AP/RLST 1105 9.00

Myth & Imagination in Ancient Greece & Rome

The myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans constitute a continuous tradition that stretches back beyond the writing of history down to our present day. These narratives have survived for millennia because they continue to compel, fascinate, and inspire their audiences, despite differences in language, historical era, and social context. The legends of complex, larger-than-life mythological heroes like Hercules, Theseus, and Odysseus have been retold and reimagined countless times, as have the dark and difficult tales of Medea, Persephone, and Oedipus. The search for the meaning of these myths has profoundly influenced a wide range of intellectual disciplines including psychoanalysis, anthropology, and literary criticism, while visual artists, musicians, writers, film makers, and game designers have returned to these stories for inspiration time and again. Ancient Greek and Roman mythology continues to exercise a fundamental influence on western culture, including popular culture.

RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Greek and Roman Religions

Course Category: General Education Courses, Religion, Literature, and the Arts