Exploring Greek mythology

From power-hungry tyrants to frightening monsters to murderous women, including Medea, who killed own children, Greek mythology is still alive with tales of classic villains. In novels, as well as on movie and TV screens, these nasty characters continue to enact their evil deeds.

Invisible to the eye and wearing special shoes that allowed him to fly, the courageous Perseus slew the bloodthirsty monster Medusa. That familiar tale is among the many surviving stories about bold and courageous heroes from the ancient Greek myths, which continue to be told and retold, including on film.

Mighty Zeus wielding his frightening thunderbolts and Apollo revealing the future at his famous temple at Delphi are only two of the images of ancient Greek gods that have survived to the present. Modern renditions of them, in venues ranging from classic comics to Star Trek, continue to keep these super-beings alive in the public eye.

Hera's ceaseless efforts to punish the mistresses of her divine but cheating husband and Athena's emergence in full armor from her heavenly father's head remain among the more memorable of the Greek myths. Each new generation absorbs and passes along these charming tales.

From the creation of the cosmos and the emergence of the Greek gods, to the adventures of the heroic strongman Hercules, Greek mythology is filled with epic and exciting tales. These stories are still retold in novels, movies, and TV shows in each new generation.