Timeline of Greek Mythology Stories

Mapping out mythology has always fascinated me, especially when it comes to understanding how all the stories fit together in a timeline.

And in this case, I’ve spent months gathering every Greek myth I could find, piecing them together like an ancient puzzle to create a comprehensive timeline of these legendary tales.

Greek mythology presents an interesting challenge when it comes to chronology. Many stories float in a divine dimension where time flows differently, while others correspond to clear periods of Greece’s mythic past. I’ve done my best to accommodate these myths in a way that accounts for both, but just keep in mind that some of the placements are based on my own opinion of where they should go.

This guide will provide you with:

• A complete chronological arrangement of Greek mythology
• A detailed look at each mythological era, from the Time of Titans to the Age of Heroes
• In-depth coverage of every major mythological cycle
• Quick overviews of each story (with dedicated deep-dives coming in future articles)

Let’s start with what everyone’s here for – the complete timeline. After that, we’ll explore the rich details behind each mythological period.

And yes, I suppose I should warn you about spoilers, though after 3,000 years, you probably already know that Orpheus is going to look back, Icarus is going to fly too close to the sun, and Zeus is going to turn himself into various animals for… questionable reasons.

Also, don’t forget to visit our Greek Mythology hub, where we have a LOT more articles like this one.

Primordial Creation and the Titans

In this era, the cosmos and the earliest gods emerge from chaos, setting the stage for all future myths. Gaia and Uranus give rise to the Titans, who then clash in elemental struggles. This epoch ends with the Titans’ dominance challenged by their own children.

The myths included in this era are:

• Creation and Birth of Gaia and Uranus
• The Origin of the Hecatonchires, Cyclopes, and the Titans
• The Overthrow of Uranus

The Rise of the Olympians

The younger gods, led by Zeus, overcome their forebears, ushering in a new divine order centered on Mount Olympus. They shape the world, establish laws, and govern the fates of mortals. This period includes the earliest interactions between the gods and humanity, introducing foundational human stories.

The myths included in this era are:

• The Reign of Cronos
• The Birth of Zeus
• Titanomachy
• Zeus and Hera
• Inachus
• The Olympians Reign
• The Birth of Hephaestus
• The Birth of Ares
• The Enchanted Thrones
• The Birth of Athena
• Melissa and the Bees
• The Birth of Apollo and Artemis
• The Birth of Hermes
• The Origin of Man
• The Gift of Fire
• Zeus and Io
• Pandora’s Box

Early Olympian Myths and Mortal Interactions

Having secured their rule, the Olympians now engage more intimately with mortals, bequeathing gifts, imposing punishments, and inspiring cultural practices. Mortal heroes and ordinary people alike encounter gods on more equal footing, transforming both societies and landscapes. Mortal hubris and divine retribution emerge as timeless themes.

The myths included in this era are:

• Niobe
• Cupid and Psyche
• Lycaon
• The Deluge
• Dardanus
• Cadmus and Harmonia
• Persephone and Hades
• The Birth of Dionysus
• Birth of Erechtheus
• Phaeton, Son of Apollo
• The Foundation of Troy
• Birth and Early Life of Perseus
• Actaeon and Artemis
• Asclepius
• Twins of Iphimedia
• Origin of the Golden Fleece
• Demeter and Erysichthon
• Ixion
• Tantalus
• Sisyphus
• Apollo and Marsyas
• Arachne
• Nisus and Scylla
• Callisto
• Ganymede and the Eagle
• Procne and Philomela
• Selene and Cephalus
• Selene and Endymion
• Eos and Tithonus
• Hyacinthus
• Crocus and Smilax
• Aphrodite and Adonis
• Echo and Narcissus
• Pyramus and Thisbe
• Acis and Galatea
• Leucippos and Galatea II
• Leucippos II, Daphne, and Apollo
• Pygmalion
• Hero and Leander
• Arion and the Dolphin
• Philemon and Baucis
• Phrygia and the Gordian Knot

Perseus and Bellerophon

This era focuses on heroic quests, with figures like Perseus and Bellerophon undertaking perilous adventures supported and tested by the gods. Through their deeds, monsters are slain and legendary cities are founded. Triumphs and downfalls hinge on courage, divine favor, and the ever-present risk of excessive pride.

The myths included in this era are:

63. Polydectes’ Command
64. Quest for Medusa’s Head
65. Rescue of Andromeda
66. Perseus’ Return to Seriphos
67. Death of Acrisius
68. Perseus Founds Mycenae
69. Birth and Early Life of Bellerophon
70. Killing Bellerus
71. Bellerophon’s Exile to Proetus
72. Bellerophon and the Chimera
73. Other Tasks by Iobates
74. Bellerophon’s Recognition and Reward
75. Bellerophon’s Hubris and Downfall
76. Midas’ Touch

The Great Heroes (Heracles, Theseus, Jason, Orpheus, Atalanta, Oedipus, etc.)

This is an age dominated by renowned heroes undertaking extraordinary challenges that define cultural ideals of heroism, honor, and endurance. Heroes like Heracles, Theseus, and Jason face impossible odds, while figures such as Orpheus and Oedipus embody human tragedy and complex moral lessons. Their legacies shape the collective memory and moral compass of the ancient world.

The myths included in this era are:

• Birth and Early Life of Heracles
• Youth and Education of Heracles
• Orpheus’ Birth and Early Life
• Birth and Early Life of Jason
• Birth and Childhood of Atalanta
• Birth and Early Life of Theseus
• Oedipus
• Marriage to Megara
• The Labors of Theseus
• The Twelve Labors of Heracles
• Orpheus’ Love and Marriage to Eurydice
• Theseus and Medea
• The Minotaur and the Labyrinth
• Theseus Becomes King of Athens
• Further Adventures of Heracles
• Jason and the Argonauts
• Women of Lemnos
• Phineus and the Harpies
• The Argo and the Dolionians
• The Disappearance of Hylas
• Arrival in Colchis and Tasks by Aeëtes
• The Return of Jason
• Orpheus’ Journey to the Underworld
• The Calydonian Boar Hunt
• Footrace for Marriage
• Jason and Medea
• The Death of Orpheus
• Transformation into Lions
• Gigantomachy
• Marriage to Deianira and Death
• Legacy of Heracles
• The Curse of Pelops
• The Hellenic Wars
• Abduction of Helen and the Dioscuri
• The Adventures of Telamon
• The Birth and Youth of Achilles
• The Underworld and Pirithous
• The Exile and Death of Theseus

The Trojan War and Its Aftermath (Odysseus, Aeneas, etc.)

The epic struggle at Troy and its reverberations define a turning point, blending divine machinations with human valor and folly. After the war, surviving heroes wander the seas, encountering trials that test their loyalty, cunning, and resilience. The stories from this period highlight the costs of war, the fragility of peace, and the enduring quest for home.

The myths included in this era are:

• Judgement of Paris
• The Trojan War Begins
• Achilles vs Hector
• The Fall of Troy
• Odysseus’ Departure from Troy
• The Aeneid: Journey to Italy
• The Lotus Eaters
• Cyclops Encounter
• Aeolus and the Bag of Wind
• The Wanderings of Neoptolemus
• Circe’s Island
• The Adventures of Menelaus
• Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis
• Cattle of the Sun
• Calypso’s Island
• The Oresteia
• The Aeneid: War in Italy
• Return to Ithaca
• The Telegony

The Founding of Rome

The myths shift focus from the Greek world to the birth of Rome, symbolized by the destiny-driven adventures of the Trojan survivors. Romulus and Remus, raised by a she-wolf, embody Rome’s blend of brutality and greatness. This era lays the mythic foundation of Roman identity and legacy.

The myths included in this era are:

• Romulus and Remus