Post on 31-Jan-2018
Close Readings of the 12
Olympian Gods of Greek
Mythology
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of APHRODITE
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: APHRODITE .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Aphrodite was the god of love and beauty in Greek mythology.
She was one of the main Olympian gods who lived on Mount Olympus.
Aphrodite was the most beautiful of all the gods. She was supposedly
born from the foam of the sea, and took her place on Mount Olympus as
the god of beauty and love because she herself was so beautiful.
Another story of Aphrodite’s birth has Zeus as her father. Aphrodite
was so beautiful that Zeus was worried that the gods would all begin
fighting each other trying to get her attention. Because of this Zeus
decided to have Aphrodite marry the Olympian god Hephaestus, who
was the ugly god of fire and blacksmithing. It was believed that if
Aphrodite was married to him the other gods would not get jealous and
so would not begin fighting each other because of her. Despite this,
Aphrodite was not a faithful wife and was famous for cheating on her
husband with mortals and with other gods on multiple occasions. The
symbols associated with Aphrodite are dolphins, roses, swans, doves,
and mirrors.
Aphrodite was often described as very vain, easily offended, and
jealous of the beauty of other women. In one mythological story
Aphrodite gets in an argument with two other Olympian gods, Hera and
Athena. All three women believed they were the most beautiful, so
they went to Zeus to decide. Zeus did not want to make a decision so
he had the mortal man Paris of Troy make a decision instead. As Paris
tried to make a decision Aphrodite bribed him by offering him a mortal
woman for wife named Helen, the queen of Sparta. Paris accepts the
bribe and names Aphrodite as the winner. The other two gods were so
upset that they encouraged the Spartan king to take his armies against
Paris and Troy, which began the legendary Trojan War.
Romantic love has been a driving characteristic of civilizations
since they began. Seeking after beauty and finding true love has been
the subject of art and literature throughout the ages. The ancient
Greeks had a culture that put a lot of value in art; including paintings,
sculptors, architecture, literature, and theater. The power of love and
beauty is a common theme in many of these pieces, and to the Greeks
that meant that the influence of Aphrodite was never far away.
Aphrodite represented the love and beauty that could be found within
mankind, yet she also demonstrated the dark side to beauty as well.
Aphrodite was vain and very jealous of the beauty of others. Aphrodite
showed the Greeks the power of love, for both good and bad.
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of APOLLO
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: APOLLO .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
the sky.
Apollo is probably one of the most important of the Olympian
Greek gods because of the large number of godly responsibilities he
has. Apollo is the god of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, medicine,
the sun, and knowledge. Apollo was the son of Zeus, and had a twin
sister who was the Greek god Artemis. In art and literature Apollo is
depicted as a young, beardless, and athletic youth. Symbols often
associated with Apollo are the lyre (a small musical harp), the python,
ravens, and bows and arrows. For many of the ancient Greeks, Apollo
was seen as all of the gods rolled into one person, which is why he had
so many things that he was the god of. Apollo represents the best
example of many different past traditions and religions from other
civilizations being put together into the Greek view of Apollo.
An important aspect of worshipping Apollo to the ancient Greeks
was through the oracle at Delphi. An oracle is a fortune teller who can
receive visions of the future. Delphi was a city-state in ancient Greece.
In a cave near Delphi an oracle would stay and receive visions. This
oracle was under the protection and blessing of Apollos, since he was
the god of oracles. Many Greeks, particularly kings and other rulers
would often consult oracles before making big decisions, such as going
to war. Besides the oracle at Delphi there were many other oracles
scattered throughout Greece, and all of them were seen as disciples, or
followers, of Apollo. Besides the oracles, Apollo had many other
temples built in his honor throughout Greece. These temples were
places that Apollo could be worshipped through art, music, the
practicing of medicine, and by offering animal sacrifices.
Being the god of medicine and healing meant that Apollo could
also bring plagues and sickness. In Homer’s epic Greek poem, The Iliad,
Apollo sends down a plague to the Greeks when their leader,
Agamemnon, insults one of Apollo’s priests. At the end of The Iliad
Apollo guides the arrow of the Trojan prince Paris when he shoots the
Greek hero Achilles, killing him.
Apollo was the god of light and the sun. It was his responsibility
to bring about the sunrise each day and move the sun across the sky
during the day. The sun brings light and warmth down to the earth.
This warmth and this light is also connected to the arts. Poetry, music,
and the other arts bring light and warmth to the souls of man. It is in
this fashion that Apollo is seen as not only the god of the sun, but also
the god of things that bring light to the soul, being the arts. As the
god of medicine and oracles, Apollo also represents the number of
mythical aspects of the world around us that the Greeks attributed to
their mythical gods.
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of ARES
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: ARES
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Ares is the Greek god of war. He is one of the twelve main
Olympian gods that live on Mount Olympus. They are all led by Zeus,
the king of the gods. Zeus also happens to be Ares’ father. Ares often
represents the chaotic and violent aspects of war while his sister, the
god Athena, represents the strategic and intelligent side of war. In art
and literature Ares is often portrayed in military armor and with
weapons. His symbols are the spear, helmet, chariot, dog, and vulture.
Although Ares represented the bravery and courage it took for a
soldier to become a hero on the battlefield, many Greeks feared Ares
because he also represented the fact that violence in war often only
escalated and would get more and more deadly as time went on.
In ancient Greece most city-states operated on their own. These
different city-states were often at war, or contentions with each
other. As such, the influence of Ares was almost always felt by Greeks.
Many Greek city-states would not have wanted Ares on their side
during war, however. During the Trojan War Ares was on the losing
side, which his sister Athena supported the winning side. In the book
The Iliad by Homer, which describes the Trojan War, it is the
strategic thinking of Athena that in the end conquers the brutal
savageness of Ares and his battlefield violence.
The city-state of Sparta was a heavily militaristic society. They
raised their sons to be solders, and there was no greater honor then
dying in battle for Sparta. Most other city-states feared Sparta
because if they decided to attack, they were probably going to be
successful. Sparta viewed Ares as their patron god, meaning their main
god they worshipped. Sparta even made human sacrifices to Ares, that
he would look favorably on them and lead them to victory in their
campaigns. To the Spartans Ares was the god of battle and battle
tactics, they did not look to Athena for that.
Outside of Sparta, there was not a lot of worshipping of Ares in
Greece. Some armies would make sacrifices to him, hoping for success
during their battles, but for the most part Ares plays little role in
Greek mythology. Instead Greeks feared the chaos, violence, and
death that came with war. Even though wars were often common for
many Greek city-states, this did not mean that they enjoyed them.
Many Greeks would much rather avoid Ares and his violent influences
altogether if they could. Even among the other gods on Mount Olympus
Ares is seen as something of an outcast. Even his own father Zeus
traditionally hated him and the chaos he brought with him.
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of ARTEMIS
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: ARTEMIS .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Artemis is the god of the hunt, forests, the moon, and archery.
She is one of the twelve main Olympian gods that live on Mount
Olympus. Her father was Zeus and she had a twin brother, Apollo, who
was also an Olympian god. Artemis was often depicted as a young
woman in simple robes. Her symbols included bows and arrows, deer,
hunting dogs, and the moon. Artemis was also known as a virgin god,
meaning she would never sleep with a man. This in part led Artemis to
be associated with the protection of young girls and children as well as
easing mothers that are in pain during childbirth.
As a child god of Zeus, Artemis always seemed to enjoy his favor.
Zeus’ wife, Hera, was not her mother though, so Artemis often times
had to deal with Hera’s wrath because her and her brother Apollo were
daily reminders that Zeus had cheated on her with another women. One
story explains that as a child Hera had punished Artemis, so Artemis
went to Zeus to be soothed. Zeus agreed to grant Artemis any wishes
she wanted. Artemis wished to always be a virgin, have a bow with
arrows, and to have a group of mortal girls that could accompany her on
her hunts in the woods. It seems that Artemis never sought after
temples or cities where she could be worshipped; instead she focused
on the wild and natural beauty of the forests and the joy of the hunt.
Artemis only spent time with her girls that were part of her
hunting party. The only man Artemis was ever interested in was a
skilled mortal bow hunter named Orion. Orion and Artemis would go
hunting together. One day Artemis’ brother, Apollo, approached Orion
while Artemis was away and challenged him to a swimming contest.
Orion went into the sea and began swimming. When Artemis returned
Apollo challenged her to an archery contest, point to a small object in
the sea and telling her that she couldn’t hit it. Artemis took her bow
and arrow and hit the object perfectly, not knowing that it was Orion
her brother had tricked her into shooting. When Artemis found out
she was so upset that she immortalized Orion by putting him into the
stars, and to this day Orion and Orion’s belt is one of the most popular
constellations in the sky.
Artemis represented the wild and feminine aspect to nature.
Her virginity showed her innocence and her desire to enjoy the fun and
simple things in like, which is hunting and running around in the woods.
Artemis helped children, particularly little girls, find a place within
Greek society and showed that women could be strong and independent
without a lot of interference from men.
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading. Please answer
questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of ATHENA
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: ATHENA .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
the sky.
Athena is the god of wisdom and military strategy. She is one of
the twelve main Olympian gods of Greek mythology that live on Mount
Olympus. She is supposed to be the favorite daughter of Zeus. Athena
was born from Zeus when he one day had a terrible headache. As a
result Ares splits Zeus’ head open with an axe. Out of Zeus’ head came
a fully grown Athena, dressed in her battle armor. So it seems that the
god of wisdom and intelligence was born directly through pure thought
by Zeus. In art and literature Athena is almost always depicted
wearing a battle helmet or wearing some other armor. Athena’s main
symbols are owls, olive trees, snakes, armor, helmets, and spears.
In Greek mythology Athena is portrayed as the clever companion
of heroes, assisting them on their heroic journeys. Athena plays a
major role in beginning the legendary Trojan War that is described in
the epic poem The Iliad by Homer. Athena is offended by Paris of Troy
when he affirms that Aphrodite is more beautiful than both herself
and Hera, the queen of the gods. As a result, Athena and Hera stirred
the Greeks up to anger and caused them to come against Troy in war.
Once the Trojan War was over the journey home by Odysseus
was described in Homer’s The Odyssey. Odysseus met many challenges
and trials on his way home due to the fact that Poseidon was angered
with Odysseus and did all he could to prevent him from getting home.
Athena favors Odysseus because he was a brave and intelligent hero.
She helped him along his journey, and when Odysseus got home, Athena
had a clever plan to reunite Odysseus with his wife. He had been gone
for ten years and many men had moved into his home wanting to marry
his wife because they thought Odysseus was dead. Athena disguised
Odysseus’ appearance so he could walk among the men, find his son, and
work together with his son and his servants to get the men out of his
home and finally reunite himself with his wife.
Ancient Greek civilizations had a number of great thinkers;
philosophers like Plato and Socrates, mathematicians like Pathageros,
great writers like Homer, and even early medical thinkers like
Hippocrates. Greece was a place where intelligence was a sought after
thing. Greece established some of the first colleges and made many
important contributions to man’s early understanding of science.
Because of this Athena is viewed as an important god because her very
nature represents what ancient Greece was supposed to be all about.
The city-state of Athens, one of the cultural centers of ancient Greece
was even named after Athena and had her as their main god they
worshipped. The Greeks saw themselves superior to their ancient
neighbors because of their intelligence and their level of thinking when
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
it came to things like philosophy and even strategic military thinking.
As a result, Athena became a vital god to the ancient Greeks as they
looked to her to help drive their own intellectual abilities.
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading. Please answer
questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of DEMETER
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: DEMETER .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
the sky.
Demeter is the god of agriculture, law, and the harvest. She is
one of the main twelve Olympian gods of Greek mythology that lives on
Mount Olympus. Demeter is the sister of Zeus, the king of the gods.
When Demeter and her other siblings were born, their father Cronus
ate them because he was afraid that one of his children would rise up
against him. When Zeus was born he was able to avoid getting eaten.
When he grew up he fought Cronus, and made him throw up all the
children he had eaten, including Demeter. Shortly after that Zeus
became king of the gods and he gave Demeter the responsibility of
agriculture and the harvest. The main symbols of Demeter are
cornucopias, wheat, torches, and bread.
Greece is a rocky and mountainous country. There is not a lot of
land available to grow wheat and grains. Only a little land was good
enough to grown food, so it was vital that they had good and reliable
harvests from those crops to feed the people. Demeter was an
important god to the Greeks because they relied on her to bring them
good and healthy crops. Demeter was also seen as the god of law
because agriculture has traditionally been one of the first indicators of
organized civilizations establishing. Having farming means people are
gathering together in city-states, which means the need for laws and
rules. The Greeks saw a connection between farming and the need for
laws, which is why Demeter was over both.
Demeter worship took place by farmers as well as other Greek
citizens because everyone relied on good harvests to feed themselves.
Annual harvest festivals took place during the year to celebrate when
the wheat and grains were ready to be gathered. These festivals would
always include sacrifices and praises to Demeter.
Demeter had a daughter named Persephone, who was abducted by
Hades, the god of the underworld. The seasons stopped changing while
Demeter looked for her daughter. Zeus sent Hermes, the messenger
god of Mount Olympus to Hades to have him release Persephone. Hades
agreed, but he tricked Persephone into eating a pomegranate seed as
she left. This meant that Persephone would have to leave her home
with Demeter and return to live with Hades for one third of each year.
Persephone goes down to live in the underworld during the winter
months each year, when nothing grows for farmers and spring does not
return until Persephone’s time in the underworld ends and she is able to
come back home. This myth helps Greeks explain the changing seasons
and why there are warm and cold seasons during the year.
The god Demeter reminded Greek people how connected to the
land they were. A successful harvest was vital to their survival so they
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
would have food to eat. Agriculture brought with it the ability for city-
states to establish and grow. Agriculture meant food and survival.
Without it, there would be no cities, no governments, and no civilization.
Because of this the ancient Greeks recognized the importance of
Demeter in their lives.
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading. Please answer
questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of DIONYSUS
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: DIONYSUS .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Dionysus was the god of wine, partying and madness, fertility,
and the theater. He was one of the twelve main Olympian gods in Greek
mythology that lived on Mount Olympus. Dionysus was a son of Zeus,
and was the youngest of the Olympian gods. Dionysus was depicted in
art as a full grown man with a beard, a fair looking young man, or a
young boy. Besides wine and partying, Dionysus is often associated with
nature as well and the worship of Dionysus usually took the form of
nature worship. The main symbols associated with Dionysus are the
grapevine, leopard skin, panthers, and cheetahs.
Zeus, the king of the gods was the father of Dionysus, but his
mother was a mortal women. Zeus’ wife was Hera, the queen of the
gods. Hera was always very jealous god and would often try to curse
the women that Zeus would sleep with and the children he would have
with those women. Because of that, when Dionysus was born Zeus gave
the baby to Hermes, the messenger god of Mount Olympus, and had him
take the baby to be raised in the forest by forest spirits so Hera
wouldn’t find him and try to curse him. As Dionysus grew he learned
how to grow grapes and turn them into wine. As a god Dionysus
wandered around much of Greece and Asia, spreading his knowledge of
growing grapes and his love of the madness that is often associated
with excessive drunkenness.
In one story Dionysus appreciated a favor that King Midas did
for him, and promised to grant King Midas any wish he wanted. King
Midas wished to have anything he touched turn to gold. Midas was so
excited about his new power that he had a large feast in his castle.
During the feast though, he accidently touched his daughter, turning
her into gold. Heartbroken, Midas begged Dionysus to remove the gift.
Dionysus agreed, and had Midas wash in a nearby river, and his golden
touch was washed away.
The harvesting of grapes to manufacture wine was culturally
significant to the ancient Greeks. During a time in history when fresh
water could not be stored or kept clean for long periods of time,
fermented beverages such as wine became the main beverage of choice
for most people because it was actually safer to drink than water.
Wine could loosen people up, bringing out in people the desire to dance,
sing, and to socialize. Because of all of this Dionysus is known as a
liberating god. Followers of Dionysus were expected to worshipping him
by forgetting the rules and throw parties that allow people to do
whatever they want to. Dionysus represented to the ancient Greeks
the nature of what can happen to people when they get drunk and that
desire within most people to cut loose and forget the rules and social
conventions every once in a while.
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading. Please answer
questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of HEPHAESTUS
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: HEPHAESTUS .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Hephaestus was the god of fire, metalworking, stone working, and
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
sculpting. Hephaestus is one of the twelve main Olympian gods in Greek
mythology that lives on Mount Olympus. Hephaestus is the child of
Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of the Greek gods. As the god of
fire and metalworking, Hephaestus was the one who would make all of
the armor and weapons for the gods. He worked as a blacksmith for
the gods and created weapons and armor of amazing quality that was
unmatched by anything made by mortals. In Greek myths, anytime
there is magical or significant armor and weapons mentioned, such as
Hermes’ flying sandals or Heracles’ armor, it was usually made by
Hephaestus. The symbols most associated with Hephaestus were the
hammer and anvil.
When Hephaestus was born he had a deformed foot. Because of
this his mother, Hera, tossed him out of Mount Olympus. He fell for an
entire day before crashing down to earth. This event caused
Hephaestus to be called the “lame god” due to the fact that he walked
with a limp ever since then. While all the other gods are typically
described as beautiful and majestic, Hephaestus has always been
described as ugly and rough looking, with a bushy beard and a limp in his
walk. Hephaestus was raised on earth before eventually returning to
live on Mount Olympus. To get revenge on his mother Hera he built her
a golden throne that would trap her in it whenever she sat down. Only
Hephaestus himself could release her from the chair, which he was
tricked into doing by the god of wine, Dionysus.
The skills of working with your hands and creating things in
embodied in the god Hephaestus. These skills were seen by the ancient
Greeks as very manly skills, so Hephaestus was seen as a manly god who
represented what a real man should be able to do. Hephaestus was also
married to the Olympian god Aphrodite, who was the god of beauty and
was supposed to be the most beautiful women in existence. Aphrodite
was often unfaithful to Hephaestus and would cheat on him while he
was busy working at his blacksmith forge. Hephaestus would build traps
to catch Aphrodite, such as beds that would trap Aphrodite and her
lovers so all the gods could see and make fun of her. While Hephaestus
was not usually depicted as a jealous husband, he did seem to enjoy
embarrassing his wife and the men she would sleep with.
The ancient Greeks were very good at working with metals to
create weapons, armors, and tools. They would mine some metals and
trade with neighboring areas for other metals that they could work
with. Ancient Greek sculptors were also extremely skilled in the
carving of marble and stone into sculptors as well as magnificent
buildings and architecture. Amongst all of this art and skilled labor the
Greeks would have looked towards Hephaestus as the god to influence
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
and guide them in the manipulating of stone and metal into beautiful
pieces of art, useful tools, or magnificent buildings
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading. Please answer
questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of HERA
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: HERA
.
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Hera is the wife of Zeus, and as such is considered the Queen of
Notes/Annotations
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
the Greek gods since Zeus is the King of the gods. Hera is the god of
marriage, women, and childbirth. Hera is one of the original Greek
gods, being the sister of Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Zeus
(also her husband). Hera, along with her siblings, were all eaten by
their father Cronus when they were born because Cronus feared that
one of his children would rise up and overpower him someday. Zeus, the
last born child avoided getting eaten, and when he grew up he was able
fight off Cronus, and get him to release Hera and her siblings, who
were all trapped inside Cronus’ stomach. Shortly after Zeus became
the King of the gods, and took Hera as his queen. The symbols of Hera
were the pomegranate fruit, the peacock, the cow, and the lily flower.
Hera is depicted in art and literature as a beautiful god who has
a very majestic look, though is often very solemn. She is sometimes
described as having a crown on her head. Hera’s husband, Zeus, is
famously known for seeking after and sleeping with other women, having
many children with these women. Hera is traditionally a very jealous
god and is known to take her vengeance out on either the women Zeus
sleeps with or on their children. A lot of Hera’s anger and jealousy
came from the fact that she was the god of marriage and hated to see
affairs happen outside of marriage. Even the great Greek hero
Heracles (Known to the Romans and Hercules), who was a child that
Zeus had with a mortal women, was hated by Hera. When Heracles was
a baby Hera sent two snakes into his crib to kill him, but the baby
instead killed the snakes because he had the strength of the gods. The
stories of Heracles and his adventures often include Hera trying to
prevent his success or punish him in some way.
Some of the first temples to the gods built in ancient Greece are
believed to be temples built to Hera around 800 BCE. This has led
some historians to believe that some of the earliest Greek city-states
may have been Matriarchal societies. This means that women, instead
of men would have been the leaders of the people. This would explain
why Hera was such an important god to these early people.
In many city-states in ancient Greece, governments strived to
establish strong societies that would grow, prosper, and be able to
protect themselves against other city-states that might try to attack
them. Part of that included establishing strong cultural values, such as
marriage and family. Many Greeks lived in societies where men were
expected to have multiple sexual partners, both men and women.
Within this kind of culture Hera was a much needed god because she
embodied the idea that men needed to honor their wives and families.
The god Hera also demonstrates the power of women to be an anchor in
their home and in their responsibilities to keep their families together.
© 2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of HERMES
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: HERMES .
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Hermes is the messenger of the gods. He is also himself the god
of trade, thieves, and sports. Hermes is one of the twelve main
Notes/Annotations
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Olympian gods within Greek mythology that live on Mount Olympus.
Hermes is the god that travels most freely between the realm of the
gods and the realm of men, taking messages back and forth between
the two. Youthful, quick-thinking, and a natural trickster, Hermes is
often described in myths outwitting gods and men, either for his own
amusement or to fulfil a specific purpose. The symbols of Hermes
include winged sandals, a winged cap, the lyre (a small musical harp), and
the rooster.
Hermes is a child of Zeus, as are many of the Olympian gods.
Even as a baby Hermes demonstrated a talent for causing mischief.
The sun god Apollo traditionally raised herds of sacred cattle. When
Hermes was a baby he snuck out of his crib and stole Apollo’s cattle,
hiding them. He then jumped back into his cradle before Apollo could
find out, pretending to be completely innocent. Apollo suspected that
Hermes had stolen his cattle, so he grabbed Hermes and took him to
Zeus, hoping that Zeus would punish Hermes for his actions. Instead,
when Zeus heard the story he laughed, finding it funny that a baby
could cause Apollo so much grief.
In the Greek epic poem The Odyssey, Hermes plays an important
role in not only carrying messages to the main character, Odysseus, but
also to other characters in the story, always delivering messages the
gods have for them. In The Odyssey Odysseus and his crew are trying
to sail home after the Trojan War. Due to the god Poseidon being
upset with Odysseus, his ship was continually blown off course,
preventing Odysseus from getting home for ten years. The struggles
of Odysseus are seen as struggles that all men go through, and the help
that Hermes offers Odysseus demonstrates that he is a god that cares
about mankind and is willing to help them when in need.
As the god of travel, Hermes was seen as an important god for
merchants selling goods, and the god of socializing that would take
place amongst travelers as they passed by on roads or stopped at inns
and taverns. Ancient Greece was a very mobile civilization. People
traveled by land and sea, city-states regularly traded with each other,
and set up communications with other civilizations in Egypt and Asia.
This made Hermes an important god to many Greeks. Hermes was
looked to in hopes that he would protect travelers on the roads. Store
owners looked to Hermes in hopes that they would sell lots of stuff and
be successful. Thieves also looked to Hermes, hoping that he would
enjoy their schemes and bless them to be successful in their unlawful
activities. Hermes also had an annual festival called Hermaea, where
young boys would engage in sporting events similar to the ancient Greek
Olympics.
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading. Please answer
questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of POSEIDON
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: POSEIDON
.
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
Notes/Annotations
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
the sky.
Poseidon is one of the twelve main Olympian gods who live on
Mount Olympus, according to Greek mythology. Poseidon is the god of
the sea, earthquakes, and horses; because of this he has also been
called “god of the sea”, “earth-shaker”, and “tamer of horses.” In art
Poseidon is depicted as a middle aged man with a beard who is either
holding a trident, surrounded by sea life, or surrounded by horses.
Though he is an Olympian god of Mount Olympus, Poseidon’s main home
is within the sea, controlling the waves and the currents. Poseidon is
also the brother of the gods Zeus and Hades.
Poseidon’s siblings are Hades, Demeter, Hestia, Hera, and Zeus.
Their father was the Titan Cronus, who would eat his children once
they were born because he feared that one of them would one day
overpower him. Poseidon was eaten as well, and grew up in his dad’s
stomach until his brother Zeus was able to defeat Cronus and release
Poseidon along with his other siblings. It was shortly after this time
that Zeus because the King of the gods and Poseidon became the ruler
over the seas.
Greece is a country right on the Mediterranean Sea with lots of
small islands. Sea travel and sea trade were important aspects of life
to the people who lived in the ancient Greek world. Because of that,
Poseidon was seen as an extremely important god. Poseidon’s anger
could sink ships, destroy sea shore cities, or carry enemies to one’s
shores swiftly by boat. To have Poseidon’s favor meant good healthy
sea travel, abundant fishing, and mild weather. The sea was central to
the life of most ancient Greeks, and so worshipping Poseidon through
prayers and sacrifices would be a daily practice for many of them.
In the Greek poem The Odyssey, written by Homer, Poseidon is
the enemy of the main character Odysseus. Odysseus is trying to sail
back home after the end of the Trojan War, but Poseidon prevents him
from making his way home by sending storms, waves, and monsters to
stop Odysseus and his crew. A lot of this anger comes from an incident
where Odysseus blinds a Cyclops who was trying to eat him and his
crew. The Cyclopes were the children of Poseidon, and so were under
his protection.
The sea was a vast and mysterious thing to the ancient Greeks.
Ever changing currents, tides, storms, and its vast depths made it a
feature that was feared and revered by the Greeks. The Greek
mainland is rocky and mountainous, meaning most Greeks had to travel
and trade through sea travel. To get on a boat was to put your life into
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
the hands of the god Poseidon. Not only this, but many city-states in
Greece were built near the sea, This god, who was the older brother of
Zeus, was worshipped by most Greeks and was the subject of many
pieces of art and literature during ancient Greek times and throughout
the ages, even to today.
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Close Reading of ZEUS
Directions: Look through the questions at the end of the reading to see what
your purpose is while reading. Once you know what questions you are
answering, go through and read the article. Be sure to utilize the
“Interacting with the Text Menu” to know how to mark up your reading as
you go. This will also help you use evidence to support your answers as you
answer the questions.
Interacting the Text Menu:
Highlight or Underline key points and answers to the questions.
Circle unknown words that need defining then define them in the notes section.
Put a Star next to important sections in the reading.
Put a “?” next to things that don’t make sense in the reading.
Use the side margin to write down any notes, such as definitions to the words you circled.
Reading: ZEUS
When we talk about ancient Greece we are talking about a
number of different individual civilizations and city-states that all
established themselves on the Greek mainland and the different islands
that surrounded Greece. Some of these civilizations, such as the
Minoans and Mycenae were in the Greek area as early as 3000 BCE.
These civilizations continued to grow and interact with each other until
around 30 BCE. During those almost three thousand year many
different religious beliefs, customs, and stories gathered together to
create a religion we call Greek mythology. Greek mythology recognized
twelve main gods, or Olympian gods, who controlled different aspects
of nature and were responsible for a number of lesser gods and
immortals as well. Greek mythology and the religions built around it
were the ancient Greek’s way to better explain the world around them;
where storms came from, why the summer was hot and winter cold, how
to ensure good crops, or even explain the moving stars, sun, and moon in
Notes/Annotations
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
the sky.
Zeus is considered to be the “Father of Gods and men.” He rules
over Mount Olympus, which is the home of the main Olympian gods of
Greek mythology. The sky, thunder, and lightning were all said to be
under the control and influence of Zeus. Though Zeus is neither the
oldest god nor the literal father of all the other gods, he was always
referred to as “father” to show respect to his power and authority over
all the other gods. Lightning and thunder storms could be powerful,
intimidating, and destructive. This is probably why the ancient Greeks
saw Zeus, the ruler of lightning and thunder, as the most powerful god
on Mount Olympus. Another responsibility Zeus had was to assign the
roles that the other gods would fulfill.
As a baby, Zeus’ siblings, Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and
Poseidon, were all swallowed by their father, the Titan Cronus. He ate
his children so they could not grow up and overthrow him. Zeus was
sent away before he could be swallowed. When he grew up he came
against Cronus and overtook him, forcing Cronus to throw up his other
children. With the help of his brothers and sisters, Zeus banished
Cronus and took over as the King of the gods, taking control of the
universe.
Traditionally Zeus is depicted as being married to the Olympian
god Hera, though he has never been described as a very faithful
husband. Many of the tales involving Zeus involve him seducing
beautiful mortal and immortal women, and then having children by them.
Ares, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus, Hermes, and Hephaestus are
all Olympian gods who are all literal children of Zeus. Zeus is also the
father to important mythical characters such as Heracles, Perseus, and
Helen of Troy. Hera was often depicted as a very jealous wife and
would curse children that Zeus had with other women.
Symbols associated with Zeus were the thunderbolt, eagle, bull,
and oak trees. Art of Zeus shows him as a muscular middle aged man
with long hair and a beard. He is usually shown either standing
majestically with a lightning bolt in his hand, or sitting on a throne. He
is always seen wearing a traditional Greek toga.
Zeus was the symbol of the Greek’s religion. He was seen as the
god that overthrew the Titan’s and created a time when mankind could
grow and civilize over the earth. Zeus controlled the sky and oversaw
all the other gods within Greek mythology. Not only was he the king of
the gods, but the supreme ruler over mankind as well. To anger Zeus
was to bring sure destruction upon either yourself or your civilization,
while gaining his favor would ensure a good and prosperous life.
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Questions: Answer each question by using evidence directly from the reading.
1) Read through your article and circle any unknown words. Use a dictionary and write the
definitions to those words in your margins.
2) Read through your article a second time. This time underline or highlight at least one
important point made in each paragraph.
3) What was your god the god of to the ancient Greeks?
4) What are some of the symbols associated with your god?
5) Why do you think your god would have been so important to the ancient Greeks? Why would
they have worshipped your god?
6) The different gods usually helped the ancient Greeks better understand things about nature
and how the world works. What things did your god help the ancient Greeks better
understand about our world?
Name:
©2014 The Teaching Thompsons
Options for art extension of Greek mythology close reading
Once you have read your close reading you should now have a general understanding
of one of the main gods from Greek mythology. You are going to take that
understanding and now apply it to an artistic project involving your god that you
read about. Using your close reading as a resource you will pick ONE of the
following options to extend your thinking about your Greek god.
Godly Portrait
If you pick this option you need to draw and color a picture of your Greek god.
Your picture should include the main symbols of your god and should have
something in it that represents what your god is the god of. On the back of the
drawing you should write one paragraph explaining who your god is what it is you
chose to include in your picture.
Theater Mask
The theater was big in ancient Greece. If you pick this option you will draw and
color a face mask of your god on some construction paper. Within the mask you
should represent who your god is and what they are the god of. On the back of
your mask you will write one paragraph explaining about your god.
Godly Statue
If you pick this option you will use clay or play dough to sculpt a statue of your
god. Your sculpture should show how your god is and show some symbols
typically associated with your god. Along with the little sculpture you will write
a paragraph explaining who your god is and what they are the god of.
Epic Myth
If you pick this option you will write your own myth involving your god. The
story should be at least one page long and needs to explain who your god is and
what they are the god of. The story can be anything you would like, but it
needs to incorporate your god somehow and demonstrate how and why they
were important to the ancient Greeks.