Gods and Myths — Study Aids

Ancient Greece — Gods and Myths

The Gods and Myths unit covers focuses on the Gods of the Greeks, especially the Olympians and Children of Zeus. Legends regarding the Titans, Primortals, and the earliest Humans (Pandora,

Information Pages

These fact sheets, along with the reading assignments suggested below, provide all of the information required to prepare for the Gods and Myths review questions.

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Overview of Ancient Greece
PDF
Gods and Myths — Summary of Legends
PDF
Gods and Myths — Characters
PDF

Gods and Myths — Homework Questions
PDF
Recommended Reading

The "core" reading recommendations for the first two units of Greek history (Gods and Myths, Heroes and Monsters), focus specifically on Mythology and Legendary heroes, rather than Greek History. Greek Gods, Heroes, and Men by Samuel Harding is in the public domain and can be downloaded for free from the Heritage History website. D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths , however, must be purchased separately.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. Besides being well written, D'Aulaire's book is nicely illustrated and appealing to students of all ages. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic.
3 sections: In Olden Times (7 pages), Zeus and His Family (54 pages), and Minor Gods, Nymphs, Satyrs, and Centaurs (35 pages)


Greek Gods, Heroes, and Men   by Samuel Harding   94 credits
This book tells delightful stories of the Greek Gods and Heroes of old. Included are the Gods of Olympus as well as lesser known stories such as that of Helios, Eros, and Pan. The stories of the well know Greek Heroes, both mythical and real-life follow.
20 chapters: The Greeks to Eros, the Love God


The two books listed below are assigned as "core" reading for Greek History, and are included in the FIAT LUX app. They include several chapters that pertain to Greek Mythology but don't cover the topic comprehensively.

CLICK ON COVER IMAGE to read on your tablet or smart phone.

Famous Men of Greece   by John Haaren   94 credits
Biographical sketches of thirty-five of the most prominent characters in Greek history, from legendary times to the fall of Greece. It begins with the great heroes of Greek Mythology and then follows prominent Greek leaders from the earliest days of Spartan and Athens to the decline of Greece during the Gods and Myths.
3 chapters: The Greek Gods, Deucalian and the Flood, and Cadmus and the Dragon's Teeth


Story of Greece   by Mary Macgregor   167 credits
These stories from the history of ancient Greece begin with myths and legends of gods and heroes and end with the conquests of Alexander the Great. The book is accessible and well organized, but it is considerably more detailed than some other introductory texts. It covers Greek history from the age of Mythology to the rise of Alexander, but because of its length we do not recommend it for 5th grade or younger. It is an excellent reference, thoroughly engaging, and a good candidate for a somewhat older student's first foray into Greek history.
6 chapters: Wonderland to The Purple Flowers


These supplemental reading selections can be downloaded at the links provided from the Heritage History website. See the Book Descriptions page for details about these and other books in the Ancient Greece collection. Books are listed in order of difficulty:
(Beginner=Green, Intermediate=Brown, Advanced=Red).



Book Title
Selected Chapters (# chapters)

Supplemental Recommendations

Peabody - Old Greek Folk Stories Told Anew   The Wood-Folk to Apollo's Sister (11)
Baldwin - Old Greek Stories   Jupiter and His Company to Cadmus and Europa (9)
Francillon - Gods and Heroes   Saturn to Man Who Never Died (23)
Shaw - Stories of the Ancient Greeks   The Gods of Greece to Sowing Dragon's Teeth (11)
Lang - The Book of Myths   Prometheus and Pandora to Pan (27)
Hawthorne - Tanglewood Tales for Girls and Boys   The Pygmies to The Pomegranate Seeds (4)
Hawthorne - A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys   The Golden Touch (1)