Greek mythology

Greek Mythology is an extensive body of narratives, dominated by heroes, deities, and monsters, many of which are contradictory, which document aspects of the ancient Greek religion as well as providing 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 Roman poet Ovid, the Greek playwright Sophocles, and especially 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.

References

• In the Muppet Babies episode "Babes in Troyland," the babies explore the world of Greek Myths. Piggy inparticular 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. 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 demi-God and son of Zeus (and, briefly, Superman).

• 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 All About Music: Scheherryzade and the Arabian Nights, based on Arabian literature.

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 his 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.