sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adrasteia, Aether (mythology), Aphrodite Urania, Arethusa (mythology), Cyclopes, Erotes

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 1 & 2 – CLASSICAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Learning Objectives: 1. Learn to distinguish between myth, saga or legend, and folktales and fairytales. 2. Learn the fundamental differences between the following approaches to the interpretation of myth (Psychological, Ritualist, Structuralist) 3. Identify the proponents of the major interpretive schools. 4. Learn the definition of classical myth (p. 25). 5. Identify most important primary sources for the study of Greek/Roman . 6. Learn the important contributions of Heinrich Schliemann and . 7. Learn the basic chronological framework for the . 8. Learn the important features of . 9. Learn the important features of Mycenaean civilization. 10. Learn the most significant contributions of archaeology to our understanding the and the . Study Questions: 1. How does Freud use the drama to explain the origin and significance of religion? What other approaches can be brought to bear upon the Oedipus legend? 2. What are the four theses of Burkert’s modified synthesis of structural approaches? 3. What are the difficulties involved in interpreting the many stories of amorous conquest? 4. What definition of classical myth do the authors of the text arrive at? Is it adequate? 5. What considerations could be raised that might modulate our understanding of the position of women in the ancient world? 6. Describe some of the main features of Minoan culture, and tell the tale of Sir Arthur Evan’s discovery of Minoan culture on . 7. Describe the different stages of settlements that have been uncovered at the site of Troy. 8. What did Schliemann discover at that confirmed the link between the Homeric stories and the actual remains? 9. List some of the important discoveries that resulted from the decipherment of the Mycenaean script. 10. Describe the Greek dark ages and the recovery of writing during Archaic age.

Terms: aitia, allegory, animus/anima, archetypes, classical myth, collective unconscious, dream-work (condensation, displacement, and representation), , etiological folktales, legend/saga, motifemes, mythos, Oedipus complex, structuralism, Achaeans, , Archaic period, , Bronze Age, Cnossus, Crete, Troy, Cyclades, cyclopean, Dark Age, Hellas, /, , , Minoan, Mycenae/Mycenaean, Neolithic period, Paleolithic period, Phoenician, Thera/Santorini,

Figures: Malinowski, Carl Jung, Claude Lévi-Strauss, J. G. Frazer, Jane Harrison, Joseph Campbell, Max Müller, Mircea Eliade, Sigmund Freud, Vladimir Prop, , , , , , , , , Heinrich Schliemann, Michael Ventris, Sir Arthur Evans

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 3 & 4 – MYTHS OF CREATION & ’ RISE TO POWER

Learning Objectives: 1. Learn ’s account of creation (, cosmogony, & anthropogony). 2. Identify the basic differences between Hesiod’s account and ’s. 3. Define the “sacred marriage.” 4. Learn the important myths about the . 5. Learn the succession myths from to to Zeus. 6. Learn the details of Zeus’ rise to power and the myths of the , Gigantomachy, and Typhoeus. 7. Learn the significant features of Hesiod’s myth of the Five . 8. Learn the myths of and Pandora. 9. Learn about ’ treatment of the Prometheus myth in . 10. Understand the parallels between the succession myths of Greece and the . Study Questions: 1. What does mean in Ovid’s vs. Hesiod’s Theogony? 2. What are the qualities of the archetypal mother-earth in the Homeric Hymn to Earth, Mother of All? 3. Describe the conception of the “sacred marriage” and how it is continually represented in the generations of the gods. 4. Who are the main Titans and what is their manner of being? 5. How might we interpret the story of Zeus’ birth in light of our understanding of the religious ideas and historical development in Bronze Age Greece? 6. How may Zeus’ conflict with the Titans and be interpreted historically, and what are other possible interpretations? 7. Tell the tales of Prometheus and Pandora. What archetypes do they represent? 8. Discuss Hesiod’s conception of the progress of human civilization, the qualities of each age, and how it might embed a historical kernel of truth. 9. Name some archetypal motifs that are found both in Greek and Near Eastern myths. 10. In Hesiod the punishment of Prometheus, though seemingly cruel, is a necessary consequence of a righteous and majestic Zeus. In Prometheus Bound there has been a shift. Explain.

Terms: theogony, cosmogony, anthropogony, titanomachy, gigantomachy, myth of succession, , Cyprian, Cytherea, , Mt. Dicte, philommedes, the Four or Five Ages, trickster, , Pandora’s Box, Enuma Elish, the Olympian Pantheon. Atrahasis, culture hero/god, cuneiform, , , Mt. Olympus

Deities/Personages: Chaos, , Ge//Gaea/Earth, Tartaros, /, /, Ouranos, Mountains, , Titans, Kronos, , , , , , , Hecatonchires, Endymion, , Aurora, Helius, , , , , Zeus, , , , , , , Prometheus, , , Pandora, /, , Pyrrha, Tiamat/Apsu, Marduk, Inanna/Ishtar, Ereshkigal, Dumuzi, , Enkidu,

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 5 & 6 – AND NATURE OF THE GODS

Learning Objectives: 1. Study the significance of and the central hearth. 2. Learn Zeus’ character and role as the lord of gods and men. 3. Learn about the shrines of Zeus at Olympia and . 4. Learn the myths regarding Zeus and Hera and their children (Eileithya, , Hephaestus, ) 5. Learn about the other children of Zeus (The Muses, The Fates, etc.) 6. Define the basic parameters of the Greek anthropomorphic conception of the gods and its relationship to Greek humanism. 7. Learn the interrelationship between myth, religion, and history as presented in . 8. Study the relationship between religion and myth. 9. Identify the important elements and practices of Greek religion and ritual. 10. Learn the importance and procedure of the sacrifice. Study Questions: 1. Who are Zeus’ brothers, what realms do all three rule over, and how did they receive them? 2. What was the importance of the communal hearth and its sacred fire? 3. Relate the story of Hephaestus’ birth, exile, return, marriage, and role(s). 4. What does the term Muses mean and how may they have originally been conceived? Who are the Fates and what does each do? 5. Discuss significance and contradictions in mythological depictions of Zeus. 1. Discuss the character and attributes of Ares and Greek attitudes towards this god. 2. Name five elements that are usually associated with the ritual of the sacrifice. 3. How might we describe the class of beings known as “” and “demigods”? 4. In the Greek tradition, and humanism are bound together. Explain. 5. Defend this statement using : Monotheism and are not mutually exclusive.

Terms: , , , Dodona, , metopes, pediment, Olympia, /Mt. Helicon, whispering oaks, , , nectar, anthropomorphism, polytheism, monotheism, ate, chthonian, ouranian, Delphic , demigods, humanism, “Hymn to Man”, theriomorphism, Xenophanes, , Roman names for Olympian Pantheon

Deities/Personages: /Prophets (, , and ); Apollo as God of Prophets, Ares, Fates/Moira/Parcae (, , ), Hestia, Hera, Eileithya, Hebe, Hephaestus, Ares, , Hephaestus, Ixion, The Nine and the Three Muses, Pheidias, Arion, Gyges, Nemesis (), , ,

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 7 & 8 – , SEA DIVINITIES, , &

Learning Objectives: 1. Learn the myths of the three important (, , ) 2. Study the appearance and character of Poseidon 3. Learn the myths of and Scylla and . 4. Identify the important progeny of Pontus and Ge. 5. Study interpretative approaches to mythological stories about waters. 6. Learn the myth of Athena’s birth. 7. Study the history and significance of the and its sculptural decorations. 8. Learn the various epithets of Athena and their meaning. 9. Learn the myth of Athena and Arachne. 10. Study the character and appearance of Athena Study Questions: 1. How are the originally conceived and then portrayed in later literature and art? 2. Describe the appearance, history, and function of the . 3. What may be the origins of the god Poseidon? What are his ongoing roles? 4. What appearance and function does the have in Greek art? 5. Contrast the character, activities, and influence of Poseidon and Athena. 6. Discuss how the symbolism of the fantastic and the grotesque in the nature of the progeny of Pontus and Ge. Analyze three monsters as archetypes. 7. Compare and contrast the goddesses Athena and Artemis. 8. How is Athena associated with Hephaestus? 9. What associations does Athena have with the Fates? 10. Can the various associations of Athena’s province of activities be united into any unifying themes? How?

Terms: Acropolis, , , , arête, , cella, Doric, glaukopis, Ionic, kore, kouros, Panathenaea, Parthenon, peplos, Tritogeneia,

Deities/ Personages: Amphitrite, , Charybdis, , , Galatea, , , Graeae, Harpies, , , , , Lernaean hydra, Nemean Lion, Nereids, , Oceanus/Oceanids, Orthus, , , , , , Pontus, Poseidon/, Proteus, Scylla, Theban Sphinx, Thetis, Arachne, Athena (), Hephaestus, , Metis, , Orestes, Pheidias

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 9 & 10 – APHRODITE AND ARTEMIS

Learning Objectives: 1. Learn the difference between Aphrodite and . 2. Study the nature, appearance, and attendants of Aphrodite. 3. Learn the myth of Pygmalion. 4. Compare the myths of Aphrodite and Adonis with that of Cybele and . 5. Study the significance of Eros as presented in Plato’s and of Aphrodite in ’s poetry. 6. Learn the myth of the births of Artemis and Apollo. 7. Learn the myths of Niobe, , Callisto, and . 8. Understand the identification of Artemis with Selene and . 9. Learn the character, appearance, and origins of Artemis. 10. Study the treatment of Artemis and Aphrodite in ’ Hippolytus. Study Questions: 1. Discuss the nature and character of Aphrodite, with special attention to the dual tradition of her origin. 2. Who was the sculptor who created a statue that came to life? Explore two interpretive frameworks to analyze the myth. 3. Critique ’s speech in light of Socrates’s speech. 4. Who is the woman who instructed Socrates in the nature of Eros? Explain her philosophy of and the of love? What is the final purpose of love? 5. In the Symposium, who are the parents of Eros? Explain the Platonic genealogy. 6. Relate the story of and Psyche and illustrate how it combines elements of myth, folktale, tale, and romance. 7. How might Artemis’ virginity be understood with regard to her functions or roles? 8. What aspects of Artemis indicate she might have originally been a fertility goddess? Compare historical and geographical locales that worship Artemis. 9. How is Hecate connected to Artemis? 10. What do Artemis and Aphrodite represent for Euripides in the Hippolytus?

Terms: Cythera and , aphros, phallus/phallic, fertility, fecundity, Phrygian, syzygy, Hermaphrodite, androgyne, eros, philia, agape, storge, paidika, , Lesbos, hieros gamos, sapphic, triangulation, Brauronia, sophronein, , , physis

Personages: Cinyras/Myrrha, Adonis, Aphrodite (), , Aphrodite Pandemos, Aphrodite Urania, Apuleius’ Metamorphoses, Aristophanes, Cybele and Attis, Diotima, Eros (Cupid), , , /Poros, Plato’s Symposium, , Psyche, Pygmalion and Galatea, Sappho, Socrates, Actaeon, Artemis, of , Hippolytus, Leto, Niobe, Orion, Phaedra, Theseus, Trivia, ,

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 11 & 12 – APOLLO AND

Learning Objectives: 1. Study the birth of Apollo and his relationship to Delos and . 2. Learn about the importance and procedures of the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. 3. Learn the amorous myths of Apollo (Cumaean , , Marpessa, , , Hyacinthus, Cyparissus, ) 4. Learn the myths of the musical contests (Marsyas, ) 5. Study the nature and appearance of Apollo. 6. Study the myth of Hermes’ birth and his quarrel and reconciliation with Apollo. 7. Study the character and appearance of Hermes. 8. Learn the myths and practices surrounding the god . 9. Study the significance of herms and their association with Hermes. Study Questions: 1. How does Apollo come to be born on the Island of Delos? 2. How does Apollo come to inhabit Delphi? Describe the process of consulting the oracle at Delphi. 3. Explain the treatment known as “incubation.” Discuss the god Asclepius. 4. What is the nature of the god Apollo? Describe the complex of associations related to this God. Why is he often seen as “the most characteristically Greek god in the whole pantheon”? Discuss Apollo’s relation to . 5. Explain the meaning of the epithet “psychopompos,” and name the god for whom it is appropriate, and give literary illustrations where we see it brought out. 6. Relate the story of Hermes’ birth and his quarrel with his brother Apollo. What are the similarities between Apollo and Hermes? 7. How does Zeus settle the dispute between Apollo and Hermes? 8. Discuss the multifaceted nature of Hermes and the apparent incongruity of some of the elements of his character. 9. What are the characteristics of the lengthy Homeric Hymn to Hermes that make it so admired? What is your judgment of its artistry. 10. Explore online concerning the to find out more about the role of Hermes in the pagan mystical tradition and its effects on subsequent periods.

Terms: Apollonian/Dionysian, Asclepiadae, , Castalian Spring, Delos, Delphi, Delphinius, incubation, “Know thyself”, “Nothing in excess”, , Phoebus, Pytho, , laurel wreath, tripod, , Argeïphontes, herm, psychopompos, daimon, petasus, mantic, chthonii, propylaios, cheirourgos, , dialect, herald.

Deities/Personages: Apollo, Asclepius, , Cassandra, Coronis, Cumaean Sibyl, Daphne, Ge-Themis, Hyacinthus, Typhoeus, Telphusa, Marsyas, Midas, Pan, , Delian maidens, , , Thriae, .

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 13 & 14 – DIONYSUS AND

Learning Objectives: 1. Study the myth of Dionysus’ birth, and his historical origins, nature, and worship. 2. Study the portrayal of Dionysus and his worship in Euripides’ . 3. Learn the meaning and be able to give examples of typical “resistance” myths. 4. Learn the myths of Pan and and Pan and . 5. Learn the myth of Narcissus and its significance. 6. Study the myth of Demeter and in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. 7. Study the relationship of the to the Hymn. 8. Learn the stages and meaning of the Eleusinian Mysteries. 9. Evaluate -feminist contexts for the Demeter myth and mystery cult. 10. Study Dionysus’ androgyny and the role of women in Dionysiac worship. Study Questions: 1. Describe the qualities of Dionysiac worship. Why is it fitting that Dionysus is often referred to as a giver of pain and delight? 2. What is another story of Dionysus’ birth besides the canonical one in which Zeus mates with ? What parallels do you see between the figure of Dionysus in Euripides’ Bacchae and that of Christ? 3. How does Dionysus intend to trap in Euripides’ Bacchae? What is the meaning of dressing Pentheus in the garb of the Bacchae? 4. What may be the religious/spiritual significance of the depiction of Dionysus with a retinue of creatures? 5. In what sense is the story of Narcissus a variation on the Greek theme, “know thyself?” 6. Name five points of convergence between the myth of Demeter and Persephone and the Eleusinian mystery rites. In what sense is this a proto-feminist myth and/or cultic institution or not? 7. Why does Demeter take on the disguise of a mortal? Explore the grief of Demeter. 8. How did Demeter attempt to immortalize the son of the king of ? When Demeter is interrupted, what does she foresee happening in the future? 9. What does do to ensure that Persephone will return to him and why do you think it was effective? 10. What are some similarities between the cult at Eleusis and the Dionysiac cults. How does Hekate fit in here?

Terms: , Bacchants, entheos, nymphs of , omophagia, mania, papposileni, (faun), /sileni, sparagmos, Syrinx, panpipe, thiasus, , Dadouch, dromena, Eleusis, hiera, , , legomena, mystery religion, Telesterion

Deities/Personages: , Ariadne, , Dionysus (Bacchus), Echo, Pan, Narcissus, Ino, Midas, ’ Dionysiaca, Pentheus, , Persephone, Semele, Tiresias, , Metaneira, Demeter (Ceres), Demophoön, Hades, Helius, Hermes, , , , Hecate, Eumolpidae.

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 15 & 16 – HADES AND

Learning Objectives: 1. Study Homer’s portrait of the . 2. Study Plato’s and its religious and philosophical implications. 3. Study the details of Vergil’s depiction of the Underworld. 4. Identify the traditional elements in the realm of Hades. 5. Learn the myth of Orpheus and . 6. Study the significance of Orpheus as a religious poet and musician. 7. Study the elements of . 8. Learn the most important mystery religions and their basic features: Eleusinian Mysteries, Mysteries of Cybele and Attis, Cult of the Cabiri, Cult of Mithras, Cult of Dea Syria, Cult of . 9. Learn the importance of Apuleius’ Golden Ass to the study of ancient mystery cult. 10. Evaluate soteriological and eschatological doctrines of Greek religion in cultural context. Study Questions: 1. Compare and contrast the Homeric and Vergilian Underworld. 2. Discuss the Myth of Er and its symbolic and spiritual conception of the . 3. Describe elements of the Greco-Roman conception of Hades that have parallels in the Judeo-Christian conception of . 4. Name four figures who undergo eternal punishments, what they are compelled to suffer, and their crimes. 5. What are the furies and what are their roles? 6. What are, respectively, the Apollonian and Dionysian elements in the story of Orpheus? 7. Describe the role played by Dionysus and Persephone in Orphic theogony. 8. What similarities exist between Orphism and ? 9. How have artists treated the myth of Orpheus? Explore two major contributions. 10. What elements of Orphism influenced Plato’s Myth of Er and Vergil’s Underworld?

Terms: , , , golden bough, , Nekuia, , , , Orphic bible, syncretism, , transmigration of souls, soteriology, eschatology,

Deities/Personages: , , , Cerberus, , Cumaean Sibyl, Dante, Dido, , Erebus, /Furies/Eumenides, Hades (, Dis), Persephone (Proserpina), Hecate, Ixion, Minos, , Plato’s “myth of Er”, , , Tantalus, , Tiresias, Tityus, Vergil’s “Book of the Dead”, Adrasteia, Aether, Cabiri, , Chaos, Chronus, Dionysus/Zagreus, Egg (Orphic), Eros, Eurydice, Horus, , Isis, Mithras, Oeagrus, Orpheus,

HRS 119 – STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 17 & 20 –THEBAN SAGA AND THE

Learning Objectives: 1. Study the myth of the abduction of and the founding of Thebes. 2. Learn the myths in the genealogy of the Theban royal house. 3. Study the of Oedipus. 4. Learn the important interpretive approaches to the myth of Oedipus. 5. Study the trials and return of Odysseus as depicted in Homer’s Odyssey. 6. Learn the significance of the following adventures in Odysseus’ struggle to return home: Polyphemus, and , Nekuia, Cattle of the Sun, Phaeacians 7. Study Odysseus’ struggle to regain his position on and at home. 8. Identify the qualities of and those she shares with her husband. Study Questions: 1. What is the riddle of the Sphinx? In what way can Oedipus be said not to have fully understood it? 2. Compare and contrast Oedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonus in terms of the theme of time and its relationship to the main character. 3. said that the best include elements of Recognition and Reversal. Explain these terms and illustrate how they function in Oedipus Tyrannus. 4. Discuss why Oedipus Tyrannus had justly been called a tragedy of fate. 5. What happens to Polynices and Eteocles? In Oedipus at Colonus, how does Oedipus die? 6. Discuss the character of Antigone as presented by Sophocles as she moves from the self-willed heroism of her actions to the anguish of her death. 7. Discuss intelligently Homer’s depiction of the gods and goddesses in . How does Homer move from a majestic to a frivolous depiction of the gods? How do their actions affect the human world? How are different? 8. Discuss the role of the feminine in Odysseus’ life. 9. What significance does the Polyphemus episode have? How can it be interpreted? 10. How does the proper respect for the guest–host relationship serve as a moral compass in much of the Odyssey?

Terms: , Colonus, Labdacus, Seven against Thebes, Spartoi, Thebes, nostos, , , Nekuia, polytropos, , Lotus-eaters, Ithaca, Scylla/Charybdis

Deities/Personages: Antigone, Cadmus, Creon, Eteocles, Haemon, , , Jocasta, , Oedipus, Polybus and , Polynices, Sphinx, Tiresias, Odysseus, Penelope, , Calypso, Circe, Sirens, Antinoüs, Cyclopes, Polyphemus, , Laërtes, Menelaüs and Helen, , Tiresias