Classical Mythology Exam 1 Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, characters, and themes from Unit 1 (Introduction to Mythology) and Unit 2 (Creation Stories and the Organization of the Universe) of the Classical Mythology lecture notes, structured as question-and-answer pairs for exam preparation.

According to Bascom's restrictive definition, what are the characteristics of a myth?

Non-human characters, non-specific time of events, and a sacred approach by the audience.

How does Cupitt define myth in a restrictive sense?

Traditional stories.

What are the three points of Doty's inclusive definition of myth?

Meaning, content, and function.

What keywords are associated with an inclusive definition of 'Myth'?

Traditional and meaningful.

What does 'Classical' in 'Classical Mythology' refer to?

The ancient Greek and Roman periods regarding their culture, literature, and art.

Who was Hesiod, and what were his two main poetic works?

A poet from the 700s BCE, known for Theogony and Works and Days.

What is the etymological meaning of 'theogony' and 'cosmogony'?

Theogony is about the generation/birth of the gods, and cosmogony tells about the creation of an orderly universe.

What are etiological myths?

Traditional and meaningful stories that explain the origin or cause of something in the world.

Provide an example of an etiological myth related to Greek customs.

The myth of Zeus being tricked by Prometheus at Mecone explains the origin of the Greek custom of burning bones for their gods during sacrifices.

Where were versions of Greek myths circulating beyond mainland Greece?

Southern Italy (Magna Graecia), Alexandria (Egypt), and later within the borders of the Roman Empire.

Who was the first elemental being to come into existence in Hesiod's Theogony?

Chaos, described as a gap.

After Chaos, which three primordial beings came into being?

Gaia (Earth), Tartaros, and Eros.

What beings did Gaia generate alone?

Ouranos (Sky), Pontos (Sea), and the Mountains.

What major event led to the birth of Aphrodite and the Furies?

The castration of Ouranos by Cronos.

How did Rheia trick Cronos to save Zeus?

She gave Cronos a rock wrapped in swaddling clothes to swallow instead of baby Zeus.

According to Hesiod, how is Gaia often portrayed?

As clever and a trickster, as seen in her plan to punish Ouranos by having him castrated.

How is Cronos often described in Hesiod's Theogony?

As 'the poor fool,' demonstrating his lack of cleverness when tricked by Rheia.

What does 'anthropomorphism' refer to in the context of gods?

The portrayal of gods in human-like ways, resembling humans in their appearance, actions, and behaviors; for example, Gaia as a mother and wife.

What was Prometheus' trick at the feast in Mecone?

He tricked Zeus into choosing white bones rather than meat, intended for men's sacrifices.

Why was Pandora created as a punishment for men?

Zeus was upset that Prometheus had outfoxed him by giving fire back to men after Zeus had taken it away as a first punishment.

What is the meaning of Pandora's name?

All gifts, because each god contributed a gift when she was created.

What remained inside Pandora's jar after all other evils escaped into the world?

Hope.

What are the Five Ages of Man in Hesiod's myth?

Golden, Silver, Bronze, Heroes, and Iron.

What theme does Pandora and the portrayal of women in Hesiod reflect?

Misogynistic views, portraying women as a necessary evil and responsible for spreading evils in the world.

Who is 'Cronion' an epithet for?

Zeus.