Greek Mythology

Definition

Greek mythology, as in other ancient cultures, was used as a means to explain the environment in which humankind lived, the natural phenomena they witnessed and the passing of time through the days, months, and seasons.

Myths

Myths were also intricately connected to religion in the Greek world and explained the origin and lives of the gods, where humanity had come from and where it was going after death and gave advice on the best way to lead a happy life.

The Telling of Myths

Broadly speaking, the imaginative Greeks created myths to explain just about every element of the human condition. Arachne was created to explain the creation of spiders.

Arachne was an arrogant girl from the Greek town of Kolophon in Lydia who once dared challenge the goddess Athena to a contest in weaving. Athena was furious at Arachne’s impiety and the goddess transformed her into a spider.