9. Greek Flood Mythology
In Greek mythology, the flood story is found in the tale of Deucalion and Pyrrha, often attributed to sources like Hesiod and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Zeus decides to destroy humanity because of its impiety and wickedness. Deucalion, son of Prometheus, is warned and builds a chest or ark for himself and his wife Pyrrha. A massive flood then wipes out most of humanity.
After the waters recede, Deucalion and Pyrrha land on Mount Parnassus and repopulate the earth by throwing stones over their shoulders, which transform into humans. The myth reflects themes of divine retribution and rebirth. As in many flood stories, the couple chosen to survive embody virtues, in this case piety and wisdom, that contrast with the rest of mankind’s sins.
