Mythological Background in

Literature
Location, Geography and History
 The Geography of Greece

The location, geography and

history of Greece have had a big
influence on the nature, story and
style of Greek Mythology
How might the following have affected
the myths:

The Temperate Climate of Greece

The culture was one of a civic and outdoor social

life in general (similar to Thailand). The outside
was generally seen as the realm of
men/government. Interior space represented
women’s space/privacy
How might the following have affected
the myths:
Greece was close to the sea/island culture

There was a lot of cultural exchanges through

boat travel/seafaring. Stories may have spread
this way.

Characters also often set sail in the stories and

the sea was a key element of the myths (Land of
Sirens/Poseidon etc).
How might the following have affected
the myths:

The Mountains Surrounding Greece

The mountains kept cultures separated on land,

which might have led to localised myths
(different retellings of similar stories).

Overcoming mountains was also a key part of

different stories (e.g. in the Hercules story).
How might the following have affected
the myths:

The Olive Oil Trade

The Greeks were big traders of Olive Oil (and still

are). This may have allowed for the export of
Greek Mythology in the form of iconography on
vases/scripture, for example, as well as the
spread of stories.
How might the following have affected
the myths:
The Changing of Power from Crete to Athens

The central power of Greek society used to reside in

Crete (an island). However, this later moved to
Athens. Greek stories are full of reference to this
‘handing over of power.’

The Cretans were often represented as barbaric and

ancient, with Athenians representing the modern
and new.
Greece: Then and Now