The (almost) Complete Smelley Study Guide

Functions of Myths

Provided the basis of life, beliefs, and customs for ancient peoples.

The Entrance to Hell

Located in a cave just outside of area of the city of Jerusalem. Above the cave's entrance is a sign that reads "Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here". This is symbolic of the fact that once one enter Hell, that person has no hope of salvation.

Celestine V

Located in the Vestibule, Celestine was a Catholic pope before the corruption in the church ensued. The man who would end up becoming Boniface VIII, a man severely hated by Dante, convinced Celestine his soul was tarnished, so Celestine withdrew from power. Because of his changing of beliefs, he is put in the Vestibule.

Aryans

Nomadic herdsman who settled in the Indus Valley. When they arrived, they introduced their religion, social system, and customs to the native people.

Meeting With the Mentor

Normally after refusing the call, heroes will encounter the 4th step in the Hero's Journey, in which the hero meets a Merlin type character who provides them with wise advice about the adventure. This person stands as kind of a teacher/parent/guardian hybrid.

Genesis Version 2

On day 1, Lord God creates earth, heavens, and plants, but no one to work the land. A mist settles on the land, and Lord God uses this to create man. He breathes his essence into man. On day 2, God creates a garden for man called Eden. Man is told to stay here. Lord God says Adam can eat whatever he wants, except eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. On day 3, God creates all creatures. Adam names them. Adam feels lonely, so Lord God creates women from Adam's "rib". He names her too. On day 4, a serpent approaches Eve and eventually convinces her to eat from the tree. She then tells Adam to, and he does so willingly. They become aware of reality. On day 5, God calls out Adam and he blames Eve for tempting him and Eve blames the serpent. The serpent is punished by having his legs taken away. Eve is punished with painful child and birth and men being dominant. Finally, Lord God expels man from the Garden of Eden and cuts it off forever.

The Vestibule

Once the cave has been entered, This is the foyer or ante-room of hell. Here, the indifferent are punished. Because they could not pick a side in life and only did things that benefited them, they are forever chasing a banner they can never reach. Additionally, they are chased by hornets, wasps that sting them over and over, causing pus and other gross stuff to accumulate beneath them. Worms and maggots (representing the sinners' moral filth) feast on this ooze. Pope Celestine V is located here. After Dante and Virgil pass through this area, Dante is overwhelmed by what he has experienced and faints.

5 Traits of an Epic Hero

1. A person of high social status or divine in someway. 2. Typically goes on quests for some sort of "elixir." 3. Tasks tend to be dangerous, superhuman deeds. Must prove he is worthy of the journey. 4. The setting is vast in scope and the journey is arduous. 5. The hero's actions reflect the values of his people.

The Call to Adventure

2nd step in the Hero's Journey. The hero is presented with some sort of problem or challenge. The hero can not remain in the Ordinary World after this. The stakes of the journey are also pointed out here.

Epic Simile

A comparison (often over more than one line) that compares something extraordinary to something ordinary.

Jason of the Argonauts

A famous character from Greek mythology located in Bolgia 1. He's here because of his seducing of a king's daughter in order to steal the Golden Fleece.

Epic Hero

A figure of high social status in a culture whose deeds represent the values of that culture.

The Abyss

A great waterfall that separates circles 7 and 8 in Dante's Hell.

Epic

A long, narrative poem that celebrates the adventures of a culture's hero.

Harrowing of Hell

A major event that appears several time within the Inferno, this event occurred after Jesus died on the cross. Jesus descended into Circle 1 and collected the heroes of the Old Testament and saved their soles. This event also sets off a massive earthquake, changing a little bit of Hell's geography.

Filipo Argenti

A personal enemy of Dante who is seen and ridiculed in Circle 5.

Paradox

A statement that seems to contradict itself yet contains a grain of truth

Allegory

A story that has two levels of meaning; a literal one and a symbolic one.

Return with Elixir

After all of the torment and turmoil, the hero finally reaches the last and 12th stage of the Hero's Journey. The hero finally returns to his Ordinary World and brings back whatever his "elixir" was with him.

Resurrection

After fighting through the Road Back, the hero comes upon the 11th stage of the Hero's Journey, where they are "born again". They have an energy giving or motivation restoring epiphany based of their new experiences.

The Reward

After the Supreme Ordeal, the hero finally finds the "elixir" in this 9th stage of the Hero's Journey. After staring death in the face, the hero finally is rewarded for his struggle.

Epithet

An adjective or brief adjectival phrase that renames or explains further the traits of a person or thing or event or place.

The Collective Unconscious

An analytical psychology term coined by Carl Jung, describing the portion of self that unknowingly controls one's behaviors and desires. All people share common archetypal beliefs. This theory states that all life forms with a nervous system are connected. Jung also states this can evolve and change. However, it is INHERITED and NOT developed. Jung developed his theory based on Sigmund Freud's work. This all explains why stories of different cultures are so similar.

Rebellious Angels

Angels who sided with Satan before he was thrown into Hell. They stand guard of Circle 6.

Myth

Anonymous, traditional stories that originate from oral traditions that explain a culture's customs

The Late Vedic Age

Between 1000 and 500 BC. Civil war caused many problems during this time. The Mahabharta and the Ramayana, India's most important epics, were produced during this time.

The Vedic Age

Between 1500 and 1000 BC was the age in which the Rig Veda was produced. It is the oldest and most important Veda. Composed during the Bharta war around 900 BC. The Rig Veda contains 1,028 hymns about Aryan life.

Gargoyle Cantos

Cantos 21 & 22. They are called this because of the crudeness within them.

Chiron and Nessus

Centaurs who guard Circle 7 Round 1.

Charon

Charon is the ferryman for the River Acheron

Legends

Oral stories passed down through the generations that are presented as fact but are most likely based on exaggerated truths.

Stereotypes

Oversimplification of a group of people or ideas based on one observation. These are generally flawed assumptions.

Paolo and Francesca

Paolo was married to Francesca's brother, a man injured and disfigured in war. Francesca and Paolo spent a lot of time together and developed feelings for each other. The two fell in love and began an affair, which eventually led to her husband, Paolo's brother, killing both of them.

Virgil

Dante's guide in The Inferno. He represents human reason, showing that man can only go so far without the help of God.

Beatrice

Dante's real life love interest. In La Commedia, she represents divine love. She also sends Virgil to act as Dante's guide during his journey through Hell.

The Monomyth Theory

Developed by American professor of Comparative Mythology Joseph Campbell, this theory states that there's no such thing as an "original story". This theory is based in part on Jung's work on the Collective Unconscious. The main point is that people ADOPT and ADAPT stories to fit their own cultures and beliefs.

Phlegyas

Ferryman of the River Styx and gatekeeper of Circle 5

Dante Alighieri

Florentine scholar who lived during the late 1200s and early 1300s. During his time, there was much corruption within the church. Alighieri was very passionate about about his Catholic beliefs, and this led to many effects on his writings. Additionally, Alighieri was eventually kicked out of his own of Florence because of a rival faction's treachery. These and many other things combined led Dante to write "La Commedia", or "The Divine Comedy" as it is known today. This is easily one of Alighieri's greatest works and is even considered the most important piece of literature of all time.

Geryon

Gatekeeper located at the very end of Circle 7. After Virgil drops Dante's rope belt over the cliff of the abyss, Geryon rises from the abyss. He will fly the poets down to Circle 8. Geryon is based on the legend of an ancient Spanish king who killed and robbed people in his kingdom. Alighieri creates his own version of Geryon: dragon body with hairy arms, a scorpion's tail, and the face of a just and honest man. His appearance symbolizes the sins of fraud and malice, the sins punished within the next 10 bolgias.

Plutus

Gatekeeper of Circle 4

Muthos

Greek for "myth"

Circle 3 - Gluttons

Here are the Gluttons, those who wallowed in their food and drink. Because they slobbered over food and only made waste in life, they are forever submerged in a heaping garbage dump, as well as having Cerberus, their gatekeeper, slobber all over them.

Circle 2 - The Carnal

Here are the Lustful, those who gave into their wants and desires. They are forever swept up in an eternal tempest that sweeps them away, just like their desires. While here, Dante meets with Paolo and Francesca, and their love story makes him writhe with pity. This causes Dante to faint yet again. Minos, the demon who assigns your place in Hell, is also here

Circle 7 Round 2 - Violent Against Themselves

Here are the Suicides, those who took their own lives. Because the destroyed their human forms, there are now encased in trees that are constantly scratched at by harpies. The souls can only speak when their blood is flowing from the clawing. Dante breaks off a trees limb while here and apologizes for it. The harpies are the demons here.

Circle 1 - Limbo

Here are the Virtuous Pagans, or those born before Christ's revelation. They are not punished, but they have no hope of salvation. This circle is home to The Citadel, which splits the inhabitants into 3 categories: Heroes and Heroines, Philosophers, and Naturalists. The greatest people of antiquity are here. This is the only circle of Hell where natural light is present.

Circle 5 - The Wrathful and Sullen

Here are the Wrathful and the Sullen, those who were ruled by anger or were permanently sulking. This circle is located in a foul marsh called Styx. Here, the wrathful wrestle each other in a pit of mud. The Sullen are submerged in the river itself, which is also referred to as the River of Hate. As bubbles pop on the surface of the water, you can hear the Sullen singing perverted hymns. Phlegyas is the gatekeeper her and ferryman of Styx. While they are crossing, Dante's living soul weighs the boat down, and the Sullen attempt to climb in the boat from the water. Filipo Argenti is found in this circle, and Dante wishes to see him punished more.

Circle 8 Bolgia 2 - Flatterers

Here are the flatterers, those who fooled others with their own "crap" in life. Because of this, they are forever sunk in excrement. There are no specific people noted here.

Circle 8 Bolgia 4 - Fortune Tellers and Diviners

Here are the fortune tellers and diviners, those who tried to predict the future. Because tried to see ahead in life, their heads are forever turned backwards, so they can never see ahead again. They distorted God's law. Amiphiareus is located here. Virgil scolds Dante for showing pity.

Circle 8 Bolgia 5 - Grafters

Here are the grafters, those guilty of embezzlement. Because these people worked in secrecy, they are forever hidden in a dark, tar like pitch. Malacoda and his gang of demons guard this Bolgia and claw at the sinners. Malacoda tells the Poets that the bridge to Bolgia 6 is broken so they have to follow him. The Poets are hesitant, and some interesting events ensue.

Circle 6 - The Heretics

Here are the heretics, those who did not believe in life after death. This circle lies within the walls of Dis, the capitol of Hell. Here, the Heretics are thrown into fiery tombs in a vast cemetery. When they approach this circle, Dante and Virgil are denied entry by the rebellious angles, the main gatekeepers of this circle, as well as Medusa and the Gorgons. Virgil sends up a prayer, and the Holy Messenger comes to to open the gate for them. Dante criticizes fellow poet Guido Cavalcanti while here.

Circle 4 - Hoarders and Wasters

Here are the hoarders and the wasters, those who lacked moderation by either collecting too much or wasting too much. The two groups now endlessly push huge boulders against each other, blaming the other group for being either a hoarder or a waster. Identities are unrecognizable here. During the time the Poets are in this circle, Holy Saturday begins. Plutus stands guard.

Circle 8 Bolgia 6 - Hypocrites

Here are the hypocrites, those who contradicted their own words in life. Because of these lies, they forever wear beautiful monk's robes, but the robes are actually made of heavy lead. Caiaphas is located here.

Circle 8 Bolgia 1 - Panderers and Seducers

Here are the panderers and seducers, those who played to others emotions to hurry others along in life. Since they hurried others along during their lives, they are forever whipped and lashed along a track by demons. Jason of the Argonauts is located here.

Circle 8 Bolgia 3 - Simoniacs

Here are the simoniacs, those who sold ecclesiastic favors and church offices. For their mockery of the church, these sinners are placed upside down in tubes designed as parodies of baptismal fonts. Because the flipped the function of the church, their feet are baptized by fire rather than water. Dante is quite harsh to the sinners here. Pope Nicholas III is located here.

Circle 7 Round 1 - Violent Against Neighbors

Here are the war-mongers, those who shed unneeded blood. They are submerged in Phlegethon, the River of Boiling Blood, according to the amount of blood they shed. Alexander the Great and Attila the Hun are here. Also, shattered rock lay all around these areas, a reminder of the Harrowing of Hell. Two centaurs, Chiron and Nessus, guard this circle.

Comparing Two Versions of Genesis' Creation Story

In Genesis 2, Lord God is much more personal with his creations. He's described as an actual being rather than just a spirit. Lord God physically does things rather than things just happening. Lord God is also shown to be emotional, showing things like compassion and anger, while God in the first version never really interacted with man. Version 1 is also much more formal and chant like. Version 1 seems to be more worship based.

Refusal of the Call

In this 3rd step of the Hero's Journey, the hero temporarily backs down from the challenge or task. The main reason? Fear! He can not muster the courage to continue.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies

In this 6th stage of the Hero's Journey, the hero will naturally encounter fierce challenges and tests, make allies and enemies with new characters, and will learn the ways of the Special World.

Cerberus

The 3-headed dog from Greek mythology that guards the 3rd circle of Hell.

Crossing the First Threshold

The 5th stage of the Hero's Journey. Here, the hero finally commits to their journey and crosses into the Special World. There's no turning back from here.

Outcastes or Untouchables

These people weren't a real caste because they were considered to be sub par people. They considered unclean, so most people would not associate with them. They were required to wear bells around their necks.

The 5 Archetypal Patterns

1. Situations 2. Characters 3. Images 4. Colors 5. Themes

Circle 8 Bolgia 7 - Thieves

Here are the thieves, those who stole in life. Because of their sins, they are

Circle 7 Round 3 - Violent Against God, Nature, and Art

Here, the blasphemers, sodomites, and usurers are punished. The blasphemers, those violent against God and his name, are forever stretched out face up on the burning sand. The Sodomites, who were violent against nature by being homosexuals, forever run in circles on the scorching sand. The Usurers, those violent against art by charging interest and thereby making money off money and not their own industry, are huddled together on the sand with coin purses around their neck that permanently weigh them down. The sand and fiery rain symbolize the unnaturalness of their sins. Capaneus, a blasphemer, and Brunetto Latini, a sodomite and Dante's teacher, are located here. At the end of this circle, the poets find a massive waterfall, which hinders their journey to the next circle.

Harpies

Part bird part women creatures that guard Circle 7 Round 2.

Brahmans

The highest Indian social caste. Were said to have sprang from Purusha's mouth. This caste was associated with the color white.

Heroic Literature

Records or stories that celebrate the good deeds of heroes and heroines. These stories have been around since 2500 BC with The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Leopard

Represents sins of malice and fraud. These sins are within Circles 8 and 9. The leopard representing these sins is slightly more symbolic than the other two animals because Dante implies that the people in these circles can "never change their spots".

Lion

Represents sins of violence and ambition. These sins are in Circles 6 and 7.

She-Wolf

Represents the sins of incontinence -- the wants, needs, desires, and passions that people tend not to be able to control. Dante is most afraid of this group of sins. These sins are within Circles 2-5.

Guido Cavalcanti

Rival poet of Dante's in Circle 6.

Vedas

Sacred Aryan scriptures that laid the basis for Hinduism. There are 4 Vedas.

Folk Tales

Secular stories created by the common people for mainly entertainment purposes. The main characters were often everyday people, but magic was also involved.

Sacred Verses

Songs or chants that express religious beliefs.

Genesis Version 1

Starts with darkness and deep, dark water. The Spirit of God is over the water. It begins "let their be light", and there was. God separates the waters from the sky on the second day. Water above is called firmament. God calls for dry land on day 3. God creates the sun, moon, and stars to rule the day and night. On the 5th day, he creates fish to rule the sea and fowl to rule the land. Tells them to be fruitful. On day 6, God creates man and woman in his own image and tells them to multiply. He states that they rule this dominion. He rests on the 7th day.

Modern Myths

Stories about a specific person's life, generally admiring the person's specific skills.

Approach to the Inmost Cave

The 7th stage of the Hero's Journey. Here, the hero has approached a very dangerous place near the "elixir". This tends to be the villain's main headquarters. The hero must hatch a plan to outwit the villain.

The Supreme Ordeal

The 8th stage of the Hero's Journey is the climax of any story. Here, the hero is finally faced with his main challenge and must use everything he has learned to combat it. This moment is often suspenseful and grim, and the reader doesn't know the fate of the hero. The reader can almost feel the hero's emotions during this hard moment.

"Creation Hymn"

The Hindu creation story. This hymn is cryptic and mystic. It raises questions more than gives answers. It is open to interpretation and deep ponderance. many things to interpretation and creates many paradoxes. This story greatly relates to its Hindu beliefs.

Karma

The belief that good and bad deeds in one's lifetime accumulate and impact what happens to the person in his or her next life. This is a main belief of Hinduism.

"How the World was Created With a Drop of Milk"

The creation story for the Fulani tribe of Northern Africa. These people were nomadic and lived primarily off of cows. In this creation story, the creation of man is focused on 5 elements; stone, iron, fire, water, and air. This relates to many other creation stories. Additionally, this story attempt to show that man will always do wrong, but gods can always veto them.

Acheron

The first river of Hell, located between the Vestibule and Circle 1. This river, also known as the River of Woe, is symbolic of finally passing into Hell's fury.

The Road Back

The hero isn't out of the woods yet in the 10th stage of the Hero's Journey. The hero must now confront the dark forces of the Special World again, but now they want revenge. The big villain may also come back for another attempt. The decision to return to the Ordinary World is made here.

Caiaphas

The high priest of the Jews who convinced the Romans to crucify Jesus. Because of this, he is forever crucified to the floor of the Bolgia. Every soul in this Bolgia must walk on top of him to enter.

Shudras

The last real caste, these servants and menial laborers were said to spring from Purusha's feet. These people wore the color black. The caste also include the conquered indigenous people.

Malacoda

The leader of the Bolgia 5 quasi military. He's crude and rude. He lied to the Poets about the bridge to Bolgia 6 being broken.

Kshatriyas

The second highest caste. These warriors were said to spring from Purusha's arms. They wore the color red. These people commanded much respect.

Vaishyas

The third Caste in the Indian Caste System, these farmers, merchants, and tradespeople were said to spring from Purusha's thighs. They wore the color yellow.

Sumerians

This civilization is considered to be the birthplace of civilization, starting around 5000-3500 BC. They lived in what is now Iraq in an area called the Fertile Crescent.

Minos

This demon stands as the gatekeeper for Circle 2. He is also the one who assigns all souls their placement in Hell. He does this by wrapping his tail around himself a specific number of times, which tells the sinner which circle to report to.

The Ordinary World

This is the 1st step in the Hero's Journey.The hero leaves his home to enter a "special word". He may feel out of place. This setting provides contrast to the events that will occur later.

Pope Nicholas III

This pope is credited with starting a long line of corruption in the church that would personally affect Dante Alighieri personally. Boniface VIII and Clement V came from Nicholas' corruption.

Elohim Writer

This version 1 writer describes God as an architect type, one who builds all things. This writer structures things day to day and uses eloquent poetry.

Yahweh Writer

This writer sees Lord God as a moral, social, compassionate creator. Lord God shows emotions in Version 2. Contains pourquoi stories.

Priestly Writer

This writer was mainly concerned with keeping the Sabbath. Contains many laws and rules.

Deuterocanical Writer

This writer was mostly concerned with history and is credited for putting the stories in chronological order.

Functions of Myths

To explain natural phenomenon (thunder, lightning, the sun, earthquakes, etc.).

Functions of Myths

To explain the "human condition" (questions like the meaning of life, death, sickness, disease, etc.).

Functions of Myths

To explain the creation of the world and the universe

Functions of Myths

To explain the meaning behind religious rituals and beliefs

Functions of Myths

To explain the nature of gods and goddesses and their social statuses.

Functions of Myths

To teach moral lessons

Archetypes

Universal patterns of behavior; a prototype upon which all others emanate.