Myths and legends are both receptacles and transmitters of cultural mores, societal traditions, and human knowledge. They have existed with us since the dawn of time and have served a wide variety of purposes including educational. In this post, I share with you this handpicked collection of popular Greek myths which have shaped and continue to shape our perceptions of various phenomena. These myths are available as TED Ed video lessons that you can easily incorporate into your teaching.
The writing, narration, and animation of these myths have been designed by a dedicated team of TED Ed’s teachers, educators, and graphic designers. TED Ed Greek mythology is therefore a playlist of short video animations depicting and impersonating those popular Greek (and non-Greek) myths, stories, and legends that have left an indelible mark on human psyche.
From learning about Psyche (the incarnation of the goddess of love) and her plight with her lovers, the myth of Prometheus and his courageous sacrifice to help gods fight against Titans, the myth of Hercules and his struggle with the curse of madness that befell him, or the love story between the sun god and moon goddess, these and several other Greek myths will enrich students repertoire of imagination, help them contextualize knowledge they read across different subjects, develop their sense of creativity, nurture within them a love for human cultural heritage, and make them cherish and appreciate the things that bond us together as humankind.
TED Ed Greek Mythology
To introduce students to popular myths from around the world check out this TED Ed list titled 5 myths from around the world. For popular riddles, check out top TED Ed riddles to share with students.
1. The myth of Zeus’ test – Iseult Gillespie
Through the ancient myth of Baucis and Philemon, Iseult Gillespie illuminates the profound significance of hospitality and kindness. As mysterious visitors test the generosity of a village, Gillespie delves into themes of compassion and humanity’s relationship with the divine.
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2. The myth of Cupid and Psyche – Brendan Pelsue
Brendan Pelsue unveils the enchanting tale of Cupid and Psyche, exploring themes of love, beauty, and the trials of mortal existence. With a blend of storytelling and analysis, Pelsue delves into the complexities of desire and the enduring power of the human spirit.
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3. The myth of Prometheus – Iseult Gillespie
Iseult Gillespie delves into the timeless myth of Prometheus, a tale of rebellion, foresight, and the quest for knowledge. Through vivid storytelling, Gillespie explores the consequences of challenging divine authority and the enduring legacy of human ingenuity.
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4. The myth of Arachne – Iseult Gillespie
Iseult Gillespie unravels the chilling tale of Arachne, a mortal weaver whose hubris leads to a fateful transformation. Drawing from Greek mythology, Gillespie explores themes of pride, punishment, and the consequences of defying the gods.
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5. The myth of Thor’s journey to the land of giants – Scott A. Mellor
Scott A. Mellor recounts the legendary journey of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, to the realm of the giants. Through humor and insight, Mellor explores the trials faced by Thor and the timeless lessons embedded within his epic quest.
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6. The myth of Icarus and Daedalus – Amy Adkins
Amy Adkins delves into the timeless tale of Icarus and Daedalus, exploring themes of ambition, hubris, and the consequences of defying societal norms. Through vivid storytelling, Adkins reveals the tragic fate of Icarus, whose daring flight serves as a cautionary tale for humanity.
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7. The tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice – Brendan Pelsue
Brendan Pelsue shares the heart-wrenching story of Orpheus and Eurydice, a tale of love, loss, and the depths of despair. As Orpheus ventures into the underworld to reclaim his beloved, Pelsue explores the power of music, the fragility of life, and the enduring bond between soulmates.
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8. The myth of Sisyphus – Alex Gendler
Alex Gendler unravels the myth of Sisyphus, a tale of cunning, punishment, and eternal struggle. Through insightful analysis, Gendler delves into the complexities of Sisyphus’s fate, revealing profound truths about human existence and the relentless pursuit of meaning.
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9. The myth of Hercules: 12 labors in 8-bits – Alex Gendler
Alex Gendler transports viewers into the epic world of Hercules, the legendary hero tasked with overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through a captivating retelling, Gendler explores themes of redemption, heroism, and the enduring quest for redemption.
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10. The Greek myth of Talos, the first robot – Adrienne Mayor
Adrienne Mayor delves into the ancient myth of Talos, a tale of innovation, power, and the boundaries between gods and mortals. As she explores the legend of the first robot, Mayor sheds light on the ancient Greeks’ fascination with technology and its implications for humanity’s future.
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11. The tragic myth of the Sun God’s son – Iseult Gillespie
In this poignant TED Talk, Iseult Gillespie recounts the heartbreaking tale of Phaethon, the son of Helios, the Sun God. With vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, Gillespie explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact of parental indulgence.
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12. The myth of Hades and Persephone – Iseult Gillespie
Iseult Gillespie delves into the captivating myth of Hades and Persephone, a story of love, abduction, and the changing seasons. Through evocative narration, Gillespie reveals the complexities of the underworld and the enduring bond between the goddess of spring and the ruler of the dead.
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13. The myth of the moon goddess – Cynthia Fay Davis
Cynthia Fay Davis unravels the enchanting Maya myth of Ix Chel, the moon goddess, and her forbidden love with the sun god. With insight and reverence, Davis explores themes of desire, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
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14. The myth of Narcissus and Echo – Iseult Gillespie
Join Iseult Gillespie as she delves into the tragic tale of Narcissus and Echo, a story of unrequited love and divine retribution. Through mesmerizing storytelling, Gillespie explores the consequences of vanity and the power of empathy in this timeless myth.
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Final thoughts
I hope you found this exploration of TED Talks on Greek mythology both enlightening and captivating. From the tragic tales of love and loss to the timeless lessons of hubris and heroism, these myths continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. As we delve into the depths of ancient lore, we discover not only the rich tapestry of human experience but also the enduring relevance of these stories in our modern lives. Through the lens of TED Talks, we uncover the profound wisdom and eternal truths woven into the fabric of Greek mythology, reminding us of the timeless power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and transform.
