Titans

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= The Titans =

Basic Information The Titans, also called the Elder Gods, were in Greek Mythology the ancestors of the gods. There were many of them, but much like their children, there were only a few that mattered. Cronus, the Titans’ leader, and his wife Rhea were the most important,and actually played an independent role in the myths. Several Titans were important because of their children rather than on their own merits: Hyperion, for example, was the father of Helios (the sun), Selene (the moon), and Aurora(the dawn); and Iapetus was the father of Epimetheus (afterthought) and Prometheus (forethought), who would become the savior of humanity.

Analysis This myth doesn't reveal a whole lot about the Greeks lifestyle because Greek mythology revolves mostly around the Greek gods and goddesses. However, it does tell us a few things. The way the Titan family was structured was pretty simple and showed that the Greeks valued family and family structure. They also valued marriage and took pride in their lineages. The way the Titans acted in response to certain behaviors suggested that the ancient Greeks may have tried to use violence to solve many of their problems. "Bad" behaviors, such as cheating and giving birth to illigitimate children were also punished. The way the titans ruled (one central ruler), and then the gods after them, may have reflected what the Greeks believed and how their government was run as well.

Connections Cronus is like Stephen Hawkings-they know how the universe and time began. Rhea is like mothers today-the mothers day celebration started when ancient greeks would honor her once a year.

Citations- Hamilton, Edith. //Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes//. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 1999. Print.