Ancient Greek mythology is a collection of stories and legends about gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures. These tales were used to explain natural phenomena, human behavior, and cultural practices. Key figures include Zeus, the king of the gods, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom. The myths were passed down through oral tradition and later written down by poets like Homer and Hesiod. They played a significant role in ancient Greek religion and were often depicted in art and literature, influencing Western culture for centuries.