A strong connection between the pantheon of Hittite and Greek gods was immediately obvious upon the discover of Hittite texts.  For example, each had a council of 12 supreme gods, a supreme god was castrated and overthrown by a younger god, and gods flew on winged sandals.

To me the most interesting connection relates to the story of Pelops.  He was an important figure in Greek myth and he is probably specifically identified in Hittite texts!

According to myth, King Pelops of Lydia (Arzawa) sailed from his home to Ahhiyawa (Achaia/Greece).  The myth says he was drawn across the Aegean Sea to Greece for love, but it was also noted that he attacked enemies to the east of his homeland and was defeated.  Hittite records say they defeated rebellious king Uhhaziti of Arzawa in 1316 B.C.E. and he fled across the sea to Ahhiyawa.

There are other connections between the annals of the Hittites and Greek myth.

The Greek hero Bellerophontes was said to have lead Lycian (Lukka) armies to numerous victories.  According to myth Bellerophontes and Pelops lived during the same generation.  The Hittite records say that Lukka (Lycia), too, was in open rebellion at the same time as Pelops’ Arzawa.  The Hittite record says the rebellion was supported by the Ahhiyawa.  The Hittites sacked the Ahhiyawa city of Milawata (Miletos) in retaliation.

Perseus married the Aethiopian (Hittite) princess Andromeda and sent their first born son to be raised at the Hittite royal court.  That was standard Hittite diplomatic process meant to ensure loyalty and friendship between states.

The Greek attacks on Troy do not go unnoticed in Hittite annals.  The Hittites say they nearly went to war with Ahhiyawa over Wilos (Ilos/Troy) at the time Herakles sacked Troy.  Both Hittite and Greek sources say the ruling dynasty remained in power after that war.  Homer says Eurypylos of Teuthrania (Seha River Lands) lead the Ketoi in support of King Priam of Troy.  The Egyptian word for Hittite, Kheta, sounds suspiciously similar.  The Homeric poem Aethiopis says Memnon of Aethiopia (Hittites) lead a large army in support of Troy.

In my book, Greek Mythic History, I explore the many overlaps between myths and the historical, archaeological, and other scientific evidence of the age.  As I tried to illustrate above, the Hittites play an important role – just as you would expect of a major nearby kingdom.