Greek & Roman Mythology and General Concepts of Myth

These flashcards review the major Greek and Roman deities listed in the notes along with their symbols and domains, and summarize key definitions, characteristics, elements, purposes, and cultural importance of mythology.

Who is the king of the gods in Greek mythology and what is his Roman name?

Zeus, known to the Romans as Jupiter.

Which weapon is most closely associated with Zeus/Jupiter?

The thunderbolt (lightning).

Who is the queen of the gods and guardian of marriage, and what is her Roman counterpart?

Hera; her Roman name is Juno.

Which goddess is said to punish liars and those who break oaths?

Hera/Juno.

Who is the Greek god of the sea and earthquakes, and what is his Roman name?

Poseidon, called Neptune by the Romans.

What animal is the main symbol of Poseidon/Neptune?

The horse.

Who rules the underworld in Greek mythology, and what is his Roman name?

Hades; the Romans called him Pluto.

Which god is associated chiefly with war and is symbolized by a vulture?

Ares (Greek) or Mars (Roman).

Who is the Greek and Roman god of prophecy, light, the sun, music, poetry, plague, and healing?

Apollo (name is the same in Greek and Roman mythology).

Name two animals that symbolize Apollo.

The dolphin and the crow (or raven).

Which goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and craft is symbolized by an owl, and what is her Roman name?

Athena; the Romans called her Minerva.

Who is the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the moon, and what is her Roman name?

Artemis; her Roman name is Diana.

Who is the crippled god of fire and blacksmithing for the gods, and what is his Roman counterpart?

Hephaestus; in Roman mythology he is Vulcan.

Which deity serves as the messenger of the gods and is also linked to travel, commerce, science, thievery, and trickery?

Hermes (Greek) or Mercury (Roman).

Who is the goddess of beauty and love whose symbol is the dove, and what is her Roman name?

Aphrodite; Romans called her Venus.

Which goddess of the hearth and home (sacred fire) is a sister of Zeus/Jupiter, and what is her Roman name?

Hestia; the Romans called her Vesta.

What literary genre focuses on stories about gods, goddesses, supernatural beings, and phenomena that a culture uses to explain the world?

Mythology.

State one primary function of mythology related to natural phenomena.

To explain mysteries of the world such as the origins of the sun, moon, stars, rain, fire, earthquakes, and more.

How does mythology help a society understand its own beginnings?

It provides explanations for the origin of humans, their behaviors, and cultural practices.

Name one moral purpose of myths.

To give lessons or guidance on proper behavior (ethics, values).

Which characteristic of myth involves characters with control over nature or human fate?

Presence of powerful gods and goddesses.

Give an example of magical or supernatural elements typically found in myths.

Creatures like tikbalang, diwata, or giants; spells and miracles.

How do myths preserve the history and beliefs of ancient peoples?

They embed cultural traditions, religious rituals, and societal values within narrative form.

Identify one element of myth that often symbolizes ideas or emotions.

Symbolism—such as the sun representing light/knowledge or a serpent symbolizing temptation.

What are the usual settings (tagpuan) for mythological stories?

Heaven, underworld, forest, sea, or an alternate realm.

What common plot structure (banghay) appears in mythological narratives?

Conflicts, quests, trials, or displays of magical powers.

List the four main elements of a myth.

1. Tauhan (characters) 2. Tagpuan (setting) 3. Banghay (plot) 4. Simbolismo (symbolism).

In what way are myths considered ‘panrelihiyon’?

They are used in rituals or beliefs concerning deities, spirits, and natural forces.

Why are myths valuable to the arts such as poetry, drama, music, and film?

They provide foundational stories, themes, symbols, and archetypes that inspire artistic creation.

Which Greek god is Poseidon’s sibling and rules the heavens and weather?

Zeus/Jupiter.

Who are the two goddesses that are both sisters of Zeus/Jupiter and have domains over marriage and hearth?

Hera/Juno (marriage) and Hestia/Vesta (hearth).

Which Roman name corresponds to the Greek god Ares?

Mars.

What aspect of human life is Apollo also associated with besides music and prophecy that might seem contradictory?

Plague/disease (as well as healing).

According to myth characteristics, how are cultural fears, hopes, and dreams reflected?

Through the depiction of cosmic battles, heroic trials, and explanations of life’s mysteries when science was not yet developed.

Explain one reason myths are not considered mere ‘make-believe’ in their original context.

They embody genuine religious beliefs, rituals, and explanations accepted as truth by their culture.