Explain why ancient Greeks created myths about gods and heroes?

To explain the origin of the world and natural phenomena.

Faced with the mysteries of the world, the ancient Greeks imagined myths to understand what eluded them. They associated natural phenomena with the actions of powerful and unpredictable deities. For example, lightning and storms were attributed to the anger of Zeus, while earthquakes were explained by the wrath of Poseidon. Similarly, the seasons were simply explained through the story of Persephone, captured in the Underworld, whose absence saddened her mother Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Through these tales, nature became understandable and familiar. These legends provided the Greeks with a vivid way to explain and accept the unknown.

To transmit moral and social values

Through their stories of heroes and gods, the Greeks primarily conveyed ideas about good and evil, courage, and honor. For example, the generosity of a hero like Prometheus illustrates the importance of sacrifice to help others. In contrast, the myth of Icarus, who flies too close to the sun despite his father's warnings, serves as a reminder that pride and disobedience can lead to downfall. Through these narratives, the Greeks provided clear guidelines on how to behave (or not behave!) in everyday life, reinforcing important social and moral norms for their society.

To strengthen cultural identity and the sense of belonging.

In ancient Greece, myths created a true sense of community. Telling the same stories and honoring the same deities together gave rise to a shared identity. Each city had its own preference for a particular hero or god, like Athens with Athena or Sparta with Ares, which allowed them to strengthen their internal bonds. Great tales, such as that of the Trojan War, gave the impression of belonging to a rich and homogeneous culture, despite regional differences. These myths were recounted during religious or theatrical festivals, key moments for gathering, sharing, and proudly asserting that they were Greek.

To legitimize social hierarchies and political power.

In ancient Greece, myths often served to show that the social order was willed by the gods. For example, kings or nobles claimed to descend directly from heroes or deities, like the Atrides in Mycenae who asserted they came from Zeus. This helped to justify their authority: it is difficult to contest someone who has a god in their family tree! Similarly, legends highlighted heroic qualities such as bravery or wisdom, thereby suggesting that these virtues justified certain high positions in society. These narratives also served to keep everyone in their place by providing a sacred justification for the different social classes, the roles of each individual, and the power of a few over the many.

To entertain and inspire the audience through captivating stories.

Ancient Greeks loved to tell thrilling stories, full of twists and spectacular adventures, which they joyfully shared during festivals or public gatherings. These myths were their own Netflix series: bold heroes, vengeful gods, fearsome monsters—everything was there to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. People cheered at the exploits of Heracles, shivered at the mention of the terrible Minotaur, and were captivated by epic journeys like that of Ulysses in his endless voyage. These tales entertained as much as they sparked the imagination, inspiring both artists and ordinary citizens, encouraging people to push their own limits or simply to dream a little.