Classical Mythology
Classical Mythology, Graco-Roman Mythology or Greek and Roman Mythology as it's called, probably contains the best-known myths in the world. As with many cultures, the Greeks and Romans used these stories to justify and explain fundamental questions about life after death, the cosmos, the fate of the universe, and the natural order of thing.
Apollo, being among other things, patron of archery, mocked Eros the god of love for his use of the bow and arrow. In retaliation, the insulted Eros then works his magic and causes Apollo to passionately fall in love with the river nymph Daphne.
The father of Atalanta wanted her to marry, but she strongly disliked the idea. Being a notoriously swift runner, Atalanta decided to marry whoever could beat her in a footrace. However, those who tried and lost, would pay with their life. King Oeneus agreed. Atalanta was very beautiful, and many young men died in the attempt. But Meleager thinks he knows how to win.
Echo falls in love with Narcissus, Narcissus falls in love with himself, and love may be the death of both.
The beauty of Hero was famed throughout the country-side; and many youth sought the temple of Venus at festival time under the pretext of honoring the goddess, but really to gaze upon the lovely young priestess. Among those most eager to see the maiden was Leander, a youth who lived in a town just across the Hellespont and within sight of Hero's tower.
Perseus' exploit against the Gorgon, Medusa is well known. Less known is how Jupiter tried to kill Perseus and Danae -Or how Perseus met and married Andromeda -Where he got his helmet, shield, and winged shoes. Just some of what's in this story about the son of Jupiter and Danae.
The kingdom of Pluto was dreaded by all mortals, and its ruler inspired men with great fear. Though Pluto was known to visit the earth from time to time, no one wished to see his face, and each man dreaded the moment when he should be obliged to appear before the grim monarch of Hades, and be assigned a place among the innumerable dead.
On the night that Orpheus and Eurydice was married, she was stung by a serpent, and died. Orpheus went down to Hades to claim her, and played so sweetly with his lute that Pluto allowed Eurydice to return to the earth with Orpheus, but on condition that he did not look behind him until he had reached the terrestrial regions.