Mythology - Chpt. 7 - The Founding Olympians

Who are the six children of Kronos and Rhea?

Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, and Demeter.

How were the realms divided among Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades?

They drew lots to divide the realms: Zeus = the sky, Poseidon = the sea, and Hades = the Underworld. Olympus and Earth remained common ground.

What are Zeus's Roman names?

Jupiter and Jove.

What does the Indo-European root of Zeus's name, di-, mean?

Sky or shine.

What natural forces does Zeus control?

Clouds, thunder, and lightning.

What weapons does Zeus use that were forged by the Cyclopes?

Thunderbolts/lightning weapons.

Why is Zeus considered far-seeing?

Because he sits high in the sky and can watch everything from his mountain throne.

What animals is Zeus associated with?

The eagle and bull

What mountain near Troy is associated with Zeus?

Mount Ida.

Where was Zeus born?

Crete.

What sanctuary was dedicated to Zeus and his consort Dione?

Dodona.

What does it mean that Zeus is a Panhellenic god?

He was honored throughout the Greek world rather than being limited to one city or region.

What is the aegis?

A powerful goatskin object associated with Zeus, often depicted as a shield with snake-headed tassels and a Gorgon head.

Which goddess is often depicted wearing the aegis as a breastplate?

Athena.

What does Zeus's scepter symbolize?

His kingship and authority.

What goddess or concept is Zeus associated with as protector and enforcer?

Justice, or Dikê.

What important Greek cultural value does Zeus protect?

Xenia, the sacred relationship between guests and hosts.

Who is Zeus's wife and queen of the gods?

Hera.

Why is Zeus called the "Father of Gods and Men"?

Because he fathered numerous gods, heroes, and mortals.

Who is the child of Zeus and Metis (cleverness)?

Athena.

Who are the children of Zeus and Themis?

The three Horai (seasons) and the three Moirai (Fates).

What do the three Moirai control?

The thread of human life: one spins it, one measures it, and one cuts it.

Who are the children of Zeus and Eurynome, and what do they represent?

The three Graces, who embody the qualities that make women attractive.

Who are the children of Zeus and Mnemosyne (memory)?

The nine Muses.

Who is the child of Zeus and Dione in the Homeric tradition?

Aphrodite.

What are the two major traditions about Aphrodite's birth?

Homer says she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione, while Hesiod says she arose from sea foam.

Who is the child of Zeus and Demeter?

Persephone/Kore.

Who are the children of Zeus and Leto?

Artemis and Apollo.

What is Hera's Roman name?

Juno.

What is Hera the goddess of?

Marriage.

Why is Hera's domain of marriage ironic?

Her own marriage to Zeus is filled with conflict, infidelity, and betrayal.

What does the adjective "junoesque" mean?

A curvy or full-figured woman, based on artistic depictions of Hera.

Who are Hera's children?

Eileithyia (childbirth), Hebe (youth), Ares (violent war), and Hephaestus (smithing).

What animals are associated with Hera?

The cow and the peacock.

What city is especially associated with Hera?

Argos.

What does Hera's epithet "cow-eyed" or "cow-headed" refer to?

One of her traditional epithets, often associated with her mood or portrayal.

What does Hera's epithet "white-armed" suggest?

A more positive, attractive, or wifely portrayal of Hera.

How does Hera typically respond to Zeus's lovers and their children?

She often persecutes or punishes them.

What is Poseidon's Roman name?

Neptune.

What is Poseidon the god of?

The sea and earthquakes.

Who is Poseidon's wife?

Amphitrite.

What animal is associated with Poseidon?

The horse.

What famous creatures is Poseidon the father of?

Pegasus and the cyclops Polyphemus.

What is Poseidon's primary symbol?

The trident.

What did Poseidon and Athena compete over?

Who would become the patron deity of Athens.

What gift did each god give Athens?

A fountain of salt water from Poseidon; The olive tree from Athena.

Why was Athena's gift considered better?

It provided wood, food, and oil.

Why is Poseidon often portrayed as dangerous and unpredictable?

His personality reflects the unpredictable nature of the sea and his power over earthquakes.

What is Hades's Roman name?

Pluto.

What is Hades the god of?

The Underworld, the dead, and wealth.

Why is Hades associated with wealth?

Precious metals and jewels are found beneath the earth, giving him access to underground wealth.

Who is Hades's wife?

Persephone.

What is Hades's main symbol?

The bident.

What does Hades's magical helmet allow him to do?

Become invisible.

What is Hades's job in the Underworld?

To tend the Underworld and keep the dead there.

What are some epithets describing Hades's personality?

"Dark Hades," "Black Hades," and "Hades with a pitiless heart."

What does anthropomorphism mean when applied to Greek gods?

The gods are immortal but look and behave like humans.

What human behaviors do Greek gods engage in?

They marry, have children, fight, plot, argue, and form families.

What substance do Greek gods have instead of blood, and what do they consume instead of ordinary food?

Ichor; Ambrosia and nectar

What is one major difference between Greek gods and the God of monotheistic religions?

Greek gods are powerful but flawed, limited, and human-like