Question

Why is it important to learn about Greek mythology?

Answer 1

Well, why is Greek history important? And what part did their myths play in their education, development of philosophy, etc?

Answer 2

From the standpoint of English, since you posted it here, also think about the influence on storytelling, books, and the development of language as an art form.

Answer 3

so i take as they play a big part in English?

Answer 4

The Renaissance was largely a rediscovery of Ancient Greek art. This included the epics. This lead to a new tradition that includes modern epics, which are not just poems. For example J.R.R. Tolkien's books. Closer to the now, even Harry Potter shows some broad strokes of the epic, including the struggles of a small group and their victories through cunning and skill. Harry sometimes breaks the rules in an effort to do good, and in the epic poems a person might lie to and cheat to gods in order to get things done.

Here is a 15 minute video on The Iliad:
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-iliad-greek-epic.html

Following it is one on The Odyssey.

Those are the two most notable Greek Epics, and they have a good deal of their mythology in them. So those myths created an art form that we still follow and use today! In fact, there are modern movies, as in made in the last few years, that are based on Greek myths!

So it the the language, the history, the way we portray a hero, and more. All are still being laid out with these ancient forms somewhat in mind.