CLAS 2220 Module 2 - Heroes and Heroines

What is an ancient Greek heroine? Choose ALL statements that can fit the description.

- A descendant of divine/mortal union or daughter of a king. - Often faces a conflict between love and family. - Must make impossible decisions.

Perseus is usually associated with several ancient Greek cities. What are they? (Choose ALL possible answers)

- Argos - Mycenae

How does Deianira attempt to win back Herakles? Choose ALL correct answers.

- By praising the glory of his past deeds - By criticizing his romantic affairs. - By shaming him for his ruined reputation.

The François Vase depicts the following myths: ____________ (Choose ALL correct answers based on what I discussed in the videos for this week)

- Calydonian Boar Hunt - Theseus and Athenian youth returning from Crete

From the list below, choose ALL "official" wives of Heracles.

- goddess Hebe - mortal woman Megara - mortal woman Deianira

Perseus' image in ancient artistic media is very recognizable as he is often depicted with the following items (Choose ALL possible answers):

- petasos-hat - winged sandals - knapsack

What happens to Perseus and his mother Danaë after Perseus' birth was discovered by his grandfather Acrisius?

Acrisius sets Danaë and Perseus adrift at sea in a wooden chest.

Which scholar is responsible for the idea of a "fatal" or "tragic" flaw as part of the definition of a hero?

Aristotle

Ariadne and Theseus meet on the island of ______.

Crete

True or False: Deianira admits to intentionally poisoning Herakles in her letter.

False

In Bacchylides Ode 17, Theseus dives under water for an extended (superhuman) period of time. What does this prove about him?

He is a hero and son of Poseidon.

According to Apollodorus' Library and some other primary sources, why must Herakles complete labors for his cousin Eurystheus?

He is being punished for the murder of his own children.

What was Herakles' first accomplishment that demonstrated his superhuman strength and heroic abilities?

He slew two serpents sent by Hera to destroy him as an infant.

According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, why does Meleager kill his uncles?

He was enraged that they took the boar's trophies away from Atalanta and killed them outright.

Which god or goddess sent two snakes to kill baby Heracles?

Hera

Which Greek hero is connected to the descendants of Perseus?

Herakles/Hercules

Which character of modern fiction and film discussed in one of the videos for this week takes the role of a voluntary tribute, resembling Theseus?

Katniss Everdeen

What was the name of the new wife of King Aegeus and Theseus' evil stepmother who tried to destroy him but failed?

Medea

Which heroine helps her hero retrieve the Golden Fleece?

Medea

Pegasus, the winged horse, was born from __________ .

Medusa

According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, Medusa's hair was turned into snakes by __________ .

Minerva (Athena)

What name do the Greeks give to the culture that flourished on the island of Crete and throughout the Aegean in the mid-Bronze Age (ca. 2000-1500 BCE)?

Minoans

What is "epistolary poetry"?

Poetry in the form of letters.

How does Deianira respond to news of Herakles' poisoning?

She ends her own life.

Which Christian saint's narrative shares similarities with parts of Perseus' myth?

St. George

Which of the following does Ariadne NOT fear will happen to her? (i.e. she fears the other 3 things WILL happen to her)

Theseus will use magic against her.

True of False? The Minotaur may represent a pre-Greek Minoan myth or god.

True

True or False? "Monomyth" is the common template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure.

True

What object is tied by the Fates to the life of Meleager?

a log

Who is Herakles' mother?

a mortal woman, Alcmene

Which of the following can NOT be classified as a visual myth?

a poem

"Epinician" is ______________

a poem that commemorates athletic victory.

What object indicates the success or failure of Theseus' mission to Crete?

a white or black sail

After the death of Meleager, Artemis turns his mourners into ______________ .

birds

Fill in the blanks: Jason asks Medea to save _____ by using her _____.

his father ; herbs and magic

In Luis Alfaro's play Mojada, an adaptation of the story of Medea, Medea and Jason are ________ .

immigrants

In ancient Greece, the images of Medusa's head were considered apotropaic because...

people believed these images averted evil.

On Cervetery Vase, a visual myth for this week, Perseus fights Ketos with ________ .

stones

Herakles is often recognizable in visual arts because he wears a certain souvenir or trophy from his first labor - what is it?

the hide/skin of the Nemean Lion

The famous statue by L. Garbati "Medusa with the Head of Perseus" (2008) that stands at the New York Criminal Court, was inspired by __________ .

the statue of Perseus by Cellini