a character and represents a new set of qualities, which used […]
  • Greek Mythology: Historical and Factual Roots Greek mythology is a body of teachings used in ancient Greek to describe the human environment, the passing of time, and natural phenomena. The picture and the story behind it illustrate in many ways the […]
  • The Struggles And Eventual Perseverance Of The Greek Mythology
  • Comparing And Contrasting Rouse And Hamilton’s Books On Greek Mythology
  • The Mysteries Surrounding How Man Was Created in Greek Mythology
  • The Influence of Ancient Greek Mythology on Modern Society
  • The Impact of Greek Mythology on the English Language
  • Zeus’ Tyranny in Greek Mythology
  • The Opposition Between Gods and Humans in Greek Mythology
  • Persephone: Greek Mythology and Spring Persephone Returns
  • An Analysis of Greek Mythology as a God of Wine and Vegetation
  • The Myth of Atlas, the Strongest Titan in the Greek Mythology
  • Understanding the Feminist Theory in Greek Mythology
  • The Amazons, A Tribe Of Ancient Greek Mythology
  • The Life And Power Of Zeus, King Of The Gods In Greek Mythology
  • Confronting Death in Greek Mythology: Allegiance to Family or Empire
  • Female Influence In Greek Mythology
  • The Important Role of Hades in the History of Greek Mythology
  • Ritualistic Sacrifice in Ancient Greek Mythology
  • The Powers and Symbols of Polyphemus in the Greek Mythology
  • The Role of Oracles in Chaldean and Greek Mythology
  • Examining Self Exile In Greek Mythology As A Defense Mechanism
  • The Portrayal of a Popular Greek Mythology in the Play Oedipus the King
  • The Theme of Prophecy in Greek Mythology and Literature
  • The Great Influences of Athene and Hermes in Greek Mythology
  • The Portrait Of The Roman And Greek Mythology
  • Story of Aphrodite and Her Son Cupid and Their Place in Greek Mythology
  • The Effects Of Kleos On Greek Mythology
  • The Role of Fate in Greek Mythology and Its Influence on American Society
  • The Tragedy of Medea and Jason from Greek Mythology
  • The Wise Old Man in the Story of Mentor in Greek Mythology
  • The Relationship of Greek Mythology and Christianity
  • The Essential Elements of Human Nature Illustrated through the Characters and Their Actions in the Greek Mythology
  • Chaldean and Greek Mythology and the Roles Played by Oracles and Fate
  • An Analysis of the Greek Mythology and the Concept of Creationism
  • Star Wars, Episode II: Relation With Ancient Greek Mythology And Its Heroes
  • The Elements of Change in Greek Mythology
  • The Study and Interpretations of Greek Mythology
  • The Hero of Athens, Theseus in Greek Mythology
  • The Relationship between Love and Sex in Greek Mythology
  • Greek Mythology and Immediate Satisfaction
  • The Impact of Greek Mythology on Western Culture
  • The Role of the Women in Greek Mythology
  • Death And Its Personification In Greek Mythology And Other Cultures
  • Greek Myths in Art and Literature
  • The Trojan War in Greek Mythology
  • Love and Desire in Greek Mythology
  • Heroes and Heroines of Greek Mythology
  • Greek Creation Myths of Chaos and Titans
  • Underworld and Afterlife in Greek Mythology
  • What Are the Moral Lessons of Greek Myths
  • How Greek Mythology Influences Pop Culture
  • The Powers and Stories of Greek Gods and Goddesses
  • Medusa, Cerberus, and Other Monsters in Greek Mythology
  • Chaoskampf as the Creation Myth
  • An In-Depth Exploration of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon
  • Hercules, Perseus, and Their Legendary Quests
  • Goddesses of Wisdom and Beauty in Greek Mythology
  • The Trojan War: Myth and Reality
  • Mythical Creatures in Greek Folklore
  • Tragic Fates of Oedipus and Prometheus
  • The Influence of Greek Mythology on Modern Cinema
  • Greek Mythology in Sculptures, Pottery, and Temples
  • Persephone, Orpheus, and the Themes of Death and Resurrection
  • What Is the Role of Women in Greek Mythology? How Does It Differ From the Role of Women Today?
  • How Do the Myths Differentiate Between Human and Divine Power?
  • What Do the Greek Myths Suggest About Tragedy?
  • How Does Author Publius Ovidius Naso Capture the Spirit of the Greek and Roman Mythology?
  • Why Is Creon the Tragic Hero in Antigone?
  • How Does Child Abuse Affect a Hero, a God, and a Monster in Greek Mythology?
  • What Moral Lessons Do We Learn From the Greek Myths and Ancient Stories?
  • How Are Egyptian and Greek Culture Reflected Through Their Respective Mythology?
  • What Caused the Titanomachy War and Who Was Involved in It?
  • How Did Greek Mythology Influence Christianity?
  • Did Zeus and Apollo Have Anything in Common?
  • How Does Fate and Destiny Work According to Greek Mythology?
  • What Is the Story of Giants in Greek Mythology?
  • How Was the Stonehenge Made According to the Myth?
  • What Is the Most Unbelievable Myth You Find in the Greek Mythology?
  • How Does Zeus Play Into Modern-Day Religion?
  • What Is Something You Learned by Reading Homer’s Odyssey?
  • Why Did the Goddess Athena Help the Hero Perseus Defeat Medusa?
  • What Role Did Eros Play in the Life of Helen?
  • Who Was the First Mortal to Be Made a God?
  • Were the Trojan War and the Fall of Troy Necessary?
  • What Is the Significance of Pandora’s Box?
  • Did Jason Care for Medea or Exploit Her?
  • What Was the Significance of Prometheus’ Gift to Man?
  • Was the Trojan Horse a Clever Trick or an Act of Treachery?
  • Who Were the Key Figures in the Trojan War, and Why Was It Fought?
  • How Were Greek Myths Used to Keep Order in Society?
  • Can We Criticize the Gods, or Are They Always Perfect in Their Actions and Behavior?
  • Who Were the First Storytellers, and Why Were They Valued in Ancient Societies?
  • What Is the Difference Between an Epic, a Legend, and a Myth?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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130 Inspiring Greek Mythology Topics

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Do you have to write a Greek mythology essay as a class assignment? But you are uncertain about where to begin with such a task, right? The answer is a good topic. A thoughtful topic will guide you on what to research for writing a perfect essay and more.

Speaking of which, this interesting blog post offers excellent lists of exciting Greek mythology essay topics. Something you will get by hiring a  paper writing service  online. So, without further ado, let’s quickly get through these lists.

Table of Contents

130 Unique and Impressive Greek Mythology Topics

Let’s begin exploring top lists of awesome myth ideas for essays from  professional research paper writers  trusted worldwide.

50 Unique Greek Mythology Topics

When you hear or read the term Greek mythology, words like magic, myths, and more would surely pop up in your head. Interestingly, you’ll find a lot of these terminologies in our first list of myth ideas for essays below.

  • A quick comparison between different established Greek Myths.
  • How fate plays a role in Greek Mythology Hades and Zeus. 
  • How has Athena evolved over the years? 
  • What should you know about the myth of Prometheus? Who came up as a winner in the fate vs. free will in the story of Oedipus?
  • The journey of Hercules.
  • What are the Greek reflections on love and vanity? 
  • What should you know about Medusa?
  • Understanding the symbol of excellence in Greek Mythology.
  • The history and family background of Persephone.
  • The secret story of Pandora’s box.
  • The Greek Mythology on love and loss.
  • What should we know about the myth of Sisyphus?
  • The hidden truth about the tale of Icarus.
  • What should we know about the mysterious Greek trials?
  • Understanding the myths of three fates. 
  • When and where the Trojan War Originated? 
  • Everything you need to know about the story of Perseus.
  • What’s the Greek concept of threads of life? 
  • Things we should know about the Trojan War. 
  • The hidden truth in the story of Perseus.
  • Greek Mythology and the power of song.
  • The connection between Artemis and Apollo.
  • Hidden facts in the story of Pygmalion and Galatea.
  • What should we know about the journey of Odysseus?
  • What is the Greek concept of the God of Ecstasy?
  • Things you don’t know about the story of Pyramus and Thisble. 
  • The cycle of life and death in Greek Mythology. 
  • Things you don’t know about the myths of Atlas.
  • Greek Myths about the strength of Hercules. 
  • The hidden truth about the story of Achilles.
  • What should we know about Eros and Psyche’s love story?
  • Oracle and its role in Greek Society. 
  • Things you should know about the story of Arachne.
  • The differences between Titans and Olympians.
  • The Legend of the Minotaur.
  • Unveiling the myth of Europa and the Bull.
  • What was the catalyst for the Trojan War? 
  • Things you should know about the Myth of Actaeon.
  • The Story of Atalanta.
  • The secret of the tale of Daedalus and Icarus.
  • What was the importance of Hermes?
  • The myth of Arion.
  • The Myth of Bellerophon and Pegasus.
  • The Cult of Dionysus.
  • The untold story of Argonauts and Jason. 
  • The hidden truth about the underworld of Greek Mythology. 
  • The legends of King Midas.
  • Things you should know about the story of the psyche.
  • The symbolism and myths of the Hydra.

50 Greek Mythology Essay Topics Related to Greek Heroes

More or less writing a Mythology essay takes the same format as any other essay. So, it’s not a bad idea to read some  tips on essay format  before you read another list of Greek mythology ideas for an essay.

  • The Legends of Heracles (Hercules).
  • Is Achilles the greatest Greek hero? 
  • Things people don’t know about the 
  • Hero of Argos.
  • The heroes of Athens. Is Odysseus the most cunning hero? 
  • Was Jason the leader of the Argonauts? 
  • The famous Swift-Footed Huntress of Greek Mythology.
  • The Legends of Bellerophon.
  • Is Orpheus the legendary Greek musician? 
  • Who were the Gemini twins of Greek Mythology? 
  • Things you should know about the brave warriors of Diomedes.
  • Who was Ajax the Great?
  • The myths about the Amazon Queen.
  • Perseus and Andromeda.
  • Things you should know about Achilles. 
  • Ajax the Great.
  • The hidden truth about Theseus and the Amazon Queen love story. 
  • Love, Peril, and Heroic Rescue in Greek Mythology.
  • Friendship and Tragedy in Greek Mythology.
  • The Tragic Hero of Greek Mythology.
  • The noble Trojan Prince. 
  • Orpheus and the Underworld.
  • The Funeral Games in Greek Mythology. 
  • Theseus and the Minotaur.
  • Things we should know about the Heracles and the Hydra.
  • A Hero’s quest for justice in Greek Mythology.
  • Who were Jason and Medea?
  • What should you know about the Castor of Greek Mythology? 
  • The Hero’s Marriage to the Amazon Queen.
  • Hercules’ Battle with the Son of Earth
  • The Greek myth of a hero’s encounter with enchantment
  • Heroism in the face of sea monsters.
  • The Hero’s Trials in the Greek Underworld.
  • Heracles and the Nemean Lion.
  • The Hero’s Struggle Against Temptation in Greek Mythology.
  • The hidden truth of the heroic duel of the Trojan War
  • What should you know about Theseus and Procrustes?
  • The Hero’s Battle with Sea Monsters.
  • The legends of Heracles and the Atlas.
  • Theseus and the Marathonian Bull.
  • The Myth of Hero’s Escape from the Cyclops.
  • Hidden truth about Perseus and the Graeae.
  • Heracles and the Golden Apples of the Hesperides.
  • What should we know about the Theseus and the Crommyonian Sow?
  • The myths of the hero’s encounter with the Amazon Warrior Queen.
  • Things you should know about the hero’s Interactions with the Titan.
  • The myth of Hero’s quest for the Girdle of the Amazon Queen.
  • The Truth of Hero’s Political Triumph in Athens.
  • Odysseus and the Lotus Eaters.
  • The Myths of Hero’s Participation in the Hunt

30 Greek Mythology Topics Related to Greek Love 

Still couldn’t find a topic to begin writing your essay on? Don’t worry you have 30 more Greek mythology ideas here:

  • The tales of love in Greek Mythology.
  • Things you should know about the love stories of Aphrodite.
  • The Complexities of Divine Marital Love.
  • Love, loss, and the power of music in Greek Mythology.
  • The secrets of the tragic romance of Pyramus and Thisbe.
  • The Love Triangle of Helen, Paris, and Menelaus.
  • What should you know about Cupid and Psyche?
  • The Unrequited Love Stories in Greek Mythology.
  • Love in the Greek mythology underworld.
  • A Forbidden love among the stars.
  • The Myth of Endymion and Selene in Greek Mythology.
  • The Truth of the Love of Demeter and Iasion
  • The Legend of Leander and Hero.
  • Romance in Nature and Greek Mythology.
  • The Tale of Alcyone and Ceyx.
  • Friendship or Romantic Love concepts in Greek Mythology?
  • The Love Affairs of Zeus.
  • The Tragic Tales of Unrequited Love in Greek Mythology.
  • The Love of Ariadne and Dionysus.
  • The Romance of Perseus and Andromeda.
  • The Tragic Consequences of Divine Love in Greek Mythology.
  • A Story of Unfulfilled Passion in Greek Mythology.
  • The Love Stories of Poseidon.
  • The Myth of Iphis and Ianthe.
  • The Love Adventures of Hermes.
  • The Love Affair of Ares and Aphrodite.
  • The Tragic Love of Phaedra and Hippolytus.
  • The Romance of Atalanta and Hippomenes.
  • The Love Stories of the Muses.
  • The Myth of Pygmalion and Galatea.

Final Thoughts On Greek Mythology Topics

Finding a good topic for writing an awesome Greek Mythology essay can be challenging for students. That’s why we thought to offer them help with lists of interesting Greek mythology research topics they can count on.

Above all, writing a Greek mythology essay is not different from other essay writing tasks. The success of this depends on a perfect structure, research, and more.

Hopefully, you have now shortlisted some topics. If you are still confused, don’t forget to count on the skills of our expert writers.

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205 Amazing Greek Mythology Essay Topics

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If you are a student pursuing a course in religion, literature, mythology, or history, then you can consider writing your assignment on Greek Mythology Essay Topics. Greek Mythology is one of the fascinating areas of study that contains numerous essay or research paper topics for you to deal with.

Do you want to write a paper or research Greek Mythology? Are you searching for the best Greek Mythology Essay Topics? Continue reading this blog post and get interesting Greek Mythology Essay Topic Ideas and also learn how to select a good Greek Mythology topic for writing a top-scoring assignment.

What is Greek Mythology?

Greek Mythology is an exciting field of study that focuses on the myths of ancient Greece. Mainly, the subject covers stories about gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and rituals of ancient Greece. Also, it deals with the differences that exist between myths and other story-telling traditions and discusses the relationship between myths and history.

Greek Mythology is a broad subject with many topics and sub-topics. In Greek Mythology, you can get to know about the Five Ages of Man, the Titans, and the Olympians. Other than this, the subject also specifically explains the tales of the Minotaur, the Cyclops and Odysseus, Hercules and the nine-headed Hydra, and the Chimera, Pegasus, and Bellerophon. By learning Greek Mythology, you can understand the role of women in Greek society, the portrayal of motherhood, the concept of love and death, ancient Greek beliefs, and so on.

Greek Mythology Essay Topics

Till now, we have discussed Greek Mythology briefly. But, in general, Greek Mythology is a challenging and interesting subject with a wide range of research areas to explore and write about. Hence, for writing a Greek Mythology research paper, you will have multiple topics and ideas to choose from.

Read More – Intriguing Cultural Research Topics for You to Consider

How to Find a Perfect Greek Mythology Essay Topic

Picking a random Greek Mythology Topic will not help you earn an A+ grade. Particularly, if you choose a topic that mismatches your interest, then you can’t craft a Greek Mythology paper with strong points, and it may ruin your assignment. So, to get the right topic, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps.

  • Firstly, assess your knowledge of Greek Mythology.
  • Secondly, familiarize yourself with the common Greek Mythology Themes.
  • Thirdly, analyze your course curriculum and get the list of topics or research areas that you can consider for writing your paper.
  • Then, based on the course curriculum, shortlist only the topics that you are interested in.
  • Finally, conduct preliminary research on the topics you have shortlisted and find more information regarding them before finalizing.

Tips for Choosing a Greek Mythology Essay Topic

During the topic selection phase, follow the below-mentioned tips. It would help you in picking the right topic for your Greek Mythology essay.

  • The topic should match your interest.
  • It should be exciting for your target audience to read and understand.
  • The topic should contain a wide scope to conduct research and gather more information.
  • It should have valid evidence or examples to prove your main points of discussion and persuade your readers.
  • The topic or theme should be narrow to complete the research writing within the deadline.

Also, make sure to check whether or not the Greek Mythology essay topic you have finalized is suitable for writing the paper as per your instructor’s writing guidelines.

Common Themes in Greek Mythology

Greek Mythology is a vast subject. For writing your essay, you can consider a topic that is related to any of the following themes in Greek Mythology.

  • The Hero’s Transformation Journey
  • Love and Lust
  • Personal Suffering
  • The Selfishness of Gods
  • The 10-year battles of Titanomachy
  • The dangers of arrogance and pride

List of Greek Mythology Essay Topics and Ideas

As said earlier, Greek Mythology is a wide subject with plenty of essay topics. When it comes to writing Greek Mythology research papers, you can choose some common Greek Mythology themes such as justice, the transformation of the hero’s journey, love and lust, personal suffering, the dangers of pride and arrogance, etc.

If you are asked to get assignment help on the best Greek Mythology essay topics, then you can explore the below-suggested list of the top Greek Mythology essay topic ideas and pick an ideal topic that will help you fetch top grades.

Simple Greek Mythology Essay Topics

  • The fact in the fiction of Greek mythology
  • The most popular Greek myths
  • Prometheus in popular culture
  • The significance of Hercules and his twelve labors
  • Looking into the origin of the universe through the lenses of Greek mythology
  • Religious worship habits of ancient Greeks
  • The most memorable mythical beasts in Greek mythology
  • The relevance of Greek mythology in the modern world
  • Women in Greek mythology
  • The most hated gods of myth
  • Natural phenomena through the lens of Greek myth
  • Hercules – a hero or a villain?
  • Major accomplishments of Greek gods
  • Character Analysis of Zeus
  • The causes of the Titanomachy

Amazing Essay Ideas on Greek Mythology

  • The cruelty of Greek gods
  • The relationship between Zeus and Apollo
  • The Trojan War – the end of an era
  • The after-effects of the Titanomachy
  • The Myths of Mount Olympus
  • Unchecked pride is Achillis’s true weakness
  • The significance of nymphs and muses in Greek mythology
  • Zeus and Hera vs. Hades and Persephone
  • Analyze Hera’s jealousy of Leto.
  • Sisyphus – does acceptance of fate equate to happiness?
  • Analysis of the Greek deities, such as Hephaestus and Dionysus
  • Comparative Analysis of the Seven Gods of Greek Mythology
  • Analyze the roles of women in Greek mythology and their view of love
  • Were the gods justified in punishing Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus for giving fire to humankind since it allowed them to develop civilization and culture?
  • Oedipus the King: Discuss the three reasons that make Oedipus guilty
  • Analyze the War theme, the Love theme, and the Heroes theme of Greek mythology
  • Identify and explain the similarities between Greek and Roman mythology and how they created similar gods and goddesses
  • Discuss the reasons that made the goddess Athena help the hero Perseus defeat Medusa
  • Describe the significance of Pandora’s box
  • Greek myths were used to keep order in society: Explain with examples

Awesome Greek Mythology Essay Prompts

  • Jason and Medea’s Turmoil- Analyze their intense, betrayal-marred relationship.
  • Paris and Helen’s Romance- Examine the role of their affair in sparking the Trojan War.
  • Investigate Zeus’s romantic escapades and their effects.
  • Discuss Artemis’s guardianship over nature and young maidens.
  • Investigate Poseidon’s dominion over the oceans and seismic events.
  • Analyze how Greek myths mirror ancient Greek society’s social, political, and moral values.
  • Explore Aphrodite’s origins, romantic tales, and divine allure.
  • Compare Apollo’s rationality with Dionysus’s chaotic joy.
  • Trace the roots of Greek mythology back to the Mycenaean civilization and its culture.
  • Explore Zeus’s leadership in Olympus, his divine relationships, and mortal interactions.

Popular Greek Mythology Essay Topics

  • Medusa – A curse in Greek mythology
  • Status of Men in Greek Mythology
  • Discuss the historical and factual roots of Greek mythology
  • The roles of women in Greek mythology and their view of love.
  • The creation stories in Greek mythology.
  • Choose a god or goddess who you find especially interesting
  • Write an essay describing whether or not you think women are portrayed fairly in Greek mythology
  • Discuss the story of Pandora’s Box
  • Explain the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur
  • What does the story of Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa represent?
  • Who was Helen of Troy and why?
  • What were the moral lessons of ‘The Wooden Horse’ in Troy
  • Describe the story In the Cyclops Cave.
  • Discuss the significance of Daedalus and Icarus in Greek mythology
  • The human nature of Greek gods

Also, Read – Best Linguistics Research Topics for College Students

Captivating Greek Mythology Essay Topics

  • The goddesses of Greek mythology
  • Adultery, sexual conquest, and lust in Greek myth
  • The greatest love stories of Greek mythology
  • Ancient Greeks and Predeterminism – the three sisters of Fate
  • The goddess of wisdom, reasoning, and intelligence
  • Self-fulfilling prophecies in Greek myth
  • The significance of the punishment for transgression against the gods in mythology
  • The way of the Greek hero – ethics to live by
  • Lessons Learned from the Trojan Horse
  • Rhea, the mother of gods
  • Life and Death of Achilles
  • Ancient morality and ethics in the Odyssey
  • Hades and Persephone – yin and yang
  • Wit and cunning as the most powerful weapons against gods
  • The love affair between Aphrodite and Ares

College Essay Topics on Greek Mythology

  • Apollo vs. Aphrodite.
  • Write about the great heroes before the Trojan War.
  • Beowulf vs. Achilles- Do a Comparative Analysis.
  • Write about the arguments for and against respect to Achilles.
  • Analyze Antonio del Pollaiuolo’s ‘ Hercules and Deianira’.
  • Discuss Achilles’ Desire for Immortality
  • Achilles- the Greek Hero Pushed Off Course from His Ideas
  • Compare Blindness and Ignorance with Sight and the Truth in Oedipus
  • Study who is a hero as in Perseus’s Story.
  • Analyze  Peter Paul Ruben’s Painting Perseus and Andromeda

Outstanding Greek Mythology Essay Ideas

  • The Odyssey – loyalty & Vengeance
  • From Prometheus to the Garden of Eden – The Price of Knowledge
  • Homosexuality in the Greek myth
  • The story of Medusa and the power of facing your fears
  • Apollo and Artemis
  • The Affairs and Children of Zeus
  • The favorite daughter of Zeus
  • Eroticism and Sexuality in Greek Myth
  • Nemesis and her stance on personal vengeance
  • Impact of Greek mythology on pop culture
  • The sufferings of women in Greek mythology
  • Rats in Greek mythology
  • Discuss the position of Lions, Goats, Donkeys, Wild Bulls, and Serpents as the animals sacred to the Greek God
  • Discuss the Greek god of animals
  • Sacred symbols and plants of Greek Gods

Unique Greek Mythology Essay Topics

  • The Myth of Atlas
  • The Amazons – An ancient tribals of Greek mythology
  • Ancient Greek mythology and ritualistic sacrifice
  • Neither Oedipus, Orestes, nor Antigone goes on any long adventure full of monsters and vicious gods, yet all three are considered “heroes” of Greek myth. What defines these three unusual characters as heroic?
  • What do the Greek myths suggest about tragedy?
  • What have the myths to tell us about love?
  • What is Greek virtue in Greek myths?
  • Cronos versus Zeus: The Sons Who Killed Their Fathers in Greek Mythology
  • Compare and contrast Aphrodite and Lyssa
  • Discuss three of the most powerful Goddesses in Greek Mythology
  • King Midas and the Golden Touch
  • Zeus vs. Jupiter – similarities and differences
  • The Influence of Greek Mythology on the English Language and Literature
  • Iliad – a glance into the Greek Identity
  • The parallels between Greek and Norse mythology

Greek Mythology Essay Topics on Antigone

  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as the Modern Prometheus
  • The birth of heroes in Greek mythology
  • Good Greek mythology topics on Accounting
  • The deep abyss of the Tartarus
  • Pitting Greek and Roman mythology against each other
  • Greek Mythology’s Impact on architectural design
  • Asphodel Meadows, Mourning Fields, and Elysium
  • Role of Oracles in Greek Mythology
  • Impact of Greek Mythology on Western Culture
  • The personification of death in Greek mythology
  • Meaning of Kleos and its Relevance to Ancient Greece
  • How do the Greek myths fit together?
  • Why do so many beings transform in the myths?
  • The Dangers of Love in Antigone
  • The conflict between Antigone and Creon

Excellent Greek Mythology Essay Ideas

  • The Oedipus complex in modern literature
  • Family Identity in Oedipus
  • Self-fulfilling prophecy in Oedipus Rex – can you run from your destiny?
  • Sophrosyne virtues in Oedipus Rex
  • The taboo of incest in Oedipus Rex
  • The true blindness in Oedipus Rex
  • Creon in Oedipus vs. Creon in Antigone
  • The slow demise of Oedipus
  • The Role of Pride in Greek Mythology
  • How do the myths differentiate between human and divine power?
  • Greek Virtue
  • Greek Religion and Myths
  • Comparison of Greek and Chinese Mythology
  • The Purpose of Myths In Ancient Egyptian & Greek Mythology

Greek Mythology Essay Topics on Medea

  • Analyze the role of Medea and Don Quixote in Literature.
  • Medea- The illusion of a hero.
  • Compare Medea with the Patriarchial World.
  • Medea- The treatment of women in ancient society.
  • Write about the treatment of free will and fate in Medea and Oedipus.
  • Is Euripides’ Medea a feminist?
  • Medea- Compare Greek and Christian Accounts of Evil
  • How can Medea serve the cause for women in terms of feminism?
  • Medea- Empathize with a Mentally-disabled person and a Murderer.
  • Discuss the importance of the role of male power in Medea’s play.

Informative Essay Topics on Greek Mythology

  • Write about love and war in Greek Mythology.
  • How did Greek myths involve Renaissance art?
  • What do Greeks say about the creation of Stonehenge?
  • Prepare an essay on the genealogical table of Greek mythology characters.
  • Write an essay on Greek Deities.
  • Discuss the origin of the Golden Fleece.
  • Write about the Prophecies of the Delphi oracle.
  • Narrate the story of Prometheus and the first people on Earth.
  • Discuss the message and morale of Theogony.
  • Write about the Giants in Greek mythology.

Greek Mythology Research Paper Topics on Oedipus

  • Family vs. Authority in Antigone
  • The only crime is pride – the examination of morality in Antigone
  • The passive resistance of Ismene
  • The laws of gods and the laws of men in Antigone
  • “I shall succumb to nothing so awful as a shameful death” – gender roles in Antigone
  • Analysis of the relationship between Creon and Haemon
  • Free Will and Destiny in Antigone
  • Why is Creon the tragic hero in Antigone?
  • Loyal disobedience in Medea
  • Medea’s final act of revenge
  • Life and death as extensions of exile in Medea
  • Medea’s pursuit of vengeance
  • Jason’s betrayal and ultimate downfall
  • The individual and the society in Oedipus Rex
  • Knowledge and Ignorance in Oedipus Rex

Trending Greek Mythology Essay Topics

  • The Golden Age of Greece
  • Oedipus Rex: Dramatic Irony in Greek Tragedy
  • Interpretation of Caste Systems in Odyssey
  • Families in Ancient Greek Times
  • The Ancient Greeks were Polytheists.
  • Athena and Gender Roles in Greek Mythology
  • The Suffering Women in Greek Mythology
  • Hebe the Greek Goddess of Mythology
  • The Bible God and the Greek God Comparison
  • Greek Perspectives on Male Friendship in Mythology
  • Greek Mythology: Historical and Factual Roots
  • Political Concerns in the Greek Mythology
  • The Underworld in Greek Mythology
  • Discuss the most famous Greek myth
  • Theogony – The Clash of the Titans

Intriguing Greek Mythology Essay Topics

  • Write about Greek Mythology within the movie Divergent.
  • Research and write about Greek Mythology in the present.
  • Discuss how Greek culture was portrayed in the Tales of Troy.
  • Compose an essay about Xenia in Greek Mythology.
  • Address the ancient Greek Social structure and mythology.
  • Analyze the Myths about Selene and Endymion.
  • Discuss the concept of fate in Greek Mythology.
  • Compare the actions of Athena and Arachne.
  • Write a comparative essay on Hercules and Mona Patel.
  • Discuss the art of the Olympian Gods in Ancient Greece.

Wrapping Up

Selecting a topic for an essay or research paper is a daunting task. By choosing a topic of your interest from the list of the top Greek Mythology Essay Topics suggested above, you can write an engaging and informative Greek Mythology Essay paper.

If you are not sure how to write a top-scoring Greek Mythology Paper, then take a professional essay writing service from us. We have a team of well-experienced assignment writers for crafting essays or research papers on any subject topic as per your requirements on time and at a low cost. So, without any hesitation, immediately place your order and get a customized, plagiarism-free essay on the best topics.

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List Of Creative Ideas For Greek Mythology Essay Topics

greek mythology essay starters

A student pursuing a literature, religion, history, or mythology course can be asked to write an essay on Greek mythology. It is a fascinating area of study that explains the psyche and human nature in interesting ways. However, reading about mythology is fascinating; writing about it is an ordeal. Even discovering creative Greek mythology essay topics is an overwhelming task that students must overcome.

The key to writing a successful Greek mythology essay is finding the correct topic that interests you and enables you to express yourself. To provide more insights into this area, we have compiled an exhaustive list of Greek mythology essay topics in this blog. Utilize them to accumulate inspiration and build the perfect essay that surprises your instructor.   

Greek mythology: An overview

The numerous myths of Ancient Greece led to the study of Greek mythology. The subject mainly consists of stories of Gods, Goddesses, monsters, heroes, and rituals of ancient Greece. It also relates to the difference of opinion that survives between myths and other story-telling traditions and explains the link between myths and history.

Many topics and subtopics covered under the subject make it broad. You can learn about the Five Ages of Man, the Olympians, and the Titans. The subject also addresses the tales of the Minotaur, Pegasus, the Cyclops and Odysseus, the Chimera, Bellerophon, the nine-hundred Hydra, and Bellerophon. By studying Greek mythology, you can comprehend the representation of motherhood, the role of women in Greek society, ancient Greek beliefs, the concept of love and death, and many more.

Discovering a good Greek mythology essay topic

Choosing a Greek mythology essay topic without making a plan will not help you secure an A grade in your essay. Especially if you pick a topic inconsistent with your interest, you tend to ruin your paper by including irrelevant points. Hence, you must do the following things to obtain the correct topic.

  • Evaluate your knowledge of Greek mythology.
  • Acquaint yourself with typical Greek mythology essay themes
  • Evaluate the course curriculum and generate a list of research areas that you can refer to for writing the essay
  • Make a list of those topics that interest you
  • Lastly, conduct initial research on the shortlisted topics and discover more details before finalizing anyone.

Identical to writing a philosophical essay, learning more about the main figures and concepts is always beneficial before working on the essay.

Tips to select Greek mythology essay topics

Certain tips can be followed at the time of selecting a topic. The tips will assist you in choosing the correct topic for your essay on Greek mythology.

  • Interesting topic
  • It must excite the readers to read
  • The topic must offer an in-depth research
  • There must be relevant and sufficient evidence to establish your arguments and convince the readers
  • The topic must be narrow and specific to finish the research within the deadline

You also need to verify whether or not the Greek mythology essay topic you selected is worthy of writing the essay per the professor’s guidelines.

Typical concepts in Greek mythology

greek mythology essay starters

As stated previously, Greek mythology is a broad subject. To compose the essay, you can think about a topic that concerns any of the following concepts in Greek mythology.

  • Love and lust
  • The Hero’s Transformation Journey
  • The dangers of arrogance and pride
  • Personal suffering
  • The 10-year battles of Titanomachy
  • The Selfishness of Gods

The concepts above surpass time and space, being as relevant today as they were during Ancient Greece.

List of creative ideas for Greek mythology essay topics

We have created a list of Greek mythology essay topics for you that can help make the writing process much easier. You can take advantage of the opportunity by browsing through the list of Greek mythology essay topics for your essay. Write a few of the creative topics at the minimum, conduct some initial research on them, and then make your choice.

Simple Greek mythology essay topics

  • The truth in the fiction of Greek mythology
  • The sought-after Greek myths
  • Significance of Prometheus in popular culture
  • The importance of Hercules and his twelve labors
  • Gazing at the genesis of the universe from the perspective of Greek mythology
  • The significance of Greek mythology in the contemporary world
  • Examine the religious worship rituals of Ancient Greeks
  • The most remembered mythical animal in Greek mythology
  • Representation of women in Greek mythology
  • Analyze the character of Zeus

Remarkable Greek mythology essay topics

  • Demonstration of cruelty by Greek Gods
  • The link between Apollo and Zeus
  • Examine how the Trojan War led to the end of an era
  • The repercussions of the Titanomachy
  • Investigate the myths concerning Mount Olympus
  • The importance of muses and nymphs in Greek mythology
  • Evaluate Hera’s bitterness toward Leto
  • How does Sisyphus signify the acceptance of fate linked to happiness?
  • Explain three reasons that make Oedipus, the King, guilty
  • Examine the importance of Pandora’s Box

Well-liked Greek mythology essay topics

  • Examine how Medusa became a curse in Greek mythology
  • Evaluate the position of men in Greek mythology
  • Talk about the historical and factual basis of Greek mythology
  • Examine the creation stories found in Greek mythology
  • Examine the story portrayed by Perseus and Gordon Medusa
  • Write about Helen of Troy and why she was called so
  • Examine the moral lessons of ‘The Wooden Horse’ in Troy
  • Discuss the story In the Cyclops Cave
  • Write about the importance of Icarus and Daedalus in Greek mythology
  • Discuss the humanness in Greek Gods

Exciting Greek mythology essay topics

  • The portrayal of adultery, lust, and sexual conquest in Greek myth
  • The prominent love stories of Greek mythology
  • Examine the three Fates of Greek mythology: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos
  • Discuss the Goddesses of intelligence, reasoning, and wisdom
  • Examine the self-fulfilling prophecies in Greek myth
  • The importance of punishment for transgression against the mythological Gods
  • Discuss the ethics demonstrated by Greek heroes
  • Examine the character of Rhea, the mother of Gods
  • Discuss the ancient morality and ethics in the Odyssey
  • Evaluate how wit and cunning were the mighty weapons against Gods

Greek mythology essay topics for college students

  • Contrasting Aphrodite and Apollo
  • Discuss the great heroes before the Trojan War
  • Compare and contrast Achilles and Beowulf
  • Evaluate ‘Hercules and Deianira’ by Antonio del Pollaiuolo
  • Explain ‘Desire for Immorality’ of Achilles
  • Discuss the positive and negative points concerning Achilles
  • How was Achilles, the Greek Hero, thrown from his ideas?
  • Contrast ignorance and blindness with Sight and the Truth in Oedipus
  • Examine the Hero in Perseus’s story
  • Examine the painting of Perseus and Andromeda by Peter Paul Ruben

Outstanding Greek mythology essay topics

  • Showcasing loyalty and vengeance in ‘The Odyssey
  • Examine the existence of homosexuality in Greek myth
  • Examine the power of facing the truth basis of the story of Medusa
  • Analyze the connection between Apollo and Artemis
  • Write about the affairs of the children of Zeus
  • Write about the favorite daughter of Zeus
  • Explain sexuality and eroticism represented in Greek myth
  • Examine the stance of Nemesis on personal vengeance
  • Evaluate the influence of Greek mythology on pop culture
  • Write about the animals preferred by Greek Gods

Distinctive Greek mythology essay topics

  • Examine the myths connected with Atlas
  • Write about the ancient tribes of Greek mythology, the Amazons
  • Ritualistic sacrifice concerning ancient Greek mythology
  • What heroism is associated with Oedipus, Antigone, and Orestes?
  • How is tragedy represented in Greek myths?
  • Evaluate the character of Cronos and Zeus in Greek mythology, the sons who killed their fathers
  • Comparative analysis of Lyssa and Aphrodite
  • Write about King Midas and his golden touch
  • Establish the similarities and differences between Zeus and Jupiter
  • The impact of Greek mythology on literature and the English language

Greek mythology essay topics on Antigone

  • Representation of themes of tragedy, free will, and rebelliousness in Antigone by Sophocles
  • The effects of the power of love in Antigone and Medea
  • The concept of justice and revenge represented in Antigone and Medea
  • Evaluation of Sophocles’s play Antigone’s Tragic Hero Creon
  • How is the role of females represented in the play Antigone by Sophocles?
  • Analyze Antigone by Sophocles and Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King.
  • How are women portrayed in the Antigone?
  • Analyze the image of Creon and Antigone in Sophocles’s play
  • How is masculinity represented in plays like Antigone and Lysistrata?
  • How are the dangers of love represented in Antigone?

Greek mythology essay topics on Medea

  • Evaluate the role of Don Quixote and Medea in literature
  • How does Medea represent the illusion of a hero?
  • Contrast Medea with Patriarchal world
  • How does Medea represent the treatment of women in ancient society?
  • Discuss the treatment of free will and fate in Oedipus and Medea
  • Discuss feminism in Medea by Euripides
  • Analyze the comparison of Greek and Christian accounts of evil addressed in Medea
  • Addressing the cause of women concerning feminism in the Medea
  • How does Medea identify with the murderer and mentally disabled person?
  • Explain the significance of the role of male power in the play Medea

Intriguing Greek mythology essay topics  

  • How does the movie ‘Divergent’ represent Greek Mythology?
  • The existence of Greek mythology in contemporary times
  • Write about the portrayal of Greek culture in the Tales of Troy
  • Write an essay on Xenia in Greek mythology
  • Write about ancient Greek mythology and social structure
  • Evaluate the myths concerning Endymion and Selene
  • Talk about the theme of fate in Greek mythology
  • Write a comparative analysis of the actions of Arachne and Athena
  • Compare and contrast Mona Patel and Hercules
  • Write about the art of Olympian Gods in ancient Greece

Greek mythology essay topics on Oedipus

  • Evaluating Oedipus as a Tragic Hero
  • Explain the play, Oedipus the King
  • Examine the role of denial of fate concerning Oedipus
  • Explain the different types of blindness portrayed in the characters of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
  • Examine the metaphor of blindness and insight in Oedipus Rex
  • Analyze Antigone, Pride of Pentheus, and Oedipus
  • How is irony and symbolism portrayed in Oedipus the King?
  • Examine the illustration of guilt and innocence in Oedipus at Colonus
  • Write about the story of the effects of a curse placed on King Oedipus
  • Examine Oedipus as a hero

Trending Greek mythology essay topics

  • Write about the golden era of Greece
  • How is the dramatic irony in Greek tragedy represented by Oedipus Rex?
  • Assessment of the caste system in Odyssey
  • How were the families in the ancient Greek period?
  • Do you think that the ancient Greeks were Polytheists? Explain.
  • How is gender role in Greek mythology represented in Athena?
  • Examine the role of the Greek Goddess of mythology, Hebe
  • Compare the Bible God and the Greek Gods
  • Political ideologies represented in Greek mythology
  • Write about the most prominent Greek myths

Closing remarks

After having the list of Greek mythology essay topics, you might think that creating a topic for your essay is easy, but it is not like that. If you have nobody to assist you, the task will seem to be daunting. But you can find an interesting topic by following the guidelines in this blog.

If you are not confident about your topic and writing skills, you can get help from a professional essay-writing service provider. You can check our sample Greek mythology essay paper to measure our quality and writing expertise. We have a team of essay writers who are experienced in creating essays and research papers per your needs. So, do not hesitate to check our Greek mythology essay topics.

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An Introduction to Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is not only interesting, but it is also the foundation of allusion and character genesis in literature. In this lesson plan, students will gain an understanding of Greek mythology and the Olympian gods and goddesses.

Learning Objectives After completing the lessons in this unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the Greek view of creation.
  • Understand the terms Chaos, Gaia, Uranus, Cronus, Zeus, Rhea, Hyperboreans, Ethiopia, Mediterranean, and Elysian Fields.
  • Describe the Greek view of the world’s geography.
  • Identify the names and key features of the Olympian gods/goddesses.
  • Create their own god/goddess.
  • Create their own myth explaining a natural phenomenon.
  • D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire
  • The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by Aliki
  • The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myths by Charles Smith
  • Greek Myths and Legends by Cheryl Evans
  • Mythology by Edith Hamilton (which served as a source for this lesson plan)
  • A paper plate for each student
  • Internet access to look up relevant sites

Note: Do not give student(s) the filled-in copy of the Gods/Goddesses chart. That is your answer key.

Lesson 1: Greek Creation Mythology

Although when we think of mythology we think of a collection of stories, there is a beginning to them. Understanding the beginning of the story, the creation of the world, gives us a framework to build upon as we learn about the different myths.

The short answer to how the Greeks viewed the creation of the world is this: Scary old gods came first; they got stomped down by their kids, who were better looking, younger gods. These gods created humans. Humans and gods fought for supremacy, and the humans won a few rounds but eventually got trounced and became more and more miserable.

Now, the longer answer: In the beginning, the universe was without form. It was not nothing; there was matter, but it was unorganized, shapeless, mixed up and dark. This was called Chaos.

After Chaos, more divinities, or gods, came into being.

Gaia, the Earth, held up Uranus, the sky. Gaia and Uranus had a bunch of kids. First they had a bunch of monsters including the Cyclops, and then they created the Titans as the second generation. Uranus hated all the Titans and was actually quite ugly about it — but there are only a couple of Titans that you need to remember: first, Oceanus, the god of the sea, and then Cronus, the strongest and best one of all. Gaia was pretty ticked at Uranus for being a jerk, so she helped Cronus overthrow him.

So, let’s keep this straight. Cronus is Uranus’s son. Cronus became the king (bye-bye Uranus), and married his sister, Rhea — another Titan. It’s like a soap opera. This was called the Golden Age because men, who had been made by a Titan named Prometheus, were living in harmony. Everything was hunky dory.

It didn’t last, though, because Cronus heard a prophecy that one of his sons would dethrone him, so every time his wife, Rhea, had a baby, he swallowed it. Rhea got a little sick of seeing all of her children swallowed alive, so she tricked Cronus when her sixth child, Zeus, was born; she wrapped up a rock to look like a baby and had Cronus swallow that instead. Zeus rescued his previously swallowed siblings, and all was right with the world.

Greek view of the world graphic

The Greek view of the world was a little different than ours. The Greeks believed that the world was flat, but circular, like a paper plate. At the center of the Universe was Greece.

Their world was divided by the Mediterranean, which means "Middle of the Lands" in Latin. The river Ocean flowed around the world in a clockwise motion.

In the north lived the Hyperboreans — an extremely happy people for whom life was sweet. When the old people became tired of living, they threw themselves into the sea. This was a land of constant vacation where people were said to live for 1,000 years. In the south lived the Ethiopians. In Greek drama, mention is often made of various gods being in Ethiopia, meaning really far away. So, if I say I parked in Ethiopia this morning, would that mean I’m close to my office or far away? The Ethiopians were said to be on good terms with the gods and liked to entertain them. To the west were the Elysian Fields. This was the closest the Greeks got to the idea of heaven; only the best and brightest of the dead people got to go there.

  • Read The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by Aliki.
  • Draw your own representation of the Greek view of the world on the paper plate using colored pencils and the map on the previous page as a guideline. Be sure to include the Ethiopians, the Hyperboreans and the Elysian Fields on your map.
  • Directions for Paragraph: Begin with a topic sentence. Here is an example: The Greek view of the world both resembles and differs from the contemporary view.
  • Next, list two ways the views are similar. Here are examples: The Greek view resembles the contemporary view in that: Additionally, the views are similar because:
  • Next, list two ways the views are different. Here are examples: However, the Greek view is not the same as the contemporary view because the Greeks believed The Greeks also thought
  • Last, you will state a conclusion. Here’s an example: Therefore, even though the views have similarities, they differ in important ways.

Lesson 2: The Olympian gods

Use the information in this lesson to begin to fill in the gods and goddesses chart at the end of this lesson; you will also need to do your own research to complete it. Now that you understand the way that the Greeks viewed the beginning of the world, you are ready to learn about the Olympian gods.

First, we have to explore exactly what we mean by "Olympian gods." Mount Olympus is a real mountain in the north of Greece. Gradually, it became associated less and less with an actual mountain and more with an imaginary place high above the earth. According to the ancient Greeks, the gate to Olympus was made of clouds and it was guarded by four goddesses, the Seasons. Each god had his or her own dwelling place, but Olympus was home base.

There were up to 14 gods considered Olympian gods. Seven of them were Zeus and his siblings, and seven others were children of Zeus. Sometimes only 12 will be listed. The Greeks and Romans shared mythology, so you will find two names for most gods.

Zeus

Zeus was the king of the hill. He was dominating, powerful and had a soft spot for pretty women. He could be terrifying when angry. His symbols were the thunderbolts, or lightning bolts made for him by the Cyclopes (his uncles); the eagle; and the scepter, or rod. Please copy this information onto your chart.

Hades

Hades, or Pluto, was the god of the underworld and of the dead. He was called the same names by the Romans, but they also sometimes called him Dis or Dis Pater. He was Zeus’s brother and married Persephone after kidnapping her against her will. He was gloomy and frightening.

Poseidon

Next, we have Poseidon, or Neptune, as the Romans called him. He was Zeus’s brother, and he was the god of the sea and also earthquakes. He often is shown with a three-pronged spear called a trident that was made for him by his nephew, Hephaestus, and/or a fish.

Hera

Our first goddess is Hera. She sits on the right side of Zeus and is his wife. Of course, she’s his sister, too, but that’s the way it was on Olympus. Hera’s Roman name is Juno, and she is the queen of the gods. She is the guardian of marriage and was well-loved by the Greeks; it’s kind of sad that she’s the goddess of marriage but her own marriage was so bad. She was often jealous of her husband’s girlfriends and did mean things to them, even the ones who didn’t want anything to do with him, but she could be tender and loving as well. The peacock was her symbol. In fact, the circles in a peacock’s tail are said to be the eyes of her 100-eyed servant, Argus.

Athena

Next is Athena, or Minerva, the daughter who sprang fully formed from the head of Zeus after a major headache. She is the goddess of wisdom and war and also the protector and namesake of the city of Athens. She preferred reason to violence unless she was pushed. She turned Arachne into a spider for bragging that she could spin better than Athena. She was very competitive and is often pictured with her helmet and a spear. She carried Zeus’s shield, called the aegis. The owl was her bird. Can you see it in her hand?

Apollo

Apollo was a twin. His Roman name was the same as his Greek name. He was the god of the sun or light, poetry, music and medicine and was famous for his oracles (wise women to whom he gave his power to predict and interpret the future). He was very proud and also protective of his mother and sister. His symbols were the gold bow and arrows, and he often appears golden and shining. He wears a laurel wreath in memory of Daphne, who didn’t want to be his lover and prayed to Mother Earth for help escaping him; she was turned into a laurel tree.

Artemis

Artemis was Apollo’s twin. Her Roman name was Diana, and she was the goddess of hunting, chastity and the moon. She protects women and small children, is fiercely independent and particularly dislikes men. In pictures, she is seen accompanied by three hunting hounds, a bow and a fawn.

Ares

Ares or, as he is known by his Roman name, Mars, was the god of war. He would fight on both sides, if possible. He was young, strong and handsome, and liked to dress in battle clothes even when he wasn’t fighting.

Hephaestus

Hephaestus, or Vulcan, was born lame and was further crippled when he was thrown from Olympus by his mother, Hera, in a rage. He was the only Olympian with a disability. He was unhappily married to Aphrodite and worked as a blacksmith in the gods’ forge.

Aphrodite

Hephaestus’s wife, Aphrodite, whose Roman name was Venus, was the goddess of love and beauty. She was born out of sea foam when the blood of Uranus dropped into the ocean. She was the mother of Eros and was irresistibly charming, fickle, vain and competitive. Her symbol was a cestus, or magic belt, that made everyone fall in love with the wearer; sometimes she would lend it to humans. This is a famous painting of the birth of Venus, or Aphrodite, by Botticelli.

Dionysus

Dionysus was the partier of the mountain retreat. He was Zeus’s son by another woman, who was driven crazy by Hera and her jealousy. Dionysus went all around teaching people how to make wine and having a good time. Eventually, Hestia gave up her throne for him, and he lived on Olympus. He was the god of wine, of course, and also vegetation.

Hermes

Hermes, or Mercury, was the god of science and invention, but he is best known as the messenger of the gods. He is often pictured with a winged helmet and sandals. He is said to have invented the alphabet, boxing and gymnastics! In this painting by Goltzius, you can see his helmet with wings; he’s not wearing his famous sandals, though.

Demeter

Demeter was the goddess of the crops and the harvest. She is also known as Ceres (Roman) and sometimes Deo. Her symbols include a torch, a crown, a scepter and stalks of grain. She is often portrayed with her daughter, Persephone, who was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld. By the time she was rescued, she’d eaten six pomegranate seeds, so she couldn’t escape the underworld entirely. Her mother was so frantic that winter draped the land and no crops would grow. A deal was struck, and Persephone was allowed to return to her mother for half of the year. So each year, when she returns to the underworld, fall comes, then winter — but when she returns to her mother, spring and summer come again.

Hestia

Hestia was Zeus’s sister and the goddess and protectress of hearth and home. She is also known by her Roman name, Vesta. She was gentle and kind and was very popular with the Greeks. She didn’t have a lot of adventures, so she’s rarely pictured in art.

Now, use at least two sources in addition to what you read here to fill in your chart (next page) completely. Write down the sources you used on the back of the chart.

Book suggestions

  • (If your library doesn’t have these, check around Dewey Decimal No. 398.2. That’s where Greek mythology is.)

Web references

  • Some Great Greek Myths
  • Mythography
  • Encyclopedia Mythica

The Olympian gods

Lesson 3: Mythology biographical poem

A biographical poem, or biopoem, uses a simple but specific structure to describe the most important facts about someone. Your assignment is to write a biopoem about one of the gods or goddesses you have studied. You may choose any god or goddess (except Aphrodite, because she’s the example below). The blanks bewlow are for your rough draft. When you’re done, copy your final version onto a separate sheet of paper and, if you would like, decorate it.

Follow this format exactly, please:

Build a hero

Example (you may not use this goddess):

Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, Desire, Beauty and Fertility. A daughter of Zeus and Dione; wife of Hephaestus. Lover of sons Aeneas and Cupid and brother Ares. Who protects sailors. Who needs a chariot. Who fears War, Athena and Hera. Who gives Helen to Paris, a magic belt to Hera, and Medea to Jason. Resident of Mt. Olympus. Venus.

Lesson 4: Olympians quiz

Time to test yourself — and beware, answers may be used more than once!

Quiz section 1

  • If you could have dinner with one god or goddess, who would it be and why?
  • Which god or goddess do you think would make the best president and why?
  • Imagine that Zeus has come to you and said that Olympus is lacking a god or goddess, and he needs you to help. Invent a new Olympian and describe him or her below.

Quiz section 2

Lesson 5: Putting it all together

Myths are a way of understanding the world. This lesson has been about Greek mythology, but every culture has myths. Myths define social customs and beliefs, explain natural and psychological phenomena, and provide a way for people to discuss things that cause anxiety.

Mythology is all around us. Here are just a few examples of places we find myths today:

  • Days of the week — Wednesday (Woden or Odin — Norse god); Thursday (Thor — Norse god); Friday (Freya — Norse goddess); Saturday (Saturn — Roman god who ruled before Jove)
  • Cars — Toyota Avalon and Cressida, Cadillac El Dorado, Honda Odyssey, Mercury
  • Shoes — Nike
  • Tires — Midas
  • Astronomy — Constellations like Orion, the Argo, all of the planets and the Pleiades. The Milky Way itself was supposedly the road over which the stars traveled to Jupiter’s palace.
  • NASA — The first part of U.S. space program was Project Mercury, named after the messenger of the gods because the project’s purpose was to send a message to the Soviets that America was in the space race. The Gemini Project was next; Gemini is Latin for "twins," and the project was called this because the capsule held two astronauts. Apollo astronauts rode on Saturn rockets.

Myths also make great stories. They come up in literature all over the place, from really serious stuff like Dante to comic strips. Myths inspire music; actually the word music comes from the mythological muses who inspired art of all kinds. Painters such as Michelangelo and Botticelli were inspired by myths. Even children’s movies are a good place to look for myths; you will find them everywhere, including Snow White, Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. Can you find at least three examples of mythology connections in the world?

Lesson 6: Create your own myth

Hopefully myths inspire you, too, because you are about to create your own myth! As you know, myths were often used to explain natural phenomena. Your challenge is to create your own myth to explain some natural phenomenon or land formation. It could be anything from the origin of hurricanes to how the Grand Canyon or a mountain range was created. You will tell this myth in a story format.

Here are the guidelines:

  • Your story must involve at least two Olympian gods or goddesses. It may contain other gods or goddesses as well.
  • Your story must explain some natural phenomenon (such as a weather event) or some geological feature (a mountain range, a large valley, a sea, an ocean, a polar ice cap, etc.).
  • Your story should be at least 350 words.
  • Your story must have a clear beginning, middle and end.
  • Your story should clearly show that you know something about Greek mythology. You will do this by including details about the Olympian gods and goddesses that show you know their powers, symbols and personalities.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

  • Where did the Rocky Mountains come from?
  • Where did the Mississippi River come from?
  • What made the North and/or South Pole(s)?
  • Why is Earth the third planet from the sun?
  • Why is it dark at night?
  • What is in the middle of the earth?

Mythology rubric

This series of lessons was designed to meet the needs of gifted children for extension beyond the standard curriculum with the greatest ease of use for the educator. The lessons may be given to the students for individual self-guided work, or they may be taught in a classroom or a home-school setting. Assessment strategies and rubrics are included at the end of each section. The rubrics often include a column for "scholar points," which are invitations for students to extend their efforts beyond that which is required, incorporating creativity or higher level technical skills.

Greek Mythology Prompts

Hi! Greek mythology is all I really know, so that’s what all of these prompts are. Roman mythology is similar to Greek, so you can apply most of these to that too. If you’d like prompts from a different mythology, send in an ask and I’ll do some research. Also, I apologize if not all of these are completely accurate or sensical; it’s been awhile since I read up on the topic.

- The Titans are back.

- Prometheus escapes his punishment, and he intends to give humans more gifts to spite Zeus

- The characters are on a quest that they. believe is capable of closing Pandora’s box with all contents inside.

- An illegitimate child of Zeus attempts to escape the wrath of Hera.

-Hades, Zeus, and Poisedeon hold a competetion to redecide which one should control the underworld, the heavens, and the sea.

- A character has to figure out how to get across the River Styx when they have no coins to pay the ferrier.

- Ares and Athena go to war to decide which of the siblings could win: vioence vs strategy.

- All of the mythological figures who became constellations have been set free on the modern world.

- The worst people in the underwold escape and wreak havoc on those in the higher levels.

- The twelve Olympians select and train young gods to take their place.

- Dionysus’s drunken mistakes start a catastrophic chain of events on Earth. He hires a demigod to fix things before the other gods find out it was he who caused the mess, but then Dionsysus puts the blame on the demigod.

- After wronging Hephaestus, the god invents something to greatly hinder the character. Only Aphrodite, Hephaestus’s exwife, knows how to free the character, so they desperately try to woo her.

- A young pegasus wander out of the heavens and ends up on Earth. A beleiver in Greek mythology must hide the magical creature until figuring out a way to send it back, so the other humans don’t hurt it.

- The fates are terribly sick, and if they die people will cease to be. The character is tasked with curing them.

- Someone is causing chaos with Medusa’s head.

- While Ares is impersonating a political leader, he accidentally starts World War Three.

- A wood nymph teams up with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, to take down poachers.

- The MC is cursed by a god with lethal touch. Hephaestus agrees to make special gloves if the character does something for him.

- The Greek gods accept that no one believes in them anymore and relinquish control over Earth to more prominent religions. They step in when Lucifer escapes from hell.

- After the character survives a tsunami in a feat of immense intelligence and swimming capabilities, Poisideon offers to mentor them.

- Hades goes on a vacation with his wife Peresphone, leaving the underworld in the care of an aloof demigod.

- Climate change and global warming are being caused by a desperate Demeter to get her daughter out of the underworld. Hades likes the polar bears joining his dominion, so he refuses to let Peresphone go.

- The apoclaypse begins when the gods get in an argument so fierce that they ignore their duties.

greek mythology essay starters

Greek Mythology essay

Greek Mythology is a set of diverse traditional tales told by the ancient Greeks about the exploits of gods and heroes and their relations with ordinary mortals. The ancient Greeks worshipped many gods within a culture that tolerated diversity. Cosmogony is the study of the universe. Creation mythologies explain the actual formation of the world by a variety of processes. These processes include the sacrifice of a primal being (for example, a giant or serpent); a struggle between supernatural powers; the blending or coalescing of elements, particularly water and earth; the incubation of a cosmic egg; and the uttering of a divine word.

In myths that credit primary creation to gods, such as the Greek deities Uranus (sky god) and Gaea (earth goddess), these deities often become hazy, remote figures in later mythology, and stories often recount their overthrow by their own offspring. For example, in the Greek tradition, Zeus succeeded his father Cronus and grandfather Uranus to become ruler of the gods Unlike other belief systems, Greek culture recognized no singe truth or code and produced no sacred, written text like the Bible and Qur’an.

Stories about the origins and actions of Greek divinities varied widely, depending, for example, on whether the tale appeared in a comedy, tragedy, or epic poem. Greek mythology was like a complex and rich language, in which the Greeks could express a vast range of perceptions about the world. Greek mythology has several distinguishing characteristics, in addition to multiple versions. The Greek gods resembled human beings in their form and in their emotions, and they lived in a society that resembled the human society in its levels of authority and power.

However, a crucial difference existed between gods and human beings: Humans died and gods were immortal. Heroes also played an important role in Greek mythology, and stories about them conveyed serious themes. The Greeks considered human heroes from the past closer to themselves than were the immortal gods. Most creation stories assume the eternity of matter or even of the world itself. However, these myths hold that the world in its precreation state was uninhabitable and must be organized either by the action of cosmic forces or by creator deities.

Related essays:

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Certain images of the primal, or precreation, state of the universe are common to a number of mythological traditions. Some myths represent the primal state as a void. Others depict it as a chaos of indistinct elements. Still others present it as a primeval sea, or as a cosmic egg containing all things in embryonic form. Some creation myths reflect the environmental circumstances of a particular culture. For example, in Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, a dependence on irrigation systems, and the perpetual threat of flooding were a pervasive feature of life.

Accordingly, the action and control of the waters played a major role in the mythology of Sumer, an early Mesopotamian civilization. In Sumerian mythology, the primeval sea, personified by the goddess Nammu, is the source of the gods and of the cosmos. When the gods decide to destroy their human creations, they do so by sending a flood (Ancient Middle Eastern Religions; Deluge) Many mythological accounts ascribe creation to impersonal agents rather than to individual deities.

In some African traditions, a cosmic egg hatched to release spirits called Nommo, who then set about the creation of humankind. In Egyptian mythology, both personal and impersonal creative forces came into play: four divine couples who fused to form the cosmic egg, from which the sun god was born, personified Elemental energies. In later Egyptian mythology, the sun god became identified with the figure of Ra, a deity who gave rise to a pantheon of high gods (known as the Nine Gods of Heliopolis) through self-fertilization (Egyptian Mythology).

Many mythologies include similar stories of self-fertilization by a creator deity, whose offspring then give birth to other gods, creating a pantheon based on incestuous family relationships. The most famous such line of descent occurs in Greek mythology, in which Zeus begets offspring by many goddesses and mortals. The Greek mythologies served several purposes. First, Greek myths explained the world. Second, they acted as a means of exploration. Third, they provided authority and legitimacy. Finally, they provided entertainment.

Greek myths lent structure and order to the world and explained how the current state of things had originated. Hesiod’s Theogony narrated the development of the present order of the universe by relating it to chaos, the origin of all things. A complex process of violence, struggle, and sexual attraction eventually took the regime led by Zeus taken over (Hamilton 1942, 1998: 246-298). Another poem by Hesiod, Works and Days, explained why the world is full of trouble. According to the poem the first woman, Pandora, opened a jar whose lid she had been forbidden to lift.

As a result of her disobedience all the diseases and miseries previously confined in the jar escaped into the world. Such a myth also makes a statement about the relationship between the sexes in Hesiod’s own world. Scholars assume that he composed the poem for a largely male audience that was receptive to a tale that put women at the root of all evil. One of the commonest types of explanation given in myths relates to ritual. Myths helped worshippers make sense of a religious practice by telling how the practice originated.

A prime example is sacrifice, a ritual that involved killing a domesticated animal as an offering to the gods. The ceremony culminated in the butchering, cooking, and sharing of the meat of the victim. Hesiod recounts the myth associated with this rite. According to this myth, the tricky Titan Prometheus tried to outwit Zeus by offering him a cunningly devised choice of meals. Zeus could have either an apparently unappetizing dish—an ox paunch, which had tasty meat concealed within—or a seemingly delicious one, gleaming fat on the outside, which had nothing but bones hidden beneath.

Zeus chose the second dish, and ever since human beings have kept the tastiest part of every sacrifice for themselves, leaving the gods nothing but the savor of the rising smoke. Myths also had the function of legitimation. A claim, an action, or a relationship acquired extra authority if it had a precedent in myth. Aristocratic Greek families liked to trace their ancestry back to the heroes or gods of mythology. Many songs have been written in praise of current victors in the Olympian Games by linking them with the deeds of their mythical ancestors.

Scholars can demonstrate influence on Greek mythology from the Middle East much more reliably than influence from Crete. Greek mythology owed much to cultures in Mesopotamia and Anatolia, especially in the realm of cosmogony (origin of the universe) and theogony (origin of the gods). To take one example, a clear parallel exists in an early Middle Eastern myth about the castration of Uranus by his son Cronus and the subsequent overthrow of Cronus by his son Zeus. The Middle Eastern myth tells of the god Anu who was castrated by Kumarbi, father of the gods.

The weather and storm god Teshub, in turn, displaced Anu. Scholars continue to bring to light more and more similarities between Greek and Middle Eastern mythologies . Mythology formed a central reference point in Greek society because it was interwoven with ritual and other aspects of social existence (Avery 1970: 201-203). Yet the question of how far people believed the myths is a difficult and probably unanswerable one. Some intellectuals, such as Greek writer Palaephatus, tried to interpret the myths as having figurative (nonliteral) meanings.

Writing in the 4th century BC, Palaephatus interpreted the stories of Diomedes, a king devoured by his own mares, and of Actaeon, a hunter torn apart by his own hounds, as concealing perfectly credible accounts of young men who had spent too much money on their animals and so been figuratively eaten alive by debt. Other thinkers, such as the 4th-century-BC philosopher Plato, objected to some myths on moral grounds, particularly to myths that told of crimes committed by the gods. Yet such skepticism seems hardly to have altered the imaginative power and persistence of Greek myths.

As late as the 2nd century AD, the Greek traveler and historian Pausanias described the myths and cults in the places he visited as if they constituted a still-living complex of religious discourse and behavior. Cosmogonic myths generally culminate in the creation of humankind (Rees 2001: 34-47), after which the mythic cosmos comes to resemble the world of human experience. In mythic history, the earliest era of the world is usually the closest to perfection—a Golden Age or Garden of Eden—with later phases showing the progressive degeneration of the world as it grows more distant from the original creative impulse.

The earliest humans are often thought to have been of extraordinary stature and longevity and to have been much closer to the gods than are the humans of the present day. In many traditions, the story cycles associated with demigods and heroes are an even richer source of myth than those involving the gods themselves. Such myths enable the listener to recall the time of creation when the world was in its infancy.

In summary, the patterns in Greek and Mesopotamian mythology are both cultural and universal as stated above, since all the myths of different cultures in the world have similarities.

REFERENCES:

Avery, C. 1970. ‘The New Century Handbook of Greek Mythology and Legend’. 201-203 Hamilton, E. 1942, 1998. ‘Mythology’. 246-298 Malam, J. 2000. ‘Ancient Greece: Gods and Goddesses’. 49-72 Gribbin, R. 2001. ‘Hyperspace: The Universe and its Mysteries’. 03-41 Rees, M. 2001. ‘Our Comic Habit’. 34-47 Kallen, S. 1997. ‘Exploring the Origins of the Universe’. 107-118 .

  • How-To Guides

How To Write A Myth in 16 Steps With Examples

Have you ever wondered how ancient myths and legends were created? Fancied having a go at writing your own tall tale? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll be walking through a simple 16-step process to teach you exactly how to write a myth from start to finish. From deciding on your mythological characters and settings to plotting your story arc and bringing it all to life with feedback and editing – we’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to unleash your inner Homer or Aesop and try crafting your own mythical masterpiece, read on for a fun, easy-to-follow guide on how to write a myth that would make the ancient storytellers proud!

Types of Myths

Myths vs. legends, examples of famous myths, step 1: think of a theme, step 2: decide on the moral, step 3: incorporate symbolic elements, step 4: idea summary, step 5: character development, step 6: setting development, step 7: define the conflict, step 8: outline the beginning, step 9: plan the resolution, step 10: develop a plot outline, step 11: write the first draft, step 12: choose a title, step 13: edit and revise, step 14: seek feedback, step 15: final edit, step 16: publish and share, how do i write my own myth, what are the 5 elements of a myth, what is an example of a myth, how do myths start.

  • What is an example of a kids' myth?

What is a Myth?

Myths are influential fictional stories that have been passed down for generations across different cultures. They have had enduring appeal as they often explore timeless themes about human existence – from birth and love to conflict and death. Myths also offer explanations about our world – why the sun rises, how different languages originated, and what happens after death.

While myths are fictional rather than factual accounts, for ancient civilizations they represented a reality grounded in their unique cultural contexts and belief systems. Myths helped shape worldviews, values and customs within these societies. Modern society may classify myths as fantasy , fairytales or legends but their imaginative power and symbolic meaning still resonates.

The fantastical elements in myths like all-powerful gods, mystical quests or monstrous beings capture our imagination. Talking animals and shape-shifting tricksters teach us moral lessons. Heroes overcoming epic trials represent the universal theme of the underdog defeating mighty opponents against the odds. Myths reveal both human flaws and virtues – jealousy and deception but also courage, ambition and redemption.

So myths continue to have significance and value. Their timeless quality means they can be reinterpreted to explore modern challenges – from ethical issues posed by technology to current social dynamics about gender and race. Myths also inspire contemporary pop culture through comic book heroes on quests to computer games built around mythic themes and imagery. Their metaphorical style adds depth to any form of storytelling across genres and mediums.

Myths come in many forms, serving distinct purposes across cultures and eras. Though myths may intertwine multiple elements, some main categories include:

  • Creation Myths : Explain the origins of the universe, Earth, and humanity. They often involve gods, goddesses, or supernatural beings.
  • Heroic Myths: Focus on the adventures and exploits of heroic figures. These myths often follow a hero’s journey , involving challenges, trials, and a transformation.
  • Trickster Myths: Feature characters who are clever, mischievous, and often disrupt the natural order of things. The trickster figure challenges societal norms and brings about change.
  • Etiological Myths: Explain the origins of customs, traditions, or natural features. These myths provide cultural explanations for certain practices or phenomena.
  • Cosmogonic Myths: Similar to creation myths, cosmogonic myths address the origin and order of the cosmos, including the relationships between various celestial bodies.
  • Didactic Myths: Also known as folktales or fables. Convey moral lessons or teachings. These myths often involve characters facing moral dilemmas and making choices that lead to consequences.
  • Afterlife Myths: Explore beliefs about what happens after death. They may describe different realms, deities, or rituals associated with the afterlife.
  • Eschatological myths: Focus on endings/destruction. Like flood or rapture myths depicting world catastrophes.
  • Apocalyptic Myths: Envision the end of the world or a significant transformation of the existing order. They often involve prophecies, divine judgments, or catastrophic events.
  • Liminal Myths: Focus on transitions or thresholds, such as rites of passage, initiation ceremonies, or rituals marking significant life changes.
  • Ancestral Myths: Explain the origins of a particular people, tribe, or community. These myths often involve the creation of the first humans or the founding of a civilization.
  • Deification Myths: Describe how certain individuals or beings become gods or achieve divine status. This may involve heroic deeds, ascension, or divine intervention.

This list covers some of the major types of myths recorded from civilizations worldwide based on their central themes and messages. The great diversity illustrates myth’s enduring capacity to both explain and explore the human condition in creative ways that still influence how we tell stories today across artistic mediums.

Myths and Legends share similarities in being tales passed down over generations that take on symbolic meaning. However, they have some distinct differences:

  • Origins : Myths trace back to ancient oral storytelling traditions grounded in religion /spirituality. Legends originate from perceived historical events and may incorporate real people or places.
  • Timeframes : Myths are set in ancient, timeless settings like the beginnings of Earth or humanity. Legends occur in knowable eras of antiquity but details remain unreliable or obscure.
  • Characters : Myths utilize archetypal non-human characters like all-powerful gods, magical beasts or the forces of nature in human form. Legends may feature heroic human characters accomplishing exaggerated feats.
  • Believability : Ancient societies often took myths as literal explanations of divine truths. Legends blur fact and fiction but don’t demand faith in the same way religious myths did.
  • Functions : Myths cemented ideological belief systems and helped impart cultural values. Legends tend to inspire national/community pride in past heroes and events.

In essence, the distinction depends on whether supernatural, sacred narratives of myths give way to more grounded tales of extraordinary mortal exploits in legends.

myths vs legends

There’s certainly overlap – legends borrow mythic tropes while myths may incorporate historical elements. But generally, myths emerge from faith and legends from memories of remarkable deeds. Evaluating the context and purpose behind fantastical tales illuminates how they spread and the significance they held.

Mythology has spawned countless captivating tales across ancient cultures that remain influential. Here are a few iconic myths and their significance:

  • Icarus and Daedalus: In a Greek myth, there’s a skilled builder named Daedalus. He and his son, Icarus, were stuck on an island called Crete. To escape, Daedalus created wings using feathers and wax. He warned Icarus not to fly too high or too low. Excited, Icarus flew too close to the sun. The sun melted the wax on his wings, and he fell into the ocean and drowned. This story teaches us about the dangers of being overly ambitious without thinking. It also represents how humans strive for greatness and creativity.
  • Thor vs the Midgard Serpent : In a Norse myth, there’s a big battle between Thor, the thunder god, and the enormous serpent called Jörmungandr. This happens before Ragnarök, a big event where the gods and the world are supposed to be destroyed. Thor goes fishing for the serpent using an ox-head as bait. He hooks the massive serpent, but even with his powerful belt and gloves, he can’t beat it before the line breaks, and he gets thrown backwards. This myth shows the constant struggle between opposing forces in the world, and how they balance each other through their fights for control.
  • Pandora’s Box: In an ancient Greek story, there’s a woman named Pandora. The gods made her very beautiful and charming. She came with a sealed jar, and she was told not to open it. But Pandora couldn’t resist her curiosity and opened the jar. This let out all kinds of troubles like sorrow, sickness, and plague, which then affected people forever. The only thing left inside the jar was hope. This story tells us that even when faced with difficulties, people can still keep going with hope.
  • The Buddha: In a story from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, there’s a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who later becomes the Buddha, which means the Awakened One. He leaves behind his comfortable life as a prince, including his wife and son, after seeing how much suffering exists in the world. He goes on a spiritual journey for many years, trying extreme ways to find enlightenment. After a simple meal, he sits under a tree and enters deep meditation. During this time, a demon named Mara tries to distract him with desires and fears, but the Buddha remains focused. He reaches a state called nirvana, gaining profound insights. The teachings of Buddhism come from these insights, suggesting that letting go of material desires and fixed ideas can free people from worldly sorrows. This myth shows that humans can transcend difficulties and reach a state of enlightenment.
  • Hercules (Heracles): From Greek mythology Hercules, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmena, faced a series of challenges known as the Twelve Labors as a punishment for a crime committed in a fit of madness. One of these labours was to clean the Augean stables, which housed an immense number of cattle and had not been cleaned for years. It seemed like an impossible task. Hercules, known for his strength, devised a clever plan. He redirected the rivers Alpheus and Peneus to flow through the stables, cleaning them in a single day. Despite his initial disbelief, King Augeas, who owned the stables, refused to honour his agreement to reward Hercules. This myth illustrates Hercules’ wit and problem-solving skills, showcasing that strength alone is not always the solution. It also highlights the theme of justice as Hercules faced an unfair situation and ultimately demonstrated his capabilities through intelligence and resourcefulness.

These represent just snippets of legendary tales full of symbolic details that have endured for millennia. They remind us of myth’s storytelling power – using fantasy and imagination to probe poignant universals that still compel audiences today.

How To Write A Myth in 16 Steps

Myths have charmed readers for millennia thanks to their imaginative worlds and timeless themes. If you want to join the ranks of storytellers like Homer, the Brothers Grimm, and J.R.R Tolkien, follow these 16 simple steps to learn how to write a myth:

Choosing a theme is the foundational step in crafting a myth. It involves selecting a fundamental concept, value, or message that will serve as the core focus of your narrative. Themes can range from love and courage to justice or any other overarching idea. This choice not only provides direction to your tale but also shapes the underlying philosophy that will resonate with your audience. Consider what profound concept you want to explore and what moral or lesson might emerge from it.

You might want to take a look at our collection of myth ideas for some inspiration on possible themes for your own myth.

Here is a list of common themes found in myths:

  • Courage: Exploring the inner strength needed to face adversity and overcome fears.
  • Love and Sacrifice: I nvestigating the transformative power of love and the sacrifices one might make for it.
  • Justice and Redemption: Delving into the pursuit of justice and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of past mistakes.
  • Wisdom and Knowledge: Uncovering the value of wisdom, knowledge, and the pursuit of understanding.
  • Fate and Free Will: Examining the interplay between destiny and the choices individuals make, challenging the concept of fate.
  • Friendship and Loyalty: Exploring the bonds of friendship and loyalty, and the challenges faced in maintaining them.
  • Nature and Balance: Reflecting on the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of maintaining balance in the world.
  • Perseverance and Resilience: Illustrating the power of persistence and resilience in the face of trials and tribulations.
  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Focusing on the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, exploring the healing power of letting go.
  • Self-Discovery and Identity: Following characters on a journey of self-discovery, exploring questions of identity and purpose.
  • Hope and Despair: Investigating the contrast between hope and despair, and the transformative impact of hope in challenging situations.
  • Duty and Honour: Examining the concepts of duty and honour, and the conflicts that may arise when these principles are tested.

These themes provide a starting point for beginners, offering broad and profound concepts that can be explored in various ways within the structure of a myth. As a beginner, choose a theme that resonates with you and sparks your imagination. Remember, the theme is the soul of your myth, anchoring it with a deeper purpose beyond the surface narrative.

If your theme is “Courage,” your myth might revolve around characters facing daunting challenges and finding inner strength to overcome them. The theme of courage can be expressed through the characters’ actions, decisions, and personal growth throughout the mythic journey.

Once you’ve identified the theme of your myth, the next crucial step is to determine the moral or lesson you want your audience to take away from the narrative. The moral is the guiding principle or truth about living a good life that aligns with your chosen theme. This element gives depth and purpose to your myth, as it imparts meaning beyond the surface storyline.

Here are some key elements to consider in this step:

  • Alignment with Theme: Ensure that the chosen moral resonates with and complements the theme you’ve selected. It should be a natural extension of the theme, reinforcing the central concept.
  • Universal Applicability: Aim for a moral that possesses universal appeal, allowing readers to relate to and find personal relevance in the lessons imparted by your myth.
  • Character Transformation: Consider how the moral will contribute to the transformation of your protagonist. The mythic journey often involves personal growth, and the moral serves as a compass guiding this transformation.

Deciding on the moral is crucial because it gives your myth a purpose beyond entertainment. It elevates the narrative to a realm of meaningful storytelling, allowing readers to connect with the characters and events on a deeper level. The moral provides a guiding light, shaping the overall message you wish to convey and leaving a lasting impact on those who engage with your myth.

Example:  

If your theme is “Courage,” your moral might be centred around the idea that true courage is found not in the absence of fear but in the face of it. This moral aligns with the theme and encourages readers to reflect on the nature of courage in their own lives.

Once you’ve established the theme and decided on the moral, the next step involves weaving symbolic elements into your myth. These elements can take various forms, including items, characters, colours, numbers, and more. Symbolism adds depth and layers of meaning to your story, enhancing its richness and reinforcing the themes and messages you wish to convey.

  • Relevance to Theme and Moral: Ensure that the symbolic elements chosen are relevant to the theme and moral of your myth. They should enhance the narrative rather than feel forced or arbitrary.
  • Metaphorical Representation: Symbolic elements often carry metaphorical meaning. Consider how they can represent deeper concepts, emotions, or aspects of the human experience.
  • Consistency and Coherence: Maintain consistency in the use of symbolism throughout your myth. Symbolic elements should contribute to the overall narrative rather than feeling disjointed.
  • Reader Engagement: Allow room for reader engagement with the symbolism. Some elements may be more clear, while others might be subtle, encouraging readers to interpret and discover meanings on their own.

Incorporating symbolic elements adds layers of meaning to your myth, making it a more immersive and thought-provoking experience for readers. Symbols have the power to evoke emotions, create connections between elements in the story, and reinforce the overarching themes. Well-executed symbolism enhances the myth’s impact, allowing readers to explore deeper levels of interpretation and engage with the narrative on a more profound level.

Example: 

For the theme of courage, you might incorporate a symbolic element like a Phoenix feather. The Phoenix, known for its mythical rebirth from its ashes, becomes a symbol of resilience and the ability to rise anew despite challenges. The feather, handed down through generations, represents the legacy of courage within a family or community. As characters face daunting trials, the presence of the Phoenix feather serves as a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the determination to confront and overcome it, emerging stronger on the other side. In this way, the Phoenix feather becomes a metaphorical representation of the theme, adding layers of meaning to the narrative and reinforcing the message about the nature of courage.

After establishing the theme, deciding on the moral, and incorporating symbolic elements, it’s time to create a concise idea summary for your myth. This summary serves as a condensed version of your myth, outlining the basic premise, main characters, central conflict, supernatural aspects, and the moral message in a paragraph or two.

  • Protagonist and Basic Arc: Introduce the main character (or characters) and briefly outline their journey or character arc. What challenges do they face, and how do they evolve throughout the myth?
  • Main Conflict: Identify the central conflict that drives the narrative forward. Is it a moral dilemma, a battle against dark forces, or a quest for self-discovery?
  • Supernatural Aspects: If your myth involves supernatural or fantastical elements (common in many myths), provide a glimpse of these aspects. This could include gods, magical creatures, or enchanted objects.
  • Moral Message: Summarize the moral or lesson that readers should take away from your myth. How does the protagonist’s journey and the resolution contribute to this message?

The idea summary serves as a roadmap for your myth, providing a clear and concise overview of its key elements. It acts as a guide for the subsequent steps, ensuring that your narrative remains focused on its core themes and messages. Additionally, having a well-defined idea summary can be a valuable tool for pitching or sharing your myth with others.

Aria, a young girl from the mystical land of Eldoria, finds an ancient prophecy about a looming darkness that will consume the world. She is chosen by the gods to stop it, armed with a Phoenix feather inherited from her ancestors. Along her perilous quest, she encounters mythical creatures and faces moral dilemmas that test her courage. She learns that courage is not the lack of fear, but the will to act despite it. In the final showdown, she faces the source of the darkness, a monstrous entity that feeds on fear. She musters all her courage and stabs the Phoenix feather into its core willing to sacrifice herself, triggering a massive blast of light and heat. The darkness is burned away, and the land is restored to its natural beauty.  She realizes that the Phoenix feather symbolizes courage, a powerful force that can overcome any evil.

Character development is a crucial aspect of crafting a compelling myth. In this step, you’ll outline your characters, delving into their backgrounds, motivations, flaws, and the growth they undergo throughout the mythic journey.

Here are the key components of developing characters:

  • Protagonist : Introduce your main character—the protagonist—who will navigate the challenges of the myth. What makes them unique? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
  • Backstories : Provide backgrounds for your characters. What events or experiences have shaped them into who they are at the beginning of the myth?
  • Motivations : Explore the motivations driving your characters. What do they desire, fear, or hope to achieve? Motivations often propel characters forward in the face of adversity.
  • Flaws : Characters with flaws are relatable and dynamic. What imperfections or internal struggles do your characters grapple with? How do these flaws contribute to their arcs?
  • Character Arc : Consider how the challenges and trials of the myth will lead to the growth and transformation of your characters. What lessons will they learn, and how will they evolve?
  • Supporting Characters: You should also consider introducing supporting characters who complement and challenge the protagonist. These characters can provide additional layers to the narrative and contribute to the growth of the protagonist.

Well-developed characters contribute to the emotional appeal of your myth. Readers connect with characters who feel real and undergo meaningful transformations. Character development adds depth, authenticity, and relatability to your narrative, making the myth more engaging and impactful.

  • Aria is a young and determined girl from Eldoria. 
  • Background: Her background reveals a lineage of courageous ancestors, instilling in her a sense of responsibility. 
  • Weakness: Aria struggles with self-doubt and the fear of not living up to her family’s legacy. 
  • Motivation : Her motivation stems from a deep desire to prove her courage and protect Eldoria from the impending darkness.
  • Character Arc: As Aria faces mythical creatures and moral dilemmas, her flaws become apparent. She must confront her self-doubt and overcome her fear, learning that courage is not about being fearless but about acting despite fear. Through the challenges, Aria experiences significant character growth. By the end of the myth, she emerges as a resilient and self-assured individual, having discovered the true meaning of courage.
  • Cyrus, a wise elder and mentor, becomes a pivotal supporting character in Aria’s journey. 
  • Background: With a mysterious past tied to ancient prophecies, Cyrus possesses knowledge crucial to Eldoria’s survival. 
  • Motivation: His motivations are rooted in a deep sense of duty to guide and protect the realm. 
  • Weakness: Despite his wisdom, Cyrus grapples with a past mistake that haunts him, serving as a reminder that even the wise have imperfections.
  • Character Arc: Throughout the myth, Cyrus serves as both guide and challenge to Aria. He imparts valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of all things. As Aria faces the trials ahead, Cyrus’s guidance becomes instrumental in her growth. In turn, Aria’s courage inspires Cyrus to confront his own lingering fears.

Setting development is the process of creating and detailing the world in which your myth unfolds. The setting encompasses not only the physical locations but also the cultural, historical, and magical elements that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the narrative.

Here are the key elements for this step:

  • Primary Setting: Define the primary location or realm where the events of your myth take place. Is it a fantastical land, an ancient city, or a mythical kingdom? Consider the geography, climate, weather patterns , and overall ambience.
  • Crucial Locations: Identify specific locations within the primary setting that play a key role in the narrative. These could be sacred sites, enchanted forests, mythical caves, or significant landmarks.
  • Cultural Elements: Explore the cultural aspects of your setting. What beliefs, traditions, and customs shape the characters’ lives? Cultural elements add depth and authenticity to the world you’re creating.
  • Historical Backstory: Develop a historical backstory for your setting. What events have shaped the world, and how do they influence the characters and conflicts in the present? A rich history can enhance the myth’s sense of depth.
  • Magical Aspects: If your myth involves magic or supernatural elements, detail how these aspects manifest in the setting. Are there magical creatures, artefacts, or ley lines that influence the characters’ journeys?

Setting development establishes the backdrop against which your characters’ journeys unfold. A well-crafted setting immerses readers in the world of your myth, making it more striking and captivating. Additionally, the setting can influence the characters’ beliefs and actions, contributing to the overall atmosphere and thematic appeal of the narrative.

Eldoria, the mystical land in which our myth unfolds, is a realm steeped in magic and ancient prophecies. The primary setting consists of diverse landscapes, from sprawling enchanted forests to majestic mountain ranges. Eldoria is governed by the principles of balance, with natural forces and magical energies interwoven into the fabric of everyday life. Crucial locations include the Sacred Grove, where prophecies are whispered by ancient trees, and the Luminous Falls, a source of magical energy that sustains the land. The cultural elements of Eldoria centre around a deep reverence for nature and a belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. Eldorians celebrate seasonal festivals that honour the cycles of nature. The historical backstory reveals a time when Eldoria faced a similar threat of darkness, and a legendary hero emerged to restore balance. This hero’s legacy echoes through the ages, influencing the characters’ beliefs and motivations. Magical aspects include mythical creatures like the ethereal Moonlight Stags and the elusive Starlight Foxes, both guardians of ancient secrets.

In Step 7, you will define the central conflict that drives the narrative of your myth. The conflict is the driving force that moves the characters forward, creating tension, drama, and opportunities for growth. This step involves determining what challenges, obstacles, or moral dilemmas your characters will face as they embark on their mythic journey.

Here are the key elements of defining the conflict:

  • Nature of the Conflict: Clearly state the central conflict that forms the core of your myth. Is it a physical threat, a moral dilemma, an internal struggle, or a combination of these elements? Define what the characters are up against.
  • Stakes: Outline the stakes involved in the conflict. What is at risk if the characters fail to overcome the challenges they face? Stakes add urgency and significance to the narrative.
  • Antagonistic Forces: Identify the antagonistic forces that oppose the protagonist. These could be external entities, internal struggles, or even the consequences of their own choices. Antagonistic forces create opposition and obstacles.
  • Moral Complexity: If your conflict involves moral dilemmas, explore the ethical complexities surrounding the choices your characters must make. This adds depth and nuance to the narrative.

The conflict is the driving force behind your myth, shaping the characters’ journeys and providing a narrative arc. A well-defined conflict creates suspense, engages readers emotionally, and sets the stage for the characters’ growth and transformation. It establishes the challenges that must be overcome, making the myth compelling and resonant.

  • Self-Doubt: Aria doubts her magical abilities, fearing that she lacks the strength to combat the darkness. This self-doubt hinders her from fully embracing her role as the chosen one.
  • Moral Dilemmas: Aria encounters a village torn between two factions, each seeking her assistance. The moral dilemma forces her to choose between conflicting values, challenging her understanding of justice.
  • Fear of Failure: Aria envisions the consequences of failing in her mission, haunted by the idea of Eldoria succumbing to eternal darkness. This fear propels her forward but also tests her resilience.
  • Corrupted Mythical Creatures: Aria faces a once-gentle unicorn corrupted by the darkness. Overcoming the creature requires both physical combat and a demonstration of empathy to restore its purity.
  • Monstrous Entity: The monstrous entity, fueled by fear, creates illusions that prey on Aria’s deepest fears. Overcoming this external threat demands Aria to confront her personal demons while battling the monster.
  • Isolation: Aria finds herself alone in the eerie Whispering Woods, where shadows play tricks on the mind. The isolation intensifies her internal struggles and challenges her ability to trust her instincts.
  • Environmental Hazards: Eldoria’s magical landscape shifts unpredictably, creating illusions and mirages. Aria must discern reality from illusion, adding an external layer of challenge to her journey.

In Step 8, you will outline the beginning scenes of your myth. This involves crafting the opening moments that introduce readers to the world, characters, and central conflict. The beginning sets the tone for the entire narrative, hooking readers and drawing them into the mythic journey.

Here are the key elements to consider:

  • Introduction of the Protagonist: Establish the main character, providing essential details about their identity, background, and current situation. Create a connection between the protagonist and the readers.
  • Introduction of the World: Describe the setting and the mystical elements of the world in which the myth takes place. Transport readers to a realm filled with magic, wonder, and potential challenges.
  • Foreshadowing: Drop subtle hints or clues about the impending conflict or challenges the protagonist will face. Foreshadowing adds intrigue and anticipation, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the narrative.
  • Establishing the Normal World: Present the protagonist’s everyday life before the call to adventure. This normal world provides a baseline against which readers can measure the transformative journey that lies ahead.
  • Introduction of Key Elements: Introduce any key elements, symbols, or objects that will play a significant role in the myth. These elements may include magical artifacts, prophecies, or mythical creatures.

The beginning of the myth serves as the narrative’s foundation, establishing the characters, world, and conflict. A well-crafted beginning captivates readers, prompting them to invest emotionally in the protagonist’s journey. It also sets the stage for the transformation that will unfold as the myth progresses.

The myth begins with Aria, a young girl from Eldoria, going about her daily life in the quaint village of Lumara. The sun-dappled streets and the laughter of children provide a sense of the normal world. Aria is introduced as a relatable character, known for her kindness and curiosity. As Aria practices her magical abilities in a secluded grove, readers witness the first hint of foreshadowing—an ancient prophecy etched into the bark of an ancient tree. The words speak of a looming darkness and a chosen one who will stand against it. Aria, unaware of her destiny, continues her routine. The normal world is disrupted when mysterious shadows start encroaching on Eldoria. Aria witnesses the corruption of once-gentle creatures and feels an unexplained calling. The call to adventure begins as Aria discovers the Phoenix feather, a family heirloom that glows with newfound intensity. This sets the stage for her journey to confront the darkness and fulfil the prophecy.

In Step 9, you will plan the resolution of your myth. This step involves scripting the conclusion of the narrative, determining how the central conflict will be resolved, and outlining the fate of the characters. The resolution should bring closure to the story while imparting the moral lesson or universal truth you want readers to take away.

Here are the key elements of this step:

  • Climax: Identify the highest point of tension in the story, often referred to as the climax. This is the moment of greatest conflict or confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist.
  • Resolution of the Central Conflict: Determine how the central conflict will be resolved. Will the protagonist succeed in overcoming the challenges, or will there be a tragic outcome? The resolution should align with the overarching theme of the myth.
  • Character Arc Completion: Ensure that the resolution reflects the growth and transformation of the protagonist. Characters should undergo significant changes, learning important lessons or discovering newfound strengths.
  • Impact on the World: Consider how the resolution will impact the world of the myth. Will there be a restoration of balance, a transformation of the realm, or a lasting change in the characters’ lives?
  • Moral Message: Clarify the moral or universal truth that the resolution will convey. This is the lesson or insight that readers should take away from the mythic journey.

The resolution is the culmination of the mythic journey, providing a sense of closure and fulfilment. It is the moment where the themes, conflicts, and characters come together to deliver a powerful message. A well-planned resolution leaves a lasting impression on readers and reinforces the moral or universal truth embedded in the myth.

As Aria confronts the monstrous entity fueled by fear in the climactic showdown, the Phoenix feather becomes the key to the resolution. The entity, representing the embodiment of darkness, is relentless in its attempt to consume Aria’s courage. The climax unfolds as Aria, drawing strength from within, stabs the Phoenix feather into the entity’s core killing herself in the process. This courageous act triggers a blinding blast of light and intense heat, burning away the darkness that had threatened to engulf Eldoria. The world is restored to its natural beauty, and the once-corrupted mythical creatures regain their purity. Aria, however, is presumed dead in the aftermath. In a poignant twist, Aria’s soul emerges from the light, having absorbed the darkness into the Phoenix feather. Aria is transformed, now radiating with a brilliant glow like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Aria’s character arc is complete, as she learns that true courage involves self-sacrifice and that even the darkest aspects can be transformed into light. The resolution leaves a lasting impact on Eldoria, symbolizing the triumph of courage over fear. The realm is forever changed, and Aria’s sacrifice becomes a legendary tale told across generations.

In Step 10, you will develop a comprehensive plot outline for your myth. This involves mapping out the narrative structure, key events, and character developments from the beginning to the resolution. The plot outline serves as a roadmap, guiding your writing process and ensuring a coherent and engaging story.

Here are the key elements of outlining the plot:

  • Hooking Opening: Craft an engaging opening that captures the readers’ attention and introduces the world of your myth. This could involve an intriguing event, a mysterious prophecy, or the introduction of a compelling character.
  • Rising Action: Outline the series of events that build tension and propel the story forward. This includes challenges, conflicts, and discoveries that the protagonist faces on their journey.
  • Climax: Identify the highest point of tension in the story, where the central conflict reaches its peak. The climax is a pivotal moment that often involves a confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist.
  • Falling Action: Detail the events that follow the climax, showing the aftermath of the central conflict. This phase may include resolutions to secondary conflicts and the beginning of the resolution.
  • Resolution: Script the conclusion of the narrative, bringing closure to the central conflict and showcasing the transformation of the characters and the world. The resolution should align with the overarching theme and moral message.

Developing a plot outline provides a structured framework for your myth, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative. It helps you visualize the entire story, identify key beats, and maintain a sense of direction throughout the writing process. A well-crafted plot outline serves as a valuable tool for both planning and executing a compelling mythic journey.

  • Aria discovers an ancient prophecy foretelling a darkness threatening Eldoria.
  • Introduction of Aria’s normal world in Lumara, a village filled with magical beings.
  • Aria finds the Phoenix feather, setting her on the path of the chosen one.
  • Encounters corrupted mythical creatures and faces moral dilemmas.
  • Discovers the nature of the darkness and her role in stopping it.
  • Confrontation with the monstrous entity fueled by fear.
  • Aria’s self-sacrifice with the Phoenix feather to burn away the darkness.
  • Eldoria transforms as the darkness recedes.
  • Reveal of Aria’s presumed death and the impact on the realm.
  • Aria’s soul emerges, transformed into a radiant figure
  • Symbolic restoration of Eldoria’s purity and balance.
  • The Phoenix feather becomes a beacon of courage and hope.

In Step 11, you embark on the actual writing process, crafting the first draft of your myth. This step involves translating your plot outline, character developments, and key themes into the myth. The primary goal is to get the narrative flow down on paper without obsessing over perfection.

Here are some elements to consider during this step:

  • Follow the Plot Outline: Refer to the plot outline you developed in Step 10 as a guide. While writing, allow for creative detours if they enhance the narrative, but ensure that the core structure remains intact.
  • Establish the Tone: Set the tone of your myth through your writing style. Consider the atmosphere you want to create—whether it’s mysterious, adventurous, or poignant—and infuse your story with appropriate language and imagery.
  • Character Voices: Give each character a distinct voice and personality. Their dialogue, actions, and internal thoughts should align with their individual traits and arcs.
  • Show, Don’t Tell : Use descriptive language to evoke vivid imagery and engage readers’ senses. Show character emotions, the magic of the world, and the impact of key events rather than simply stating them.
  • Build Atmosphere: Create a rich and immersive atmosphere that draws readers into the mythical realm. Pay attention to the details of settings, sounds, and even the cultural nuances that contribute to the world-building.
  • Maintain Consistency: Ensure consistency in character traits, world-building details, and the overall tone of the myth. This consistency enhances the believability of the fictional world.
  • Embrace Creativity: Allow your imagination to flourish. Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas or unexpected twists that may enhance the narrative. The first draft is an opportunity to discover the full potential of your myth.
  • Focus on Narrative Flow: Prioritize the narrative flow over perfection. The goal is to convey the essence of the story, and you’ll have opportunities for refinement in later editing stages.

Writing the first draft is a crucial step in bringing your myth to life. It allows you to explore the narrative in its raw form, discovering variations, character depths, and unexpected turns. The first draft is a creative space where you can experiment, refine your voice, and build the foundation for subsequent editing and polishing stages. It’s an exciting phase that captures the essence of your mythic journey.

Dawn’s rosy fingers stretched across the clear morning sky as Aria awoke, brimming with excitement for the Solstice Fair. She leaned out the window, drinking in the crisp air as the village of Lumara began to stir. Golden light spilled over the cobblestone streets below while the mouth-watering aroma of sweet cakes and pies drifted from the bustling bakery next door. After washing and dressing hurriedly, Aria bounced downstairs where her mother was brewing hot honey-mint tea. She wolfed down a still-warm spice bun, listening with half an ear as her mother fussed over the handwoven shawls they would sell at their fabric stall. The thrill of the annual fair left no room in Aria’s 12-year-old mind to focus on such mundane matters though. The whole village seemed infected by the frenetic energy as Aria skippered down the main thoroughfare. Everywhere colorful banners and Lantern flowers garlanded the buildings in preparation for the legendary nights of feasting ahead. Weaving through the crowds, Aria felt as if the very air tingled with festive magic. Her steps slowed as she passed the looming stone wall shrouded in emerald ivy that marked the edge of the Twilight Grove which held far greater enchantment for Aria than any Solstice Fair. The wall enclosed a forest clearing that called to Aria in a way she had never been able to explain…

Choosing a title is a crucial step in the myth-writing process. The title serves as the first impression and a guiding beacon for readers, encapsulating the essence of your myth. It should be graphic, intriguing, and reflective of the themes or central elements of the story.

Here are some key elements to consider during this step:

  • Reflect the Essence: The title should capture the core theme, message, or unique elements of your myth. It should give readers a glimpse into what makes your story special.
  • Evoke Emotion or Curiosity: A compelling title evokes emotion or piques curiosity. It should make potential readers want to explore the mythical world you’ve crafted.
  • Avoid Spoilers: While the title should provide insight, avoid giving away major plot twists or spoilers. Maintain an element of mystery to engage readers.
  • Consider Symbolism: If there are symbolic elements, key objects, or motifs in your myth, consider incorporating them into the title. This adds depth and intrigue.
  • Clarity and Simplicity: Ensure that the title is clear and not overly complex. Simplicity can be powerful, making it easier for readers to remember and relate to.
  • Check for Availability: Before finalizing the title, check for its availability. Ensure that it’s not already in extensive use by other works to avoid confusion.

Choosing a title is important because it serves as a gateway for readers to enter your mythical world. A well-crafted title not only attracts attention but also sets the tone for the narrative. It becomes a concise representation of the myth’s identity, making it memorable and inviting. The title is the first step in creating a connection between your story and its audience, drawing them into the enchanting realm you’ve created.

  • Embers of the Eternal Phoenix

The title emphasizes the enduring nature of the Phoenix, suggesting a timeless quality to the myth. The use of “Embers” hints at both the fiery aspect and the remnants of ancient magic. “Embers” also evokes a sense of warmth and sparks curiosity about the Phoenix’s eternal flame, inviting readers to explore the myth’s mystical journey. The title maintains a level of intrigue without revealing specific plot details, leaving room for discovery within the narrative. It is also clear and concise, making it easy to remember while conveying the myth’s focus on the eternal aspect of the Phoenix.

Editing and revising are integral steps in refining your myth, enhancing its overall quality, and ensuring that it resonates effectively with your audience. This step involves a thorough examination of the narrative, language, character development, and overall coherence.

Here are the key elements of editing and revising:

  • Language Refinement: Scrutinize the language used in your myth. Look for opportunities to elevate descriptions, choose graphic words, and create a more immersive reading experience. Ensure clarity and coherence in your sentences.
  • Tighten Pacing: Evaluate the pacing of your myth. Ensure that the narrative flows smoothly, building tension where needed and allowing moments of reflection or revelation. Trim unnecessary details or scenes that may slow down the pace.
  • Character Motivations and Development: Revisit your characters. Ensure that their motivations are clear, their actions align with their personalities, and their development arcs are compelling. Characters should feel authentic and contribute meaningfully to the story.
  • Emotional Beats: Enhance emotional beats within the story. Whether it’s moments of triumph, tragedy, or self-discovery, make sure these emotional points resonate with readers. Readers should feel connected to the characters and invested in their journeys.
  • World-Building Consistency: Check for consistency in your world-building. Ensure that the rules of the mythical world are adhered to and that details about locations, magical elements, and cultural elements remain coherent.
  • Address Plot Gaps: Identify any plot gaps or inconsistencies. Make sure that the sequence of events is logical, and that resolutions align with the established conflicts. Fill in any gaps in the narrative that may leave readers confused.
  • Balance Descriptive and Action Scenes: Strike a balance between descriptive scenes that establish the atmosphere and action scenes that drive the plot forward. Too much description without progression can lead to pacing issues.
  • Check for Redundancy: Eliminate redundant or repetitive elements. Ensure that each scene, character trait, or piece of information contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.
  • Consistent Tone: Maintain a consistent tone throughout your myth. Ensure that the mood and atmosphere align with the themes you want to convey. Consistency enhances the immersive experience for readers.
  • Grammar and Syntax: Pay attention to grammar, syntax, and punctuation. Correct any errors to ensure a polished and professional presentation of your myth.

Editing and revising are crucial steps that transform your initial draft into a polished and compelling myth. This process allows you to refine the language, tighten the narrative, and address any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the storytelling. Effective editing ensures that your myth engages readers, conveys its themes effectively, and leaves a lasting impression. It is an opportunity to elevate your work to its fullest potential before sharing it with a wider audience.

  • Original Sentence: “Aria, feeling the Phoenix feather pulse, bravely uttered words she didn’t know she had.”
  • Revised Sentence: “Feeling the pulsating warmth of the Phoenix feather, Aria courageously spoke words she never knew resided within her.”

Seeking feedback is a crucial phase in the myth-writing process. It involves sharing your work with others, gathering diverse perspectives, and gaining insights that can help improve and refine your narrative. Constructive feedback provides valuable guidance for enhancing your myth before its finalization.

Here are some elements to consider in this step

  • Selecting Trusted Readers: Choose individuals whose opinions you value and who can provide constructive criticism. This could include fellow writers, beta readers, or individuals with an interest in mythology and storytelling.
  • Ask Specific Questions: When sharing your myth, provide specific questions or areas you would like feedback on. This helps readers focus their feedback and ensures you receive insights into the aspects that matter most to you.
  • Remaining Open-Minded: Approach feedback with an open mind. Be open to various perspectives and consider how different suggestions align with your vision for the myth. Remember that feedback is a tool for improvement, not a directive for rewriting.
  • Balancing Positive and Constructive Feedback: Acknowledge both positive aspects and areas that need improvement. Positive feedback highlights strengths, while constructive criticism points to areas for refinement. A balanced perspective helps you build on what works well while addressing weaknesses.
  • Multiple Rounds of Feedback: Consider gathering feedback in multiple rounds. Initial feedback can focus on broad aspects like plot and character development, while subsequent rounds can delve into finer details such as language and pacing.
  • Implementing Changes Thoughtfully: After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on the suggestions. Decide which recommendations align with your creative vision and make changes thoughtfully. Not all feedback needs to be incorporated, and retaining your unique voice is crucial.

Feedback is a vital tool for refining your myth and ensuring it resonates with your intended audience. Other perspectives can highlight blind spots, offer fresh insights, and identify areas that might need clarification or expansion. Constructive feedback is a collaborative process that contributes to the overall quality of your myth, making it a more compelling and engaging narrative. Embracing feedback is an essential aspect of growth as a writer and contributes to the success of your myth when shared with a broader audience.

When sharing your myth with a trusted reader, you might ask specific questions such as the following:

  • Did the beginning of the story grab your attention? Why or why not?
  • What part of the story did you find the most exciting or interesting?
  • Did you feel like you got to know the characters well? Who was your favourite, and why?
  • Were there any characters whose actions or feelings you didn’t understand?
  • Did the story move at a good pace, or were there parts that felt too slow or too fast?
  • What was your favourite part of the story?
  • Did the central conflict drive the tension effectively, and was it resolved satisfactorily?
  • Were there any parts of the story where you felt confused or wanted to know more?
  • Could you picture the magical world in your mind? Were there things you found confusing?
  • Did you feel like you understood how the magic worked in the story?
  • Did the language used in the myth enhance the storytelling, or were there areas where it could be improved?
  • Were the descriptions of settings, characters, and magical elements detailed enough?
  • Did you feel emotionally connected to the characters and their journeys? Were there specific moments that stood out emotionally?
  • What do you think the story was trying to teach or tell you?
  • Were the symbolic elements effectively woven into the narrative, or were they confusing?
  • Were there unexpected twists or surprises that you enjoyed?
  • Did you find any parts of the plot predictable, and if so, did it impact your enjoyment of the story?
  • What did you enjoy most about the myth?
  • Is there anything you think could be improved or expanded upon?

The Final Edit is the penultimate step in the process of crafting your myth. During this phase, you focus on thorough polishing, ensuring that your narrative is finely tuned, error-free, and ready to captivate your audience. The Final Edit involves both a macro and micro-level examination of your myth, addressing broader structural elements as well as minute details.

Here are the key elements to consider during this step:

  • Flow and Pacing: Ensure the overall flow of your myth is smooth and engaging. Check that each scene transitions seamlessly to the next, maintaining a cohesive narrative rhythm.
  • Consistency: Verify that your story maintains consistency in character traits, world-building rules, and any established magical or mythic elements.
  • Word Choice: Carefully choose words that enhance the mood, tone, and imagery of your myth. Replace any repetitive or weak language with more vibrant and graphic alternatives.
  • Sentence Structure: Vary sentence lengths and structures to maintain reader interest. Ensure clarity and avoid overly complex or complicated sentences.
  • Dialogue : Review and refine character dialogues, ensuring they align with each character’s personality and contribute to the plot. Dialogue should feel natural and authentic.
  • Character Consistency: Double-check that characters’ actions, motivations, and growth align with their established traits and arcs.
  • Visual Imagery: Enhance descriptive elements to vividly paint scenes and characters in the reader’s mind. Engage the senses through rich, immersive details.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Where possible, use descriptive language to “show” the reader what’s happening, rather than simply “telling” them.
  • Emotional Connection: Amplify emotional moments by fine-tuning language and expressions. Ensure that readers can connect with the characters on an emotional level.
  • Pacing of Emotional Beats: Confirm that emotional peaks and valleys are well-paced, allowing readers to experience a range of feelings throughout the myth.
  • Spelling and Grammar : Conduct a meticulous review for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider using grammar-checking tools, but also manually inspect the text for issues that automated tools might miss.
  • Consistent Style: Ensure consistency in writing style, whether it’s formal, casual, or a blend of both.
  • Clarity: Verify that the narrative is clear and easily comprehensible. Address any areas where confusion might arise.
  • Readability for the Intended Audience: Consider the age group or demographic your myth targets and adjust language and complexity accordingly.
  • Consistent Theme Weaving: Confirm that the chosen theme is consistently woven throughout the narrative. Every aspect of the myth should contribute to reinforcing the central theme.
  • Author’s Vision: Evaluate whether the final draft aligns with your initial vision for the myth. Ensure that your unique voice and storytelling style shine through.
  • Reader’s Experience: Consider how the myth will be perceived by readers. Aim to create an immersive and satisfying experience.

The Final Edit is crucial for presenting a polished and professional myth to your audience. It elevates the overall quality of your storytelling, providing readers with a seamless and enjoyable reading experience. This step is the last opportunity to catch any lingering issues and ensure your myth is ready for publication. The Final Edit reflects your commitment to delivering a well-crafted and thoughtful narrative to your audience.

Sunlight crept over the forested peaks, casting its golden glow over the sleepy village of Lumara. Aria stirred slowly from a night filled with vivid dreams of soaring over emerald treetops. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, the scent of baking bread and sweet honey-mint tea beckoned from the kitchen below. After changing out of her nightclothes, Aria drifted downstairs where dawn’s light streamed through the open windows. Her mother, Rhea, was stoking the brick oven’s dying embers while a kettle whistled on the stove.  “Good morning, my little owl,” said Rhea. “Ready for some cinnamon spice buns?” Aria seated herself at the hand-carved oak table as Rhea placed a hot mug of fragrant tea and two gooey pastries before her. Famished after her nighttime adventures in the dreaming world, Aria wasted no time devouring her treat. As she licked sticky cinnamon from her fingers, thoughts turned to the annual Solstice Fair which would flood Lumara with visitors and magic unlike any other day. “This year the fair will be more wondrous than ever before,” said Rhea, interrupting Aria’s delicious daydreams. There was joy but also solemnity in her mother’s voice which puzzled Aria. But before she could question it, a knock sounded at the front door…

Step 16 is the completion of your journey as a myth creator — it’s the moment you share your crafted tale with the world. This step involves taking the necessary actions to publish your myth, making it accessible to your intended audience. Here’s a breakdown of the key components within this step:

Here are the elements to consider:

  • Choose Your Publishing Platform: Decide where and how you want to publish your myth. Options include traditional publishing through literary agents and publishers, or self-publishing through online platforms like Amazon Kindle or other e-book distributors. If you prefer a physical copy, consider print-on-demand services.
  • Formatting and Presentation: Ensure your myth is formatted appropriately for the chosen publishing platform. Pay attention to font styles, page layouts, and any illustrations or images you plan to include. A polished and professional presentation enhances the reader’s experience.
  • Cover Design: Create an eye-catching and relevant cover design. The cover is often the first thing potential readers notice, so it should reflect the essence of your myth and entice them to explore further. If you’re not artistically inclined, consider hiring a professional cover designer.
  • Metadata and Descriptions: Craft compelling metadata and descriptions for your myth. This includes a concise and engaging book description, relevant keywords, and categories. This information is crucial for attracting the right audience and improving the discoverability of your myth.
  • Distribution Channels: Decide whether you want to make your myth available exclusively on a single platform or distribute it widely across multiple channels. Each distribution choice has its advantages and considerations, so weigh them based on your goals.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your myth. Utilize social media, author websites, book blogs, and other platforms to build anticipation and reach potential readers. Consider offering promotional discounts or free giveaways to generate initial interest.
  • Author Platform: If you haven’t already, establish an author platform. This could be a personal website, social media profiles, or an author page on platforms like Goodreads. An author platform helps you connect with readers and build a community around your work.
  • Engage with Readers: Actively engage with readers who discover and read your myth. Respond to reviews, participate in discussions, and consider organizing virtual or local events. Building a connection with your audience can foster a loyal readership.
  • Feedback and Iteration: Remain open to feedback from readers. Use constructive criticism to improve your future works and consider releasing updated editions of your myth based on valuable insights.
  • Legal Considerations: Be aware of any legal considerations related to publishing, especially if you choose to use traditional publishing contracts or self-publishing platforms. Understand copyright, licensing, and any contractual agreements.
  • Celebrate Your Achievement: Take a moment to celebrate the completion and publication of your myth. Whether it’s a personal accomplishment or the beginning of a larger writing career, acknowledge the effort and creativity you poured into your work.

Publishing and sharing your myth marks the end of your creative endeavour. This step transforms your narrative from a personal project to a piece of art meant to be experienced by others. Sharing your myth with the world allows you to connect with readers, receive feedback, and contribute to the rich tapestry of storytelling. Whether you aim for a wide readership or a niche audience, publishing and sharing are essential steps in the lifecycle of your myth.

Following this straightforward process on how to write a myth will have you conjuring up incredible lands and beloved characters in no time. Soon you’ll be weaving magical narratives that speak to universal truths and capture imaginations for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions 

If you want to try your hand at crafting an epic mythic tale, the good news is getting started is straightforward. While myths often deal with grand themes tied to a culture’s cosmology, at their core they relate compelling narratives about universal struggles facing heroes and gods.

The first step is to decide on the core concept or message you want to explore through allegory. Think of timeless ideas surrounding morality, the meaning of life, good vs evil. Themes of love, courage, justice, and temptation are mythic staples.

Next, build your wondrous setting and characters who will bring everything to life. Unleash your creativity when conceiving locations, magical elements, immortal beings and the hero’s adventure. Traditionally myths incorporate fantasy tropes like enchanted weapons, supernatural transformations and talking animals.

Outline the sequence of events from the Call to Adventure trigger that disrupts the known world to the climatic showdown. Follow conventions from famous myth cycles but put your unique spin to surprise audiences. Monitor the pace so stakes escalate as the tale builds to an epic showdown settling conflicts in a satisfying way.

While crafting memorable dialogue and vivid imagery, focus on imparting the moral perspective intended to guide mortals. Let symbolic motifs reinforce your themes of choice. Execute revisions until you have a tight, well-structured myth for the ages! Share printed or online and enjoy as readers lose themselves in this new compelling mini-universe.

Myths across cultures and time periods tend to share certain essential ingredients that capture the imagination. If you want to write a compelling mythic tale, make sure to incorporate these 5 essential elements:

  • Supernatural Beings: Myths typically feature immortal gods, goddesses, magical creatures or humans with extraordinary abilities as characters. Their supernatural feats provide that sense of awe and wonder.
  • Universal Themes: Fundamental, timeless concepts like love, courage, temptation, jealousy or the battle of good vs evil form the thematic backbone that gives myths appeal.
  • Symbolic Elements: Metaphors and motifs like special objects, numbers, colours or seasons litter mythic narratives, representing abstract ideas related to their universal themes.
  • Moral Lesson: A teaching or worldview on how mortals can live just, meaningful lives tend to be imparted. Myths establish cultural values.
  • Heroic Journeys: The protagonist tends to embark on an adventurous quest or perilous journey of self-discovery that transforms them, allowing them to conquer whatever threatens their world.

By incorporating all these ingredients, you’ll craft a myth capable of enduring for generations as great iconic stories regularly do. So unleash your imagination and get writing!

One famous mythic tale which contains quintessential ingredients from across cultures is the ancient Greek story of Icarus and Daedalus. It features hubris, suspense, sorrow and a moral warning.

The tale goes that skilled inventor Daedalus fashioned wings made of feathers and wax for himself and his son Icarus to escape imprisonment, warning Icarus not to fly too close to the sun. But filled with exhilaration soaring above the azure sea, Icarus ignored his father’s warning and soared higher towards the sun’s warmth. The heat soon melted the wax binding his wings, and young Icarus plunged into the sea where he drowned.

The myth of Icarus incorporates gods, as the imprisonment was by King Minos to punish Daedalus for helping Minos’ wife give birth to the minotaur. It demonstrates man’s temptation to defy the gods and overreach. Beyond just entertainment, it imparts a moral about respecting limits placed on mortals. And it serves as an allegory for hubris or excessive pride leading to downfall.

With its familial love, suspense, tragedy and ominous warning, the legend of Icarus’ doomed flight remains impactful centuries later. All key traits of an unforgettable myth!

Myths take root in civilizations seeking to make sense of the mysteries of nature, life and death. So myths often originate as imaginative explanations of phenomena like storms, illness or conflict that frighten or confuse early humans lacking science.

Gods representing natural forces like thunder, the moon, fertility or the seas feature in nascent creation myths constructed to bring order through storytelling. Likewise, myths emerge accounting for the genesis of mankind and the cosmos featuring supernatural machinations. pantheons of gods, titans clashing or primordial cosmic eggs hatching all aim to elucidate existence.

Myths also arise from ancestors weaving fantastical histories that provide shared identity. Hence national epics like the Hindu Mahabharata or Anglo-Saxon legend Beowulf offer early tribes and dynasties storied lineage and famous deeds to rally around. Veritable characters gain superhuman qualities over centuries of oral retelling before being penned.

Often myths encode guidelines for living through the actions of deities, spirits, heroes and villains. Moral perspectives thus enter the collective consciousness. By dramatizing consequences for vice and virtues myths solidify proper codes of conduct around hospitality, war, infidelity etc.

So while methods differ, mythology always starts with imagination conjuring worlds that resonate enough to endure across generations. The rest is persistent retelling until myths become a tradition.

What is an example of a kids’ myth?

A delightful myth perfect for children is the story of the race between the tortoise and the hare. It’s a fable similar to Aesop’s animal tales, imparting a lesson in a child-friendly way that’s easy to grasp.

As the title suggests, a humble hard-shelled tortoise and an arrogant speedy hare have a contest to settle who’s faster. When they decide to race to a tree and back, the hare sprints ahead swiftly and then lies down napping certain she has won. But steady and determined, the tortoise passes the sleeping hare close to the tree to win while the hare awakes shocked learning a lesson in humility.

The simple story of the race incorporates fun personified animals children adore. It also has suspense – who will triumph? Children can absorb the moral of resilient perseverance defeating complacency or arrogance. And the visualization of a plodding tortoise improbably overtaking the speedy hare stays etched in memories.

So like the best children’s myths, “The Tortoise and the Hare” wraps the fundamental lesson of not underestimating others within an entertaining tale of a sporting rivalry that upset kids find uproariously satisfying. An enduring cautionary myth passed through generations.

We’ve covered the essential ingredients that go into crafting a memorable myth, from incorporating supernatural elements, symbols and heroic arcs to imparting profound themes or cultural values in imaginative ways. Now over to you aspiring myth-makers!

Whether you create a fantastical origin story for your favourite childhood toy or write a tragic saga extolling the virtues of perseverance like the tortoise fable, embrace your boundless creativity. As this guide on how to write a myth has shown, compelling mythology can emerge from any inspiring spark. Once you have brought your new addition to mythology to life through tireless writing and revision, share your remarkable tales far and wide.

Now, we want to hear from you! Have you embarked on your mythical odyssey, or are you inspired to begin one? Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions in the comments below.

How To Write A Myth

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Poseidon — The Greek God Poseidon

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The Greek God Poseidon

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Words: 430 |

Published: Mar 1, 2019

Words: 430 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Myths of Poseidon

Works cited.

  • Hard, R. (2004). The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology: Based on H.J. Rose's Handbook of Greek Mythology. Routledge.
  • Smith, W. (1853). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. J. Walton.
  • Hamilton, E. (1942). Mythology. Little, Brown and Company.
  • Martin, R. (2012). Myths of the Ancient Greeks. Penguin Classics.
  • Graves, R. (2017). The Greek Myths. Penguin Classics.
  • Morford, M. P. O., & Lenardon, R. J. (2011). Classical Mythology. Oxford University Press.
  • Hardie, P. R. (2007). The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology. Cambridge University Press.
  • Kerenyi, K. (1980). The Gods of the Greeks. Thames and Hudson.
  • Johnston, S. I. (1999). Hesiod: Theogony, Works and Days, Shield. University of California Press.
  • Rose, H. J. (1958). A Handbook of Greek Mythology. Routledge & Kegan Paul.

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Two women posed in front of a display of orchids and mannequins wearing outfits made of flowers.

The Orchid Show After Dark, Where Green Thumbs and Plant Killers Mingle

After hours, the New York Botanical Garden becomes the lushest bar in town.

Surrounded by flowers on a recent Saturday night. Credit...

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By Dodai Stewart

Photographs by Rose Callahan

  • April 6, 2024

It was Saturday night in the Bronx, and as a lively, colorful crowd sipped vodka cocktails underneath dramatic palm fronds, the word people kept whispering was “phalaenopsis.”

That’s a moth orchid, for the uninitiated, one of the most widely grown varieties in the world. Not to be confused with the dendrobium (cane orchid) or paphiopedilum (slipper orchid), all of which were on display at the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Show.

The exhibition drew all sorts of New Yorkers, including those with a gift for cultivating plants and those who tend to kill them. Many had clearly been inspired by flowers when getting dressed, and wore floral patterns, hues of rose and violet, and faux blossoms.

“ Florals in Fashion ” is the theme for this year’s extraordinary display, which is part horticultural spectacle and part fashion show, and runs until April 21. In addition to orchids from around the world, there are elaborate ensembles that three fashion designers created using plant life.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the garden’s glass-domed conservatory adds music and cocktails.

Danielle Leong, 37, was wrapped in a lilac tulle jacket and a shimmering lilac skirt. A wide-brimmed hat festooned with blooms sat atop her head.

By day, she is a tech executive, she said, but in her time off, she gravitates toward fashion and art. “I used to work in trust and safety — really working with the dark sides of the internet,” she said. “I picked up photography and color and fashion as a way to bring myself out of it.”

But Ms. Leong leaves the care of greenery to the professionals: “I cannot keep them alive.”

She was not the only plant killer in the crowd.

The glass-domed conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is filled with orchids.

Colleen O’Malley, 43, and Richard Hernandez, 45, live together in East Harlem and have carefully prescribed roles for the foliage in their home.

“I murder the plants,” Ms. O’Malley said. “He’s the plant daddy.”

Mr. Hernandez gushed about his monstera and admitted that he babies all their vegetation. “I sing to the plants. I talk to the plants,” he said. Their plants even have names, “inspired by Greek mythology.”

He was intent on finding a specific orchid in the show, one from his country of origin, the Philippines. “It looks like jade,” he said.

Mingling with the flora assassins were the true green thumbs, like Agatha Isabel, 31, an author whose book, “ Houseplant Hookups ,” acts as a matchmaking service to help people choose plants to buy or give as gifts.

Ms. Isabel is part of a blooming online community of plant lovers, where, she said, she has made true friends. “Yes, I met these people through the love of plants,” she said. “But I love them because they care about the environment, about sustainability. And they’re all about women’s empowerment.”

One of those people, Maria Failla, 34, was snaking through the conservatory in a hothouse-pink suit. She started a podcast, Growing Joy , in 2017 after falling in love with cultivating.

“My friends from home didn’t want to talk to me about my tomato plant, but all I wanted to do was talk about my tomato plant,” she said. “So I went online and I found people like Agatha.”

Ms. Failla has had success in taking that community offline. “We used to get together once a quarter,” she said. “We’d rotate apartments. We’d bring cuttings of our plants, we’d trade, we’d have brunch.”

Behind her, delicate blooms quivered. There were flowers large and small, in brilliant pink, creamy white, pale lavender and vivid orange. They had names like “surf song,” “lava burst puanani,” “popcorn highland” and “chocolate chip.”

In the gift shop, visitors browsed seeds and departed with live orchids in shopping bags.

Ms. Failla was philosophical about orchids. “They’re incredibly resilient,” she said. “They can attach to trees and survive rainstorms. They’re versatile. They’ve been around forever. They adapt to their conditions. I think there’s so many things that you can learn from that.”

Ready to learn (and have fun), Roberta Cohen had arrived with a pink orchid painted around each of her eyes. She was a few hours from her 25th birthday and celebrating with her friend, Kallareyna Estella, 24, who had also painted elaborate eye makeup. The two young women, both Bronx natives, said they were simply excited to be in such a beautiful space. “It’s close to home, but we still get to have fun and be safe,” Ms. Estella said.

Sitting by a reflecting pool was Veronica Vera, 77, who smiled as she watched an attendee in an orchid headpiece pose for photos. “It’s really fun to talk to the other visitors because there are people here flaunting their stuff, wearing gorgeous outfits that they’ve made for the occasion,” she said.

And the orchids! “I was just blown away,” said Ms. Vera, who confessed that she had no real plants at home: “I only have artificial because I have a pussycat.” It was her first time at the Botanical Garden, and she was enchanted.

“I was just also amazed at just being in the Bronx,” she said. “That was new to me.”

Dodai Stewart writes about living in New York City, with a focus on how, and where, we gather. More about Dodai Stewart

Saying It With Flowers

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Floral flavors may call to mind molecular gastronomy and dainty delicacies, but flowers have for centuries been part of cuisines  around the world.

The humble chamomile flower is suddenly everywhere. Here is how it came to captivate the worlds of fashion and food .

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  1. 122 Greek Mythology Essay Topics & Examples

    Love Story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Hades, Persephone, and the Afterlife. The Twelve Olympian Gods and Their Roles. Athena vs. Poseidon: The Contest for Athens. Infidelity and Betrayal in Greek Mythology. The Labors of Heracles and Divine Punishment. The Myth of Narcissus and the Narcissistic Personality.

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    The Greeks had some pretty amazing stories. Even Shakespeare was influenced by Greek mythology. Romeo and Juliet is an adaptation (of an adaptation) of the myth of Pyramus and Thisbe. Using a myth as a starting point helps to give you a basic outline so you can focus on adding details and developing characters.

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  7. Guide on How to Write a Greek Mythology Essay

    Step #2. Make a draft with the relevant content. There is no need to create a special structure for your essay. Usually, it is standard. Your essay based on Greek myths should contain an introduction, body, and conclusions. What is more important - you have to organize the content properly.

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    The essays in this section ask your students to reflect on themes that appear repeatedly in Greek mythology. Hubris, or inappropriate pride, is a very common tragic flaw in Greek mythology.

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  11. How to Write a Greek Mythology Essay

    Greek Mythology begins in darkness. Nobody truly knows who or what comes first. Some say it was Gaia who birthed Uranus, or Uranos, the Sky Father. Other sources claim that it was Nyx, the shadowy Goddess of the Night, who breathed into being the sky. What we do know, however, is that it was the union of Uranos and Gaia, the coming together of ...

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    Greek mythology is all I really know, so that's what all of these prompts are. Roman mythology is similar to Greek, so you can apply most of these to that too. If you'd like prompts from a different mythology, send in an ask and I'll do some research. Also, I apologize if not all of these are completely accurate or sensical; it's been ...

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    Poseidon is the god of the god of the sea and oceans and controls all of the water. Scylla is a 6 dog headed sea nymph that lives on a island and controls all of the rock of the Island. Mt. Olympus is the home of the gods. Poseidon, Scylla, and Mt. Olympus are important in greek mythology because they give reason to all things. 898 Words. 4 Pages.

  18. List of Interesting Topics for Greek Mythology Essays

    Your Greek mythology essay can stick to the basic format of a standard essay. Simply speaking, it can consist of the beginning, middle, and ending. While the beginning should attract the regard of readers, the body of the essay should follow a clear timeline, as we mentioned before. You should make the body of the essay flow more naturally.

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    In Greek Hero Cults and Ideas of Immortality, he offers the following categories: 1) heroes and heroines of divine origin or hieratic type, with ritual legends or associated with vegetation ritual ...

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    Greek Mythology is a set of diverse traditional tales told by the ancient Greeks about the exploits of gods and heroes and their relations with ordinary mortals. The ancient Greeks worshipped many gods within a culture that tolerated diversity. Cosmogony is the study of the universe. Creation mythologies explain the actual formation of the world … Greek Mythology essay Read More »

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