Introduction to Mythology
by Khanh Nguyen
May 20, 2014
What is Mythology?
Mythology was used for many things: to entertain children, to make sense of natural events, etc. Greek myths told of the gods, goddesses, and what happened to mortals who displeased the gods.
Who is Hermes?
Hermes was a messenger god and the guide of dead souls to the Underworld. He was the son of Zeus and a mountain nymph. On his first day alive, he created a lyre: the first lyre. When the hero Perseus set out to face Medusa, it was believed that Hermes lended his winged sandals to Perseus, which allowed the wearer to fly.
Pegasus was a winged horse. He was the offspring of Poseidon and the Gorgon Medusa. Pegasus was born when Perseus cut off Medusa's head. With Bellerophon, they defeated many dangerous beasts, such as a Chimera.
The Myth of Tantalus
Tantalus committed a crime: stealing from the gods.He was punished, and had to stand in a pool of water in Tartarus, the punishment zone. Each time he reached down to take a sip of water, it drained away.
Overhead were branches laden with plump fruit, yet each time he