Myth&Symbol - midterm review

Who said that Hesiod and Homer were the first to combine mythology into real stories?

Herodotus

Myth is NOT...

- a lie - anything spoken - a thing that floats around in space

Myth is...

- a story with a truth specific to some particular culture. - a story with a truth about something universal to all of humanity - a primitive form of thought - a story with a profound truth in it (bc talks about ppl & values) - a tall tale

Why is the Prometheus myth important?

It is important because Prometheus has been associated with humans as protector. There are two examples of him helping humans over gods: 1. bones 2. fire

Why is the Mycenaean age important in studying Greek mythology?

The Mycenaean age, aka "the age of heroes," was a time with good kings, values, and families. SO, it is important to study this time because it is the first origin of Greek society and the age that Hesiod & Homer romanticized in their work.

Who are the Titans?

The Titan's are Gaia and Uranus's offspring.

What did Hesiod sing and write in his texts?

The genealogy of the gods and the universe creation (chaos)

Who are Zeus's brothers and sisters?

They are the first generation of the Olympians. BROTHERS: Hades, Poseidon SISTERS: Hera, Hestia, Demeter

Why are the Muses important?

They know everything, as they are the daughters of Zeus. Furthermore, they are the bridge between humans and gods; Hesiod was the only one who used all of them.

"The versions of myth we see on contemporary television shows are not authentic."

This statement is false

Why does Zeus get mad at Prometheus according to Hesiod?

Zeus got mad at Prometheus because he betrayed his relatives for mankind (he gave bones to gods and meat to humans)

Hephaestus represents...

artisans and craftsmen

In what century did Hesiod and Homer live?

8th century (between 750-650 BCE)

Pandora is...

- The first woman created by Hephaestus on orders from Zeus. - She is a woman NOT a goddess - She is related to the fire that Prometheus stole to give humans, SO Zeus ordered her creation to punish men - Pandora's box was taken and opened by Prometheus's brother --> when opened, terrible things spread out & spread on Earth, but hope remained in the box

Why are we still reading Hesiod and Homer's work?

Because there are always new ways to interpret these stories. Also, they are interesting/enjoyable.

The scholar who developed this definition "Myth is a traditional tale with a secondary partial reference to something of collective importance." which we use in class as the most modern/accurate one is:

Burkert

Although there are many versions of myths, there is always one definitive version

False

What are the main differences between the Olympian Gods and human beings?

Gods are immortal (therefore powerful & in control) and humans are mortal.

"The versions of myth we see on contemporary television shows are not authentic." is FALSE because:

To measure any version of a myth, even TV shows, as not authentic (or as authentic) assumes that there is some one authentic, authorized version of these myths against which they succeed or fail, and there really isn't one.

Why were Hesiod and Homer famous?

Hesiod and Homer wrote down all of the myths (with the newly formed alphabet) and gave physical characteristics to gods. Therefore, they continued the oral tradition with writing.

This thinker re-introduces the Greek term "mythos" into modern European language. Up until then, terms from the Latin "fabula" were the most common way of referring to ancient tales.

Heyne

How was Aphrodite born? How is she described?

Aphrodite was born from the foam of Uranus's genitals and described as modest and beautiful. She is known for her sexuality and desire.

Theogony means ____________.

Genealogy of Gods (AND origin of universe)

"From the _______ of Helicon let us begin our singing..."

Muses

Who is the first woman created by Hephaestus?

Pandora

What is Pandora's story?

Pandora was handcrafted by Hephaestus from water and earth for the punishment of men. Zeus & his wife helped make her beautiful.

"The Myths a culture chooses to tell, have an influence in shaping the values of that culture."

Plato (he had a negative opinion of myths)

What is the analysis of Prometheus?

Prometheus can be seen as the "godfather" of humans. He is a very positive character, sneaky, intelligent, and stubborn.

Who are the parents of the mighty Zeus?

Rhea and Kronos

Who are the 2 most important Titans?

Rhea and Kronos because they are the beginning of Olympian gods.

Who is the Hero in Greek mythology?

The hero is always a male figure who connects both gods and humans, and MUST be related to a god.

Homer is a mysterious poet since we do not have any biographical information about him.

True

What is Zeus's relationship with his father?

Zeus hates Kronos because he swallowed his siblings, so he made him throw them up.

Why is Zeus different from Kronos?

Zeus is different from his father because he actually was able to maintain power and become the king without his offspring trying to overthrow him. BECAUSE Zeus had allies as he was honest, listened, kept promises, and moderated any issues (which is why he was able to win the war)

What is Zeus's story?

Zeus was born behind the waters because Rhea wanted to save him from being eaten by Kronos. Therefore, she went to her mother to hide her child and switched him with a rock.