The song and other video content explores some of the best-known gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece and beliefs about the afterlife including Hades, Elysium and Tartarus.
The song
'Myths and mysteries' - vocal
Myths and mysteries, legends and labyrinths
Myths and mysteries of Ancient Greece
Myths and mysteries, legends and labyrinths
Myths and mysteries of Ancient Greece.
1 Mount Olympus, gods and goddesses
For harvest and healing, for wisdom and war
Zeus the thunderer, Hera and Ares
Athena, Aphrodite and so many more
Myths and mysteries… (etc)
2 Hermes the Messenger, sea-god Poseidon
Wine-god Dionysus, Hephaestus for fire
Artemis for hunting, Demeter for harvest
Apollo for music, let’s play on the lyre
[INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE]
Myths and mysteries… (etc)
3 Death and the after-life - off to the Underworld
By boat on a river, there’s a gate to pass
Past three-headed Cerberus, then onto Hades
Then on to Elysium…or to Tartarus!
Myths and mysteries… (etc)
Myths and mysteries, myths and mysteries
Myths and mysteries, Shhhhhhh!
The song evokes the beliefs of Ancient Greece, referring to some Greek gods and goddesses - especially the well-known ‘Olympians’ - and their links to harvest, healing, wine, the sea, music and fire.
There’s a verse about ancient Greek stories concerning death, including the Underworld and the after-life.
The musical setting is atmospheric and ‘supernatural’, so offers a chance to sing quietly and mysteriously.
Refer to the Teacher Notes for more information about the song, including follow-up music activities based on it and suggestions for cross-curricular study.
Context: what were Ancient Greek beliefs about religion and the afterlife?
We meet Homer, a famous writer from Ancient Greece, believed to be the author of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. Homer introduces us to the Olympians - twelve of the most important gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece - including:
- Zeus and Hera - king and queen of the gods
- Aphrodite - goddess of love
- Ares - god of war
- Poseidon - god of the sea
Homer explains how the gods and goddesses control every aspect of Ancient Greek life, including the afterlife. Homer describes how Hermes leads the deceased to the River Styx, how the gates to the Underworld are guarded by a three-headed dog called Cerberus, and - finally - how Hades will decide if the deceased will enjoy the afterlife in the paradise of Elysium or burning in the fires of Tartarus.
Resources
'Myths and mysteries' - instrumental
Myths and mysteries, legends and labyrinths
Myths and mysteries of Ancient Greece
Myths and mysteries, legends and labyrinths
Myths and mysteries of Ancient Greece.
1 Mount Olympus, gods and goddesses
For harvest and healing, for wisdom and war
Zeus the thunderer, Hera and Ares
Athena, Aphrodite and so many more
Myths and mysteries… (etc)
2 Hermes the Messenger, sea-god Poseidon
Wine-god Dionysus, Hephaestus for fire
Artemis for hunting, Demeter for harvest
Apollo for music, let’s play on the lyre
[INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE]
Myths and mysteries… (etc)
3 Death and the after-life - off to the Underworld
By boat on a river, there’s a gate to pass
Past three-headed Cerberus, then onto Hades
Then on to Elysium…or to Tartarus!
Myths and mysteries… (etc)
Myths and mysteries, myths and mysteries
Myths and mysteries, Shhhhhhh!
Teacher Notes. document
Click to download / print the Teacher Notes (pdf)
Myths and Mysteries - Lyrics. document
Click to download / print the lyric sheet (pdf)
Myths and Mysteries - Music. document
Click to download / print the music sheet (pdf)
Download audio
Download the backing track of the song (mp3)
Gods and goddesses - who's who?
Click to download / print and then label the gods and goddesses
More from KS2 Music: Ancient Greece
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Exploring architecture, theatre and other cultural activity in Ancient Greece.
4. Get training
The original Olympic Games of Ancient Greece and how they differed from the Games of today.
5. Philosophy
Exploring the Ancient Greek contribution to philosophy, maths, astronomy, medicine - and more.
