Final answer:
The text describes the use of ancient Greek myths as a means to explain natural phenomena, instill cultural values, and provide societal guidelines, which were all integral to Greek religion and culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text describes how the ancient Greeks used myths and stories about gods and goddesses to explain natural phenomena and societal norms. Thunderstorms, for example, were explained as the work of Zeus, king of the gods, who threw lightning bolts from his home in the heavens.
Myths were deeply integrated into Greek religion and culture, functioning not only as entertainment but also as an educational tool, offering guidance on morality, ethics, and proper behavior. Greek myths addressed the nature of the cosmos, morality, and human life, providing a framework for understanding the world and one's place in it.
As these stories were passed down through generations, they became a staple of oral tradition—a necessary method of knowledge transmission in a largely illiterate society. Eventually, the Greeks began to analyze and question these myths, reflecting a shift from mythic thought to rational thought, thus laying the groundwork for philosophical inquiry.