Greek Mythology

Greek mythology — the body of myths and legends belonging to ancient Greeks, concerning their gods, heroes, and the origins of the world — is the most influential mythological tradition in Western culture. From Zeus and the Olympians to the heroes Heracles, Achilles, and Odysseus, these stories formed the basis of Greek religion, literature, and art, and have permeated Western culture for three millennia. Greek myths provided the raw material for Homer's epics, Aeschylus's tragedies, and countless artworks from ancient times to today. They explored fundamental human questions — hubris and humility, fate vs. free will, justice, love, and death. The names of planets, constellations, psychological concepts (Oedipus complex, narcissism), and hundreds of English words come from Greek mythology.