Greek Myths on why leaves fall in winters.pptx

Lesson on Myths and Greek Mythology

1. Myths

2. Myths and Mythology Myths are traditional stories, especially ones concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. A collection of and the study of myths is called mythology.

3. The Origin of the Seasons By Olivia Coolidge

4. The Origin of the Seasons When Demeter saw Hermes with her daughter, she started up and Persephone too rushed forward with a glad cry and flung her arms around her mother’s neck. For a long time, the two caressed each other, but at last Demeter began to question the girl. “Did you eat or drink anything with Hades?” She asked her daughter anxiously, and the girl replied, “Nothing until Hermes released me. Then in my joy I took a pomegranate and ate seven of its seeds.”

5. The Origin of the Seasons “Alas,” said the goddess in dismay,” my daughter, what have you done?” The Fates have said that if you ate anything in the land of shadow, you must return to Hades and rule with him as his queen. However, you ate not the whole pomegranate, but only seven of its seeds. For seven months of the year, therefore, you must dwell in the underworld, and the remaining five months y.ou may live with me.”

6. The Origin of the Seasons Thus, the Fates has decreed, and even Zeus could not alter their law. For seven months of every year, Persephone is lost to Demeter and rules pale and sad over the dead. At this time Demeter mourns, trees shed their leaves , cold comes, and the earth lies still and dead . But when, in the eighth month , Persephone returns, her mother is glad, and the earth rejoices. The wheat springs up bright, fresh, and green in the plowland. Flowers unfold, birds sing, and young animals are born.

7. to grow or develop well flourish unfold to open or spread out, to become fully visible bit by bit words meaning prosper, thrive reveal, disclose synonyms caress dismay mourn rejoice pale to touch or hold someone or something gently and lovingly to feel or show great joy or happiness looking weak and sickly a sudden feeling of sadness or disappointment hug, embrace, stroke sadness, shock feeble, frail glad feeling happy or joyful happy, pleased feel or show sorrow anguish, grief pleasure, delight, jubilation

8. What are Myths? Myths are traditional stories that often explain natural phenomena, the creation of the world, or the lives and actions of gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings. They typically have a symbolic or metaphorical meaning that conveys cultural values, beliefs, and experiences.

9. Myths: Why do people read them? The myth is a more creative than a scientific rendering of information. A mythical story captures attention and imagination. Myth invokes emotion and is easy to remember . Myths can also be dangerous if taken seriously and considered factual. Metaphorically myths can explain the emotional or moral lessons of life. Myths used to fulfill the need to know when scientific facts and explanations were not available.

10. Myths served several purposes in ancient cultures: Explaining natural phenomena: Myths often explained the creation of the world, the sun, moon, stars, and natural events like earthquakes, storms, or seasons. Cultural identity: Myths helped define a culture's values, beliefs, and customs, and were often used to pass down traditions and history.

11. Myths served several purposes in ancient cultures: Moral guidance: Myths frequently contained moral lessons, teaching people about right and wrong, and the consequences of their actions. Entertainment: Myths were often told orally, and their stories and characters were used to entertain and engage audiences.

12. Myths served several purposes in ancient cultures: Religious significance: Myths were often tied to religious beliefs and were used to explain the workings of the divine and the relationship between humans and gods. Social Cohesion: Myths helped create a sense of community and shared values, binding people together through a common cultural heritage.

13. Myth of Demeter and Persephone According to the myth of Demeter and Persephone, fall happens because Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, mourns the loss of her daughter Persephone, who is forced to spend seven months in the underworld with Hades. During this time, Demeter’s grief causes the earth to become barren and cold, resulting in the changing of the season from summer to fall and eventually winter.

14. Myth of Demeter and Persephone The myth of Demeter and Persephone is a rich and complex story that offers insights into ancient Greek culture, symbolism, and the human experience. Here's a breakdown of the myth's key elements and their possible interpretations:

15. Demeter Goddess of agriculture and fertility Symbolizes the earth, nourishment, and maternal love - Her grief and search for Persephone represent the cycles of nature and the seasons

16. Persephone Queen of the underworld Symbolizes spring growth, youth, and the cycle of life and death Her abduction by Hades represents the inevitability of change and the cycle of life

17. Hades God of the underworld -His abduction of Persephone represents the power of fate and the cycles of nature Symbolizes death, darkness, and the unknown

18. Pomegranate Symbolizes fertility, abundance, and the cycles of life and death Persephone's eating of the pomegranate seeds binds her to the underworld, representing the inevitability of fate

19. Seasons The myth explains the changing of the seasons, with Demeter's grief causing winter and her joy causing spring The cycles of nature are reflected in the story, highlighting the interconnectedness of life and death

20. Themes The myth explores themes of love, loss, grief, and the cycles of life and death It highlights the importance of family, maternal love, and the natural world

21. Symbolism The story is rich in symbolism, with characters and objects representing various aspects of nature and human experience The myth uses symbolism to convey deeper truths about the world and human existence

22. Story of Demeter and Persephone Overall, the myth of Demeter and Persephone offers insights into ancient Greek culture, the natural world, and the human experience. It explores themes of love, loss, and the cycles of life and death, and its symbolism continues to resonate with audiences today.