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Ancient Greek Mythological Beasts
Ancient Greek stories and mythological beasts were so compelling that they were adopted by other cultures and are well-known, even today. These fantastical creatures and monsters of the Greeks had their parts to play in poems, theatre and art. They could be good or evil. Some were enemies for heroes to vanquish, some provided wisdom and help to deserving mortals and demigods, and some enforced the will of the gods.
Siren: The Bird-Women
Satyr: Creatures of the Wild
Phoenix: The Fire Bird
Pegasus: The Flying Horse
Minotaur: The Bull of Minos
Medusa: The Hideous Gorgon
Hydra: The Water Snake
Heracles was tasked with killing the hydra and for this feat, he brought along his nephew, Iolaus. They covered their noses mouths to protect themselves from the deadly fumes of the beast and attacked. Heracles cut off one of the monster's heads, but then two head grew back and took its place. He cut off two more heads, and four more grew back. Thankfully, Iolaus figured out he could use a burning torch to seal the neck stumps when Heracles cut off one of the heads so they couldn’t grow back. Heracles put an end to the hydra when he cut off its main head and buried it under a large rock.
Harpies: The Hounds of Zeus
Cyclops: The One-Eyed Giant
Chimera: The Three Headed Monster
Cerberus: Hound of Hades
Centaur: The Horse-Man
Ancient Greek Black-Figure Pottery
In Ancient Greek black-figure pottery, the figures were painted with liquid clay that turned black when heated, leaving the background the color of the clay. In this activity, students can replicate that art style by painting a terracotta pinch pot.
Coin Making Activity
Sometimes an idea is so good, it never goes out of style. We still see portraits on coins today, but this idea goes waaaaay back, all the way to ancient times.
The Ancient Greeks put the faces of people as well as gods and goddesses on their coins.