Classical Mythology: The Hero

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Classical Mythology related to Greek heroes.

Hero

In ancient Greece, a term that can refer to a warrior, a person of the Heroic Race, or a recipient of hero cult based on divine lineage or extraordinary experience.

Vladimir Propp

A Russian folklorist who proposed that the heroic quest has a fixed structure composed of thirty-one motifemes.

Monomyth

A theory developed by Joseph Campbell suggesting that every hero’s journey follows a structure with three main stages: Separation, Initiation, and Return.

Heracles

The greatest hero of Greek mythology, known for completing the Twelve Labors.

Perseus

The first major hero of Greek mythology, famous for slaying Medusa.

Gorgon

Monsters in Greek mythology, including Medusa, known for having snakes for hair and the ability to turn people to stone.

Campbell's Monomyth

A three-stage structure that outlines the typical journey of a hero: Separation, Initiation, Return.

Achilles

A warrior in Greek mythology, one of the key figures in Homer's tales.

Acrisius

The grandfather of Perseus who is killed by him, fulfilling a prophecy.

Athena

The goddess who assists Perseus in his quest.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to one's downfall in Greek mythology, as seen in the story of Cassiopeia.

The Twelve Labors of Heracles

A series of feats that Heracles must complete as penance for killing his family.

Medea

A character in Greek mythology known for her intelligence and influence over Jason, leading to revenge after Jason's betrayal.

Jason

The hero known for leading the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece.

Iolcus

The city ruled by Pelias and the home base for Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece.

Theseus

A major Greek hero known for slaying the Minotaur.

Argonauts

The band of heroes who joined Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece.

Polydectes

The king of Seriphos who challenges Perseus to bring him the head of Medusa.

Augean Stables

The fifth labor of Heracles, involving cleaning the stables in a single day.

Seriphos

The island where Perseus and his mother Danaë wash ashore after being banished.

Eurystheus

The king of Tiryns who orders Heracles to complete the Twelve Labors.

Phaedra

The wife of Theseus and daughter of Minos.

Nemean Lion

A fierce beast that Heracles must kill as his first labor.

Cerynean Deer

A golden-horned deer that Heracles must capture in his third labor.

Stymphalian Birds

Creatures with bronze beaks that Heracles must defeat as part of his labors.

Achelous

A river god whom Heracles fights in a wrestling match to win Deianira.

Argonautica

The epic poem detailing Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece.

Zeus

The king of the Greek gods, father of Perseus and Heracles.

Alcmena

The mother of Heracles, involved in a complex birth narrative.

Hera

The queen of the gods who often opposes Heracles and other heroes.

Hercules

The Roman name for Heracles, the greatest hero of Greek mythology.

Pythia

The oracle at Delphi who instructs Heracles on how to serve Eurystheus.

Hubris of Cassiopeia

The pride that leads Cassiopeia to be punished by Poseidon.

The Labors of Heracles

Significant tasks performed by Heracles, showcasing his strength and heroism.

Lemnos

An island where Jason and the Argonauts have extended adventures.

Golden Fleece

A magical object that Jason seeks as part of his quest.

Colchis

The land where the Golden Fleece is kept, guarded by a serpent.