Greek mythology

Gonzo as a satyr in Muppet Classic Theater.

Greek Mythology is an extensive body of often-contradictory narratives (often because there was no unified Greek culture until the Romans conquered the region), dominated by heroes, deities, and monsters. These myths document aspects of the ancient Greek religion and provide one of the earliest bases of literature. Though most accounts were passed down through the oral-tradition, Greek mythology as it is understood today derives from the written works of such authors as the Greek writer Hesiod, the Roman poet Ovid, the Greek playwright Sophocles, and especially the works of Homer. Such creatures as the cyclops, satyrs, and centaurs have their origins in Greek myth.

This mythology has been used as a source of humor in several Muppet productions, and as a basis for more serious adaptations in Creature Shop productions.

A Greek myth is not to be confused with Carol Kane.

Adaptations

• The StoryTeller: Greek Myths featured realistic adaptations of four Greek myths, incorporating such figures as Icarus, Medusa, and the Minotaur. The frame sequences involved The Storyteller and Dog trapped in the labyrinth of Minos, as first introduced in Homer's Illiad.

• The 1997 Creature Shop production The Odyssey was a two-hour adaptation of the Homeric epic, featuring a Cyclops and other creatures supplied by the Creature Shop.

References

Sisyphus at the Bug-A-Wee Bug Shelter

Nosh of the Titans

• A centaur responds to an ad placed by Kermit looking for a satire writer in the October 29, 1983 The Muppets comic strip.

• In the Muppet Babies episode "Babes in Troyland," the babies explore the world of Greek myths. Piggy in particular is taken by Helen of Troy.

• Muppet Classic Theater featured a version of the myth of King Midas, with Kermit as Midas, Miss Piggy as his wife, and Gonzo as a satyr (in place of the God Dionysus from the original story). This may reflect a later Midas legend, in which the king, having rejected gold, has become a devout follower of Pan.

• Muppets Tonight included an appearance by Zeus, the head of the Greek divine hierarchy.

• In another Muppets Tonight sketch, "Murder on the Disoriented Express," several characters confuse Hercule Poirot (guest star Jason Alexander) with Hercules, the legendary demigod and son of Zeus.

• The titan Atlas, who holds the world on his shoulders, has been referenced in multiple print materials and a Sesame Street sketch.

• Although of Greek origin, a Cyclops is encountered by Sinbad the Sailor (Grover) in Scheherryzade and the Arabian Nights, a story based on Arabian literature.

• Charlene Sinclair is visited by a Muse in a third season Dinosaurs episode, "Charlene's Flat World". In Greek mythology, the Muses are goddesses who inspire artistic works. The incompetent Muse tells Charlene that the world is round -- an epiphany which was supposed to occur to Copernicus in 16th century Poland.

• John Crichton refers to D'Argo as "Medusa" in the Farscape episode "Crackers Don't Matter."

• In Episode 4175 of Sesame Street, Oscar the Grouch and Slimey visit the Bug-A-Wee Bug Shelter. One of the bugs for adoption is a critter named Sisyphus, who pushes up a breadcrumb up and down a rock repeatedly.

• When Pandora's Lunchbox is opened in an Abby's Flying Fairy School segment, it releases giant magical snacks that wreak havoc.

• In another Abby's Flying Fairy School segment, Morty the Musical Muse visits the class.

• The Cookie's Crumby Pictures segment "Nosh of the Titans" parodies Clash of the Titans and features several spins on the characters of Greek myths featured in the film. Cookie Monster portrays Furseus, son of Zeus, and is accompanied by his winged companion Pegafish. The two face off against Moo-dusa on their way to the Mount Olympus Diner.