CC 303 Exam 3 Short Answer
Give three examples of how Odysseus' actions reveal he is truly polytropos.
-He tells Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody," and doesn't kill him so that they can get out -He chooses the Scylla path instead of the Charybdis path in order to minimize his losses. -Returns home as a beggar so as to reveal who of Ithaca has been faithful to him
Give three examples of how xenia affects Odysseus' nostos (the return home).
-Polyphemus does not exhibit Xenia and traps Odysseus; Hurts his nostos because slows them down from getting home -The phaenacienas represent ideal greek xenia, they feed him, clothe him, and have a princesss that resembles a young version of his wife, help him get home -Nausikaa provided him with food, shelter, clean clothing, and advice. Aided in his nostos because helped him get home
Give some examples of how Greek story-patterns for quests differ from Campbell's monomyth?
1 - In Greek stories, the heroes face a tragedy when they arrive home or die an "unglamorous death". In Campbell's they receive "Master of Two Worlds"/ Restoration. Perseus has to give back the talismans, kills his grandfather, and doesn't want his own kingdom. 2 - In Greek stories, the hero has to be an Orphaned Son of Royalty/God. In Campbell's they don't have to be this. The hero can be a poor beggar that becomes a hero, but in greek heroes are part of royalty/demigods. 3- Greek myths don't usually depict women as heroes because in greek culture a woman's place is in the home. 4- During the monomyth there's usually allies and helpers, but there are typically no helpers for greek heroes. They can get items/help from the gods, but you don't usually see allies fighting alongside them. And in some cases theres a penalty for getting help like when one of herakles labors wasn't counted because he had help.
Three events that transpired during the fall of Troy that are expressed in the Sack of Ilion
1 - Royal family of Troy was murdered: Priam the king. All the males were killed, most females were awarded as wives to the Greeks heroes. 2 - The rape of Cassandra by Ajax in Athena's temple 3 - Polyxena was sacrifice by the Greeks because Achilles' ghost demands her.
Give three events that led to the Trojan war which are expressed in the Cypria.
1 - Wedding of Peleus and Thetis 2 - Paris judges the beauty of the goddesses and gets to marry Helen, the wife of King Meleanus. (Abduction of Helen) 3 - Zeus and Themis' plan to start the Trojan war
Give three examples of how Herakles labors/parerga unintentionally benefit humankind.
1) He defeats the river god archelous to win dianara, he rips the gods horn creating the horn of plenty that represents his taming of the river • The Caucasian Eagles - associated with Prometheus, frees Prometheus by killing the eagle that eats at Prometheus' liver • Auge - he rapes her, allows people to claim descendant status
Give three examples of how excess/extreme behavior is characteristic of Herakles.
1)Rage - killed lyre teacher, Linos, after discipline, and murdered his children in a fit of rage 2)He slept with Thespius 50 daughters 3)His labors take him further and further away from the greek world and cause him to be worshipped in place of local deitie
What kinds of people are the Greeks referring to when they use the term heros (hero)?
According to Buxton, Greeks use the term "Heroes" to label men who embody certain Greek traditions and characteristics. 1) Typically, these men go through a hero test-quest, a series of events that follow the hero cycle (perseus killing the gorgon). That sets them apart from normal men and makes them into someone worthy of being offered sacrifices after death. Usually in local hero cults like the shrine to perseus. 2)They also existed during a certain time frame and were considered a godly race (hemitheoi) according to Hesiod. 3)They were demigods, usually had a miraculous birth, often having a god as a father and a mortal mother (perseus was the son of zeus). The half-god part is important because it sets them apart from being a normal man, but they still have a connection to humanity. 4)Usually have a tragic outcome after their success. It can be seen as a way to balance the excess that comes from being a hero. Herakles was a great hero but he still suffered a gruesome end. 5)Not necessarily of good moral character. Their goal is not to save the world or make it a better place. Herakles kills/rapes several people and he is still considered a hero because he proved himself through his actions.
What does the Invocations to the muses reveal about Homer's Achilles and the trojan war
Achilles' anger is pivotal to understanding the story of the Iliad. The trojans get the upper hand because Achilles prays to his mother since he is angry at Agamemnon for taking his prize/time/wife and therefore dishonoring him. His anger towards Patroclus' death leads him to go back into the war and kill Hector. Achilles anger makes him not want to bury Hector's dead body and drags it around. The Invocation to the Muses reveals the programmatic feature of Achilles and the Trojan war, rage. Apollo is the "source of rage" beginning the war and all of Achilles actions are spurred by anger/rage, such as when he goes after Hector.
Give three differences between Achilles' and Diomedes' attacks on the Trojans in Books 5-6 -and 20-22 of the Iliad.
Achilles' aristeia differs from that of Diomedes in their motivation and association with the gods. Achilles unlike Diomedes is not driven by time and kleos, although he recognizes that he will gather them with battle excellence, instead he is driven by anger and rage. Achilles' returns to war to avenge his brother in arms Patrocolus. Also, although like Diomedes the goddess Athena is on Achilles side, she id not empowering Achilles. Achilles does not lose in his one-on-one battles due to his battle prowess not enhanced strength at the hand of gods.
What does the story of Acrisius' fate reveal about the role of fate in Greek myths about heroes?
Acrisius sent perseus away to protect himself from the prophecy, Perseus still kills him. This shows that no matter what you do, you cannot escape fate in Greek myth, it is hard and steadfast.
Why is Herakles an attractive figure for Alexander to link himself to?
Alexander had accomplished many great deeds and since he was a descendant of Herakles, he felt that the Macedonians would be more just in giving their own king divine honors and that since they would honor him when he was dead, they might as well honor Alexander while he is still alive. Finds it attractive to link himself to Herakles because all Alexander wants is to be regarded as a god and that comes with having shrines, sacred areas, sacrifices, hymns sung to them, and honored with obedience. Herakles can take on many different purposes because of his different attributes. He is an attractive figure for Alexander the Great to link himself to because he embodies a strong ruler. He conquers his enemies as seen through his twelve labors, and he is also both man and god as seen through his apotheosis. He is also clever as expressed through his wit, like when he tricks Atlas into getting the apples for him. Just by him being classified as a hero, there are certain characteristics that automatically make him powerful and significant, things that people like Alexander the Great seek to be.
What type of danger do Amazons represent to the Greek heroic world?
Amazons represent to the Greek heroic world the danger of what would come if women ran the world, physically and politically dominant through a matriarchy.
How does Andron illustrate that Herakles is a bringer of culture?
Andron illustrates that Herakles is a bringer of culture by explaining the Greek cremation custom through Herakles actions taken to bring the body of Licymnios back to his father Argeois following his death on their expedition to Illion.
Give some examples of the heroic ideals as revealed in Diomedes aristeia book 5-6
Aristeia (Excellence): A hero's climax. A duel between heroes where there is a winner and a loser. Example here the duel between Achilles and Hector where Achilles slayed Hector gloriously (and brutally). Time (Honor): Achilles considered going home and not fight at Troy anymore to live an easy life because he was dishonored. He changed his mind to stay at Troy to avenge for his best friend's death. Patroclus, killed by Hector. Kleos (Fame): when Achilles defeated Hector, the greatest Trojan warrior, he established himself as a greater hero. This led to the further greatness of his Kleos.
What type of danger does Atalanta represent to the Greek heroic world?
Atalanta represents the danger to the Greek heroic world of a woman who is equal to men in strength. Atalanta could not be physically overcome but instead had to be conquered over her mental folly.
What does book 1 reveal about the greek gods and the Trojan War
Athena holding back achilles from killing agamemnon Zeus starting the war Without the intervention of Apollo, Paris wouldn't have been able to kill Achilles, and the hero of the Greeks wouldn't have died. Athena was the God who made Hector fight Achilles, who eventually helped Achilles kill Hector.
Give three examples of how Atalanta is similar to other male Greek heroes.
Atlanta is orphaned as a child (because her father did not want any female children) • Physically similar to male heroes (large, strong woman) • Defeats centaurs (when they try to rape her)
How is Hippolyte subdued by Herakles?
Because Hippolyte runs free and wild, untamed by man, Herakles must "go after her belt," as in take her virginity, in order to tame her. The belt is symbolic for sexual dominance. Following Hera's trickery, Herakles kills Hippolyte and takes her war belt (that of Ares given to her), a symbol of power and dominance.
Give three examples of Medea transgressing the boundaries of what would be typical of a Greek woman.
Betrays her father: leaves him for Jason and aids Jason with her magic in retrieving the golden fleece • Disrupts her home: kills her children with Jason • Kills own blood: murders her brother and throws pieces of his body overboard
Give three examples of how females pose a threat to Odysseus' return to Ithaca.
Circe turns Odysseus' crew into pigs, keeping them from continuing on in the journey. Scylla also snatches his men. Then Calypso's paradise is so nice that Odysseus doesn't want to leave, but he does. The Sirens are half woman and their singing tries to prevent Odysseus and his men from returning.
What "talismans" does Perseus receive to complete his quest?
He receives a sack to hold the gorgons head, Herme's winged sandals, Hades' cap if invisibility, adamantine scythe, and in some accounts he also receives a shield and a mirror
How does Jason overcome Aietes' treachery?
He receives help from Medea, who has fallen in love with Jason. Basically, Medea tells him everything to do, and still does it all for him. Later on when Aietes is chasing them as they escape, they avoid him because Medea kills her brother and chops him up, and Aietes stops to pick up the pieces. With the aid of Medea he steals the golden fleece to overcome Aietes' treachery.
How is Jason similar to other Greek heroes?
He takes part is a far away quest facing trials, like the bulls and serpent, faces adversity returning home, like the giant Talos, like the Gorgons for Pereus, faced suffering in the end, having his kids killed, like the death of Perseus's grandfather faced temptation, the Lemnians, like Circe in the Odyssey. Trgaedy after his quest with the death of his children, his exile, and his tragic death
Give three examples of how women function as catalysts for Heracles actions
Hera sends snakes to his cradle as a child and he strangles them, revealing his demigod status • Megara- He is driven mad and is forced to seek purification at a shrine after murdeing his offspring and that leads him to the labors • Omphale- had to serve her as a slave in order to purify himself
How is Atalanta subdued by Melanion or Hippomenes?
Hippomenes must compete with her in a race. He subdues her by throwing Aphrodite's golden apples at her, symbolic for the Greek idea that girls were easily distracted by shiny objects, gold, and jewels.
Give three examples of how Odysseus' men hinder his nostos.
His crew opens his bag of winds from Aeolus. His men get distracted on the isle of the Lotus Eaters. Eating the lotus will make you forget your nostos. The men eat Helio's cattle on the Isle of Helios which causes Zeus to get mad and destroy all but one ship
How does the ambiguity of Theseus' birth helpful to create an Athenian hero-king?
If his father is Aegeus, then he belongs to the lineage of kings and if he is Poseidon's son, then he is a demigod. Athens is a strong sea power and poseidon is the god of the sea. The uncertainty is beneficial because both attributes are beneficial to a king of athens.
How is Homer's description of Scylla different than the images of Scylla found in the Classical Greek world?
In Homer's description of Scylla she is a monster of excess with 3 rows of teeth, 6 heads and 12 feet. While in Classical Greek depiction, Scylla is said to be composed of a naked female torso, canine foreparts and a fishtail.
Give two examples of how the reception of the Perseus' myth changes the meaning of his heroic narrative.
In the classical telling, the main purpose of perseus story if the slaying of the gorgon, and the rescue of andromeda is secondary. It can also be seen as his prize for succesfully defeating the monster, but in more modern retelling will shift the the focus to the rescue of andromeda. He is slaying the monster for the princess. This can due to a modern changes to heroic qualities. The christian interpretation can change the myth so it fits a monotheisthic narrative where perseus represents jesus, Andromeda represents the church, and the Cetops is satan.
1. What is the golden fleece? Why is it important?
It was the fleece of a magical, flying ram, it is important as the ram attempted to save two innocent children, Helle, who fell into the water, and Phrixos who survived, he was then made holy by being sacrificed to the gods, with the Fleece remaining and it was the goal of Jason's quest represents the right to rule
What are some of the tragedies Jason experienced after his quest?
Jason loses his three children and the princess of Corinth who he fell in love with because Medea killed them. Jason and Medea were kicked out of Iolcos, Medea killed Jason's sons and his new wife after he divorced her, and he died from a piece of wood hitting him (not a glorious death)
What type of danger does Medea represent to the Greek heroic world?
Medea represents the danger of foreigners and women of equal wit to men to the Greek heroic world. She is helpful when Jason is trying to retrieve the golden fleece, but upon her their return home Medea's uncivilized wild nature is reviled in her destructive trickery that leads to both Medea and Jason's exile.
How was Medea a source of success and difficulty to Jason's quest?
Medea was a huge source of success because she was the only reason why Jason was able to get the Golden Fleece and escape from Aietes. She also defeats Talos and kills Pelias for Jason. She was difficult because when Jason gets another wife, she is upset and kills their children in order to punish him and his wife.
How is the term monomyth used in comparative mythology, particularly by Joseph Campbell?
Monomyth as defined by Joseph Campbell is a common structure that depicts several stages that heroes go through, and the same pattern can be seen across different ages/cultures. 1 - Begins with departure- accepting the call to adventure/ the "ordinary world" 2 - Initiation- victory is won (includes entering unknown, receiving aid and helpers) 3- Return- brought back to normal state, reward + sacrifice The term "Monomyth" can be used to explain the journey of any hero, in ancient mythology or in today's media.
How is Jason different from other Greek heroes?
Most Greek heros fought alone, but Jason had all of the Argonaughts, didn't want to leave the Lemnains and return to his quest, Medea did most of the hard work for him, like render him invunerable to the bulls and when she made the serpent guarding the Fleece sleep Jason is different from other Greek heroes in that he was not a demigod and he acted indirectly on his Heroic quest - Jason's Argonauts (and Medea) directly defeated the obstacles and Jason led them.
Give three examples of how the returns of the Achaeans were different from each other.
Odysseus embarked back to Ithaca on sea and his men wander for years and must face many challenges before they arrive home. Agamemnon got murdered by his wife once he arrived. Nestor, who doesn't participate in the looting, raping, and destroying when Troy falls, was the only hero who made it back safe and fast.
How does the story of Oedipus figure into the Theban Cycle?
Oedipus starts the Theban Cycle. Oedipus is fated to kill his father and marry his mother; when he hears his prophecy he attempts to out-run fate. Consequently, the actions he takes lead to fulfilment of prophecy. His sons mistreat him for fulfilling prophecy so Oedipus curses his sons
How do the unique abilities of the Argonauts fit into Jason's success on his quest?
Orpheus (power of song) - defeat the sirens with his music Herakles (brute force and duty) - reminds the men of the quest when facing the Lemnian women Kastor and Polydeuces (riding horses and boxing) - beats immortal Amycus Zetes and Calais (sons of the North Wind, have wings -> speed) - save phineus from the Harpies, he in turn provides quest advice
How does Medea's gender affect her choices in Greek myth?
Ovid portrays Medea as acting because of her love for Jason. She betrays her father in order to be with Jason and uses her magic to help Jason complete his quest so that they can return to his home together. Also, she kills Jason's kids and lover because she is distressed by their separation.
What are the results of Perseus' quest? What rewards does this quest bring to him and his home?
Perseus gains the head of the gorgon and is able to use it to turn polydectus to stone, and save his mother. He also saves andromeda and takes her as his wife. But he doesn't get to keep the gorgons head or the talismans, and he also ends up fulfilling the prophecy and killing his grandfather. He also doesn't want to own kingdom and establishes Dicty's as king.
Give three examples of the myths of Theseus, which cast a negative light on Crete.
Phaedra lies about being assaulted by Hippolytos Minos did not keep his oath to Poseidon Minos demands young innocent athenians to be fed to his minotaur
How do the myths surrounding Theseus make him a decidedly Athenian political figure?
Plutarch talks about how Theseus brought the city states together and established democracy which would make him a decidedly Athenian leader. Also his birth with the association with Poseidon and the sea makes him a justified leader for Athens the sea power. Also Theseus' labors involved conquering uncivilized people around Athens in a justified manner so that would make him a respectable and justified leader.
What features makes Scylla a mischwesen?
Scylla is a mischwesen because she has the parts of a female torso, dog fore-parts, and a fishtail.
How are the arms related to the hero in Book 19?
The arms are related to the hero as they establish time when taken by the battle winner. Armor is the identification of the man who wears it and the level of time established with armor is not identified by the material but by the quality of the warrior who wears it.
List at least three things that led to the war on Thebes
The curse of oedipus on his sons The curse that cadmus brings when he killed Ares favorite serpent The brothers different priorities on oikos and polis The curse that hephaestus placed on harmonia's necklace and polynesus used it to bride the seven to attack
What do the descriptions of the monoceratus, mantikhoras (manticore), and cynocephali reveal the origins of these legendary creatures and tribes of men?
The descriptions of the monoceratus, manikhoras, and cynocephali reveal that they come from poor understanding of foreign animals such as rhinoceros, lion, and baboons respectively. These animals are from far off lands such as India and Africa that the Greeks know of but do not understand.
What do Alcmaion and the Epigonoi reveal about the effects of 'civil war'?
The epigonoi seek revege against the attackers and almaion must kill his mother because she received the cursed necklace of harmonia
What Greek heroic ideals affect Hector's actions in Book 6? How?
The heroic ideals of time and kleos affect Hector's actions in book 6. Hector knows that if he returns to battle he will die and his wife will become a serf, but if he stays his glory will be lost. With the loss of his glory, his name loses its power is gracing and causing his family to in turn lose glory and honor.
Give three events that signify the importance of Achilles to the Trojan War that are expressed in the Aithiopis.
The war turned sour for the Greeks when he withdrew, even leading to the death of his closest friend Patroclus He defeated Hector, Trojan's most significant hero. His armor -> even when he died, whatever remaining of him is still important. Achilles kills Cycnos son of Poseidon and routs the Trojans Achilles allows Patroklos to go into battle wearing his armor Three events that signify the importance of Achilles to the Trojan Wat that are expressed in the Aithiopis are his slaying of Penethesileia and Memnon, as well as, his death coming about only at the guide of the gods.
Give three examples of how the acts of Theseus are similar to Herakles' labors and parerga.
Theseus goes through labors like Herakles where he is conquering wild creatures such as the crommoyn sow with theseus and Herakles and the erymanthian boar. Both conquer animals in crete such as Herakles and the cretean bull and theseus and the minotaur. Also both of their parerga involve bringing civilization to uncivilized people/things such as theseus and the centauromachy taming the centaurs and as seen in Herakles the river god of archelous to tame the river for agriculture.
How does the manner in which Theseus kills the malefactors on his journey to Athens differ from Herakles' characteristic behavior?
Theseus kills the malefactors in a very calculated way tying their deaths to their sins. He kills them in the same way that they would have killed him. It is a much more controlled approach compared to herakles rage
5. Explains why sexual transgression, cannibalism, and the murder of family members should be grouped together?
They should be grouped together because the family is viewed as a unit, one body. So, when a family member performs sexual transgression, cannibalism, or the murder of the family they are acting against the body. These transgressions place pressure on familial bonds and are destructive not only to those directly involved but the entire body/family.
Give three characteristics of epic poetry.
Three characteristics of epic poetry include dactilyic hexameter, originated from oral tradition retelling of a major event, often performed with an instrument such as a lyre.
Give three events that led to the fall of Troy that are expressed in the Little Iliad.
Three events that led to the fall of Troy that are expressed in the Little Illiad are the retrieval of the bow with poison arrows, Neoptolemus joins the effort, and retrieval of the palladium.
Give three events that mark the end of the Iliad?
Three events that mark the end of the Iliad are Achilles defeat of Hector and consequent dragging of Hector's corpse, Priam pleads for the return of his son's body evoking thoughts of Achilles' father being in the same position, and at last the proper burial of Hector.
What do the stories surrounding Antigone and Kreon reveal about the effects of 'civil war'?
civil war causes damage to your oikos Tyresias tells kreon he must kill his son, he refuses, but his son his killed anyways It could represent how war causes damage to your oikos by sacrificing your sons
3. Give two examples of how Buxton's theme "power" is evident in the House of Pelops
• Contending for power between Atreus and Thyestes • Eteokles and Polyneikes are fighting for control over Oedipus' legacy • Aegisthus' romance with Clytemnestra can be interpreted as his way of claiming the city of Mycenae as his.
Give three different examples of how Scylla's parentage are linked to her characteristics in respect to the sea.
• Crataeis - crags, she is a part of the shoreline - shipwreck danger • Phorcys and Cetos - combination of surface and sea monster, hybrid creature, dogs and fishtail • Lamia - shark, sea dogs -> dogs and her fishtail, also huntress
1. Give three different examples of bloodshed begetting more bloodshed in the "House of Pelops".
• Death of Agamenmon by Aigisthos lead to Orestes (Agamenmon's son) killing Aigisthos and his mother Clytemnestra to avenge his father • Pelop's killing of Oinomaos in the chariot race lead to Myrtilos cursing Pelops and his family • Artreus murdered and cooked Theystes' sons, lead to revenge in which Aeigisthus kills Artreus
Give three different reasons for why a dog is associated with Scylla.
• In the Odyssey she is said to yelp hideously (puppy/dog like) • In Classical art she is portrayed with a cluster of dog foreparts at her waist • The etymology of her name, skylax, has to do with dogs and sharks which are viewed as sea dogs
Give three examples of how Ovid's account of Scylla explains her character and form in myth?
• Is normal from the waist up as she was poisoned while bathing • Poisoned by Circe so it gives a reasoning for her to attack Odysseus and his men, as Odysseus was linked to Circe • She is of the sea because she was poisoned while bathing
4. Give two examples of cannibalism in the history of the House of Pelops.
• Tantalos cooks his son Pelops and feeds him to the gods • Aresteus cooks his nephews and feeds them to their father Theystes
2. Give three examples of how sexual transgression is a recurrent theme in the House of Pelops.
• Theystes raping Pelopia his daughter • Theystes sleeping with his brother's wife Airope to learn the secret of the golden lamb • Clytemnestra slept with Aigisthos (who killed Agamemnon's father Atreus) while Agamemnon was at troy
Give three different examples of how Scylla's form and actions represent Greek anxieties about women.
• Uncivilized & wild - untamed monster, she represents the anxiety of wild women in Greek society. In Antiquity, Greek women were supposed to be tamed by a man. • Voracious pathway - an opening to something else in how above the water she looks inviting (naked torso), but below the water she is dangerous (dogs), symbolic for a woman's genitalia. • Upset of power between man and woman because she is a female killing males, fisherwoman who eats men; women as destroyers/untamed
Give three examples of how Amazons transgress the boundaries of what would be typical of a Greek woman.
• Warriors- in the Amazon cities, young girls are trained to fight and be brave and courageous (also hunt) • Masculine appearance- wear short chiton (like men and Artemis) and cauterize right breast so that their spear/archery abilities are not hindered • Conquer and rule over others- conquer the areas around them, are politically important- queenship is passed down daughters
