Mythology in the Ancient World

Presented by Lower and Primary Schools, Grades JrK-2

Have you ever wondered how the world was formed, how the sun rises and sets each day, or why the seasons change?  Do you wonder what causes events in the natural world such as earthquakes, storms and fires?

Today science gives us answers to many of these questions.  Many years ago people had not discovered much of the knowledge that we rely on today, so they created tales, or myths, to explain how and why different events happened.

Each ancient culture had its own collection of myths that provided them with a rich framework for how they viewed the world around them.

These stories and beliefs about the world were often passed down from one generation to the next through the telling of stories.  Young people came to believe that these stories were true.

We now know that these myths are not “true” but they give us a way to study cultures as we learn the stories that show us how these ancient peoples saw the world around them.

Every morning people in Ancient Egypt awoke to the sun rising in the east just as we do today.  Every evening the sun set in the west and disappeared until the next morning. 

They made up a myth about Ra, the Sun god to explain how this happened.  Today we know to follow Jesus, the Son of God.

The ancient Greeks also believed in many gods.  They made stories about “The Olympians” who lived at the top of Mount Olympus.  They were sometimes kind to humans and sometimes they caused hurt to them.  

Today we can learn about our Heavenly Father and how He wants us to feel His joy.  We are each His children and He is happy when we care for one another.

Early Romans made their own stories about gods to explain things.  They named the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Long ago the people of Norway created their own myths about Odin and Thor to explain the heavens and the weather.  Sometimes Odin was called Woden and a day of the week was named Woden’s day.  Today we call it Wednesday.

Thor also had a day named after him.  It was Thor’s day. Now we say Thursday.  

Mythology sparked early scientific thinking and curiosity.  People began to study astronomy, medicine, geology and weather patterns.  We can study and remember mythology so we never forget where we came from.

By Mrs. Denise Gorrell

Primary School Teacher

Following this historical thought, Grammar School students presented the poem "The Arrow and the Song" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

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This historical thought was delivered by our Lower and Primary School students at devotional on 10/23/2025. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Belmont family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.

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