Here are a few famous Greek mythology stories translated into English:
The Creation of the World (Theogony)
Summary:
In Hesiod’s “Theogony,” the creation of the world is described, starting with the primordial chaos of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky) and leading to the birth of the Titans, gods, and eventually, the Olympians.
Excerpt:
In the beginning, when the boundless deep was uncoiled,
When Earth and wide heaven had no distinct limits,
When the starry firmament was not yet named,
When neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the wandering stars,
Nor yet the earth, nor the depths of the boundless sea,
Nor the mountains, nor the boundless plain,
Nor the boundless forest with its immeasurable breadth,
Nor the boundless river, nor the paths of the winds,
Nor the boundless sea, nor the paths of the stars,
Nor the sons of gods, nor the sons of mortal men,
Nor the dark earth, nor the boundless sea,
Nor the endless sky, nor the wide heaven,
Had been named, nor were they as they are now,
When still all was one mass, and no clear division,
No order in the ages, but chaos alone,
And Night, the mother of all, lay on the void,
In the formless state, and was unbounded.
The Labors of Hercules (The Twelve Labors)
Summary:
The “Twelve Labors of Hercules” are a series of tasks that Hercules was forced to perform after being driven mad by his wife, Hera. These tasks include slaying the Nemean Lion, cleaning the Augean stables, capturing the Ceryneian Hind, and more.
Excerpt:
First, he must kill the Nemean lion, a creature of great strength and ferocity, which has been terrorizing the countryside. With the lion’s hide, he must clothe himself, as it is impenetrable. Then, he must cleanse the Augean stables of all the dirt in only a single day, using only water.
The Story of Perseus and Andromeda
Summary:
Perseus is a hero who is sent to save the princess Andromeda from a sea monster. With the help of the gods, he manages to slay the monster and rescue Andromeda, leading to their marriage and the creation of the constellation Andromeda.
Excerpt:
Perseus, the son of Danaus and the god Zeus, is given a task by King Polydectes to bring back the head of Medusa, the Gorgon. With the help of the gods Hermes and Athena, Perseus manages to kill Medusa and bring back her head, which he uses to turn the sea monster into stone, saving Andromeda in the process.
The Judgment of Paris
Summary:
The Judgment of Paris is the story of the Trojan War’s catalyst. Paris, a Trojan prince, is sent to judge the three goddesses, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, on who is the most beautiful. Aphrodite offers Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta, as a reward, leading to the Trojan War.
Excerpt:
Paris, the Trojan prince, is brought to Mount Olympus to judge the three goddesses. After much deliberation, he chooses Aphrodite, who promises him the most beautiful woman in the world. This leads to Paris’ abduction of Helen, sparking the Trojan War.
These are just brief summaries and excerpts of the stories. The full tales are much more detailed and filled with poetic and mythological richness.
