greek myth terms

Prometheus

Prometheus

• Titan

• Stole fire from the gods at Mount Olympus and gave it to humans

  • As punishment Zeus orders that he be chained and get eaten by birds daily but since he is immortal he would regenerate

• Zeus ordered Prometheus and his bro Epimetheus to populate earth so Prometheus made humans out of clay and mud and breathed life to them

Zeus

• Born to Titan Cronus and Rhea

• King of gods

• Associated with thunder and lightning

Hera

• queen of gods and goddess of marriage

• wife and sister of zeus, known for her vengeful nature

apollo

• god of music, poetry, prophecy

• patrons of the arts, music, and archery

• known for his beauty, symbolism of youth,

• born to Zeus and Leto on the island of Delos

Artemis

• goddess of hunting, wilderness

• associated with the natural world

• skilled archer and protector of wild animals

• Twin sister of Apollo, born to Zeus and Leto

Dionysus

• god of wine, revelry, and celebration

• associated with ecstasy, wine

• known for his wild followers called Maenads

• Birth from Zeus’ Thigh and the mortal Semele (who died because Hera encouraged her to see Zeus’ true form which is a lightning bolt and zapped her ass)

Hermes

• Messenger of the gods and the divine herald

• god of travel and comms

• associated with cunning, wit, and speed

• born to Cronus and Rhea

• important stories: overthrow of the titans (defeating his father)

Demeter

• goddess of agriculture, fertility, and harvest

• associated with earth and the seasons

• mother of Persephone

• Associated with the cycle of life, growth, and abundance

• Born to Cronus and Rhea

Ares

• god of war, violence, conflict

• Known for aggressive and brutal nature

• depicted as warrior in battle

• Born to Zeus and Hera

Aphrodite

• Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire

• Born from the foam of the sea after Uranus' castration

• Love affair with Anchises, a human and eventually gave birth to Aeneas

Athena

• Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare

• Born fully grown and armored from Zeus' head (after Zeus swallowed her mother Metis which he feared would birth sons that could overthrow him)

• Patron goddess of Athens and protector of heroes

• Offered protection over Athens and was worshipped by the people

  • Chosen over Poseidon by the people of Athens

    • gave the people olive trees which in turn could be used for creating oil (light torches and lamps), soap, etc

      • Aition myth

Poseidon

• Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses

• Brother of Zeus and Hades

• Known for his power over the oceans and his violent temper

• Associated with the seas, storms, and maritime activities

• Symbols include the trident, fish, and horses

Hestia

• Greek goddess of the hearth, home, and family

• Sister of Zeus, Hera, and Demeter

• Known for her peaceful and nurturing nature

• Associated with the sacred fire and the center of the home

• Symbols include the hearth, flame, and a kettle

• Important stories: Her decision to give up her seat on Mount Olympus, for Dionysus since she desired a peaceful existence

Gaia

• goddess/personification of Earth

• one of first things to emerge from Chaos

• mother of titans, giants, and cyclopes

Ouranos (Uranus)

• personification of the sky

• father of the titans

• son and husband of Gaia

• Wanted to trap his children within Gaia’s womb but as they were having sex, his son Cronus castrates him and the blood of that became aphrodite

Cronus

• Overthrew his father Uranus and became ruler of the titans

• swallows his children, but eventually got overthrown by his son Zeus and became kings of gods

Rhea

• titaness in Greek myth and daughter of Gaia and Uranus

• wife and sister of Cronus who gave birth to the olympian gods

• In order to save her youngest son Zeus from being swallowed by Cronus, Rhea tricks Cronus by giving him a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes to swallow instead.

Prometheus

• Prometheus is a Titan and the son of the Titan Iapetus.

• known for his significant role in the creation of humanity and for his gift of fire to humankind

• stole fire from gods to give to humans which then results in him being punished

Epimetheus:

• brother of Prometheus

• known for lack of foresight and caution, the opposite of his bro

• got tricked by zeus to marry pandora who opens the jar of misfortune

Achilles

• in the book the Illiad

• His mother, a sea nymph, learned of the prophecy that her song would either live a long, peaceful life or die young and achieve eternal glory

• To make him immortal, she dipped him into the river styx, a sacred river of the underworld and he was invulnerable everywhere except his heel which she held

• He ends up helping the greeks in the trojan war and has a sidekick patroclus, but they both die eventually and he gets shot by Paris with the help of apollo (since achilles killed his son)

  • died due to his hubris and is a demonstration of how a hero causes pain to others

Acrisius

• king of Argos

• Father of Danae, who later became mother of Perseus (who killed medusa and married Andromeda)

• received a prophecy that his grandson would kill him and to prevent this he locked Danae in a bronze chamber

• Zeus ends up getting into the chamber, impregantes her, and leads to the birth of Perseus who then grows up to kill Acrisius

Aegeus

• legendary king of Athens

• son of Pandion II and father of Theseus

• traveled to Delphi to seek advice from the oracle of Apollo on how to conceive a child

• misunderstood the oracle’s message and had a brief encounter with Aethra which resulted in conception of Theseus

• Aegeus left a sword and a pair of sandals under a rock telling Aethra that when Theseus was strong enough to move the rock, he should come to athens and claim his birth right (which he does)

Aegis*

• protective cloak made of skin from divine creature such a goat or serpent

• associated with zeus and sometimes athena

• said to have abilities to install fear in enemies and provide protections

• lends to some heros in battle

Aegisthus

• son of Thyestes and brother of Atreus

• known for his involvement in story of Agamemnon

• seduces agamemnon’s wife Clytemnestra

• helps clytemnstra kill agamemnon upon his return from the trojan war as she believed that aga sacrificed their daughter

Aeson

• father of hero Jason

• basically hella conflict with family which resulted in his death (when his half brother Pelias’ daughter tricked him into drinking poison)

Aeolus

• god and ruler of winds

• where he assists Odysseus on his journey by giving him a bag containing all the winds except the favorable west wind.

• Aeolus' gift was intended to help Odysseus return home to Ithaca safely, but his men accidentally opened the bag, releasing the winds and causing a storm that blew them back to the island

Agamemnon

• leader of greek forces during trojan war

• made cassandra (cursed by apollo to see the future without anyone believing her) his concubine

• Clytemnestra kills him and cass

agave

• known for her involvement in the story of Dionysus and the “Bacchae”

• in her frenzied state (caused by Dio for punishment of denying his divineness) becomes leader of the bacchae and unknowingly kills her son and brings his severed head back to thebes thinking its something else

• after the frenzied state, she is overwhelemed with guilt and banished from thebes

Anchises

• mortal lover of Aphrodite and father of their son, Aeneas

• often depicted as a wise and respected figure.

• wounded during the sack of Troy and was carried to safety by his son, Aeneas, who played a key role in the founding of Rome.

Argonauts

• Crew of people who followed jason and they went on a journey to find the Golden Fleece

• face numerous challenges and encounter various mythological creatures and beings

Argos*

• ancient city in Greece, associated with hero perseus who was born there, and Lo

• known for its important role in the myth of the Argonauts. It was from the harbor of Argos that Jason and his crew set sail on their quest for the Golden Fleece.

Autochthonous*

• beings originating directly from land

• associated with earliest generation of gods, heros, or mortal beings

• connected to founding of cities and civilizations

Brauron

• ancient city in Attica, Greece

• known for sanctuary dedicated to goddess Artemis

• Young girls, known as "arktoi," participated in ritual activities and performed dances as part of the festival where they dressed in bear skins and danced and symbolized entrance to adulthood

Cadmus

• founder and first king of city of Thebes

• sent by his father to find and bring back his sister Europa who was adbucted by zeus in the form of a bull

• during his search he consulted the oracle of apollo at delphi who told him to abandon his quest instead of following a cow until it laid down and then build a city (he did and then found thebes)

• encounters and kills dragon near a spring near thebes

Caduceus*

symbol often associated with the Greek god Hermes. It features a staff with two snakes entwined around it, topped with a pair of wings. The Caduceus is commonly associated with medicine and healing

Calypso

• beautiful nymph who resides on the island of Ogygia in the Odyssey

• captures Odysseus, the protagonist, and holds him captive on her island for several years

• offers Odysseus immortality and eternal youth in exchange for staying with her

• Zeus intervenes and orders Calypso to release Odysseus, after which he builds a raft and sets off on his journey back to Ithaca

Cassandra

• got abilities to tell the future but apollo under the circumstance that she would sleep with him but he refused so he cursed her that no one would believe her prophecies

• predicted the downfall of Troy and got caputured by Agamemnon adn the greek forces and was killed by clytemnestra

Cerberus*

• a three-headed dog with a serpent's tail and a mane of snakes.

• guardian of the underworld and prevent living from entering and the dead from leaving

chaos

• deity who represents the formless and empty void that existed at the beginning of the universe.

• considered the origin of everything, including Gaia (the Earth), Tartarus (the Underworld), and Eros (love).

Charybdis*

• sea creature and whirlpool in Greek mythology, located in the Strait of Messina. It poses a threat to sailors, swallowing and spewing out massive amounts of water.

Childhood initiation

• Childhood initiation: Rituals or ceremonies marking transition to adulthood

• Varied across cultures: Serving social, cultural, religious, or educational purposes

• Rite of passage: Integrating individuals into their community

• Imparting knowledge, values, and responsibilities

• Elements: Seclusion, teachings, physical ordeals, ceremonies, symbolic transformations

• Impact: Emotional growth, identity formation, and social bonds

• Modern adaptation: Alternative forms of initiation in modern societies

Circe

• sorceress and possesses the ability to transform humans into animals, which she uses to manipulate and control those who visit her island.

• One of Circe's most famous encounters is with the hero Odysseus (also known as Ulysses). When Odysseus and his crew arrive on Aeaea, Circe turns his men into swine. However, with the help of the god Hermes and a magical herb, Odysseus resists her enchantments and eventually convinces Circe to release his crew.

Clytemnestra

• She was the wife of King Agamemnon of Mycenae and the sister of Helen of Troy

• During Agamemnon's absence, Clytemnestra entered into an affair with Aegisthus, who sought revenge against Agamemnon's family for past transgressions

• Clytemnestra's actions led to further tragedies within her family, including the eventual revenge carried out by her son Orestes.

Danae

• Danae: Figure in Greek mythology connected to the myth of Perseus.

• Daughter of King Acrisius of Argos.

• Locked in a bronze chamber to prevent having children due to a prophecy.

• Impregnated by Zeus in the form of a golden shower.

  • Gives birth to Perseus while imprisoned.

• Cast into the sea in a wooden chest with Perseus.

• Wash ashore on the island of Seriphos and taken in by Dictys.

• Perseus grows up, embarks on adventures, and slays Medusa.

• Accidentally fulfills the prophecy by killing Acrisius.

• Symbolizes strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Eleusis:

• Eleusis was an ancient Greek city located near Athens and known for the Eleusinian Mysteries, a secretive religious initiation ceremony.

• The Eleusinian Mysteries were dedicated to the goddesses Demeter and Persephone and focused on themes of death, rebirth, and the cycles of nature.

• where demeter went to when she was mourning the loss of her daughter

Eumaeus

• Eumaeus is a character in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey.

• He is a loyal swineherd who helps Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca and aids him in reclaiming his kingdom.

Eris

• goddess of discord, strife

• Eris was not invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, so she threw a golden apple saying its to the fairest goddess

• This sparked a rivalry between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, each claiming the apple for themselves as the fairest. The goddesses sought the judgment of Paris, a Trojan prince, to settle the dispute.

• In exchange for choosing her as the most beautiful, Aphrodite promised Paris the love of Helen of Sparta, which ultimately led to the Trojan War.

Euhemerus

• an ancient Greek philosopher and writer who lived during the 4th century BCE. He is best known for his theory of Euhemerism, which proposed an interpretation of mythology as historical accounts of deified humans

• argued that these stories were based on real historical events and that the divine status of these figures emerged over time. Euhemerus believed that by examining the origins of myths and tracing them back to human ancestors, one could uncover the historical truths behind the legend

Eros

1. In some accounts, Eros is depicted as the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. According to these versions, Eros is considered one of the children born to Aphrodite and either Ares, the god of war, or Hermes, the messenger of the gods.

2. In other traditions, Eros is said to have emerged directly from Chaos In this interpretation, Eros is viewed as one of the earliest divine beings to come into existence.

• closely associated with the concept of beauty and aesthetic appreciation

• kinda like a cupid and has golden arrows

Eurycleia

loyal and trusted servant in the household of Odysseus, the protagonist of the Odyssey

Europa

• Europa was a Phoenician princess.

• Zeus, disguised as a bull, abducted her and took her to the island of Crete.

• Europa became the lover of Zeus and gave birth to three sons.

• Her story is known as the "Rape of Europa" and has connections to the naming of the continent of Europe.

Geryon

• Geryon is a mythical creature from Greek mythology, described as a fearsome giant with three heads and three bodies.

• He is often depicted as a guardian of a herd of red cattle and was killed by the hero Heracles (Hercules) as one of his twelve labors.

Gilgamesh

• Gilgamesh is the legendary hero and king of Uruk in ancient Mesopotamian mythology.

• He is the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of literature.

• Gilgamesh embarks on a series of adventures and quests, seeking immortality and wisdom

Golden Fleece:

• The Golden Fleece is a mythical object in Greek mythology.

• It refers to the golden wool of a magical winged ram that saved a prince named Phrixus and his sister Helle from a sacrificial offering.

• The Golden Fleece became the coveted prize of Jason and the Argonauts, who went on a quest to retrieve it.

Hades:

• Hades is the Greek god of the underworld and the ruler of the dead.

• He is one of the major gods in Greek mythology and is often associated with death, wealth, and the afterlife.

• Hades is known for abducting Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, to be his wife and queen of the underworld.

Hebe

• Hebe is the Greek goddess of youth and the daughter of Zeus and Hera.

• She is often depicted as a youthful and graceful goddess who serves as the cupbearer of the gods, pouring nectar at their feasts.

• Hebe is associated with eternal youth and vitality.

Hecate:

• Hecate is a goddess in Greek mythology, often depicted as a triple-formed goddess associated with magic, crossroads, and the moon.

• She is considered a protective deity, particularly in relation to witchcraft and the supernatural.

• Hecate is associated with the realm of the dead and is often depicted as a guide or guardian of souls in the underworld.

Hector:

• Hector is a prominent character in Greek mythology and a hero of the Trojan War.

• He is the greatest warrior of Troy and the eldest son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba.

• Hector's most famous opponent is Achilles, and their duel is one of the key events in the Iliad, attributed to the poet Homer.

• ultimately slain by Achilles, resulting in a significant turning point in the Trojan War.

Hephaistos (Hephaestus):

• Hephaistos is the Greek god of fire, blacksmiths, and craftsmen.

• He is known for his exceptional skill in metalworking and for creating various magnificent artifacts for the gods and heroes.

• Hephaistos is often depicted as a sturdy and bearded god, working at his forge with the help of his assistants or automatons.

Herakles (Hercules):

• Herakles, better known by his Roman name Hercules, is a legendary hero in Greek mythology.

• He is renowned for his immense strength and is famous for completing the Twelve Labors imposed on him as punishment for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness.

• Herakles is a symbol of bravery and perseverance, and his stories have inspired countless works of art and literature.

Jason

• Famous for his quest of the Golden Fleece

• Rightful king of Iolcus, since he’s the son of Aeson but was usurped by his uncle which he defeats later while wearing one sandals

• Gets help from medea then cheats on her which causes her to kill her kids and his

• Gets help from goddess Hera who seeks to aid him in the mission

Kleos

“Glory” that hero gains through a battle or expedition through hardships

Kykeon

• Ancient greek drink of various descriptions

• Traditionally made from water, barley, and a type of mint

• Drunk to break fast

Medea

• Sorceress and princess from Colchis, depicted as a powerful and intelligent women

• Medea met Jason, who was tasked to retrieve the Golden Fleece which was a symbol of power and she aided him with magical assistance

• She ends up marrying and having kids with jason but he ends up leaving her and marrying someone else which leads her on a path of vengeance and revenge where she kills her own children, Jason’s new wife, and her own father

Lemnian Women

• The Lemnian women are characters from Greek mythology, specifically associated with the island of Lemnos.

• According to the myth, the Lemnian women were cursed by Aphrodite for neglecting to honor her in favor of other gods.

• As a result of the curse, the women of Lemnos began to emit a foul odor, and their husbands abandoned them.

• In their anger and frustration, the Lemnian women killed all the men on the island, except for King Thoas, who was spared by his daughter Hypsipyle.

• The story of the Lemnian women reflects themes of vengeance, gender roles, and the consequences of disrespecting the gods.

Leto:

• Leto is a goddess in Greek mythology, associated with motherhood and protectiveness.

• She is the daughter of Titans Coeus and Phoebe and is often depicted as the mother of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis, whom she bore with Zeus.

• Leto faced challenges and hardships, including being pursued by the jealous Hera during her pregnancy.

• She eventually found refuge on the island of Delos, where she gave birth to Apollo and Artemis.

Maia

• Maia is a nymph in Greek mythology, often associated with the spring season and the growth of plants and flowers.

• She is the daughter of Atlas and Pleione and is one of the Pleiades, a group of seven sisters.

• Maia is best known as the mother of Hermes (Mercury) whom she bore with Zeus.

• She is sometimes considered the goddess of nurturing and growth, symbolizing the blooming and flourishing of nature in springtime.

Menelaus:

• Menelaus is a figure from Greek mythology, known as the king of Sparta and the husband of Helen of Troy.

• He plays a significant role in the events leading up to and during the Trojan War.

• Menelaus led the Spartan forces alongside his brother Agamemnon to retrieve Helen after she was abducted by Paris, a prince of Troy.

• Menelaus is known for his courage and military prowess, but also for his strong sense of honor and loyalty to his wife.

• After the Trojan War, Menelaus returned to Sparta with Helen, marking the end of the war and the start of their reconciliation.

Narcissus:

• Narcissus is a figure from Greek mythology known for his excessive self-love and vanity.

• According to the myth, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who spurned the affections of others, including the nymph Echo.

• As punishment, the gods caused Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, leading to his obsession and eventual death.

• The term "narcissism" is derived from Narcissus, referring to excessive self-admiration or self-centeredness.

Nausicaa:

• Nausicaa is a character in Greek mythology who appears in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey.

• She is the daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of the Phaeacians.

• Nausicaa discovers the shipwrecked Odysseus on the shores of her father's kingdom and aids him in his journey home to Ithaca.

• Nausicaa is portrayed as kind-hearted, generous, and virtuous, and her encounter with Odysseus showcases themes of hospitality and compassion.

• the one who washes her clothes outside the river due to hinting by athena

Nemean Lion:

• The Nemean Lion is a legendary creature from Greek mythology.

• It was a gigantic and ferocious lion with impenetrable golden fur.

• The Nemean Lion terrorized the region of Nemea, and as one of his labors, Heracles (Hercules) was tasked with slaying the beast.

• Heracles strangled the lion with his bare hands, as its fur was impervious to weapons, and used its own claws to skin it, eventually wearing its impenetrable hide as his own protective garment.

Odysseus' Bed

• In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus' bed is a symbolic object that represents his fidelity and the endurance of his marriage to Penelope.

• The bed is depicted as a sacred and unmovable structure, rooted in the foundation of their marital home.

• Odysseus' bed becomes a test for his identity when he returns home in disguise after his long absence, and only he knows the secret of its construction, proving his authenticity to Penelope.

Odysseus' Bow:

• The bow of Odysseus is a legendary weapon mentioned in Homer's Odyssey.

• It is a powerful bow that only Odysseus, as its rightful owner, can string and use.

• As part of his trials upon his return to Ithaca, Odysseus must string the bow and shoot an arrow through a series of challenging targets, proving his identity and reclaiming his kingdom.

Odysseus' Scar

• Odysseus' scar is a distinguishing mark on his thigh that plays a significant role in the recognition and verification of his identity.

• The scar is the result of a wound inflicted by a boar during his youth.

• In the Odyssey, when Odysseus returns home after his long absence, only his old nurse recognizes him by the scar, which convinces her of his true identity and sets in motion the events of his reunion with his wife and the reestablishment of his authority.

Oedipus:

• Oedipus is a tragic figure from Greek mythology, best known from the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.

• He is the son of King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes.

• Oedipus unwittingly fulfills a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, leading to a series of tragic events.

• Oedipus ultimately discovers the truth of his parentage and blinds himself as a punishment for his actions.

Omphalos:

• rock that cronos swallowed

• The Omphalos, meaning "navel" in Greek, is a sacred stone or artifact symbolizing the center of the world.

• In Greek mythology, it is associated with the oracle at Delphi, where the omphalos stone was believed to mark the spot where two eagles, released by Zeus from opposite ends of the world, met.

• The omphalos stone was considered a point of divine connection and played a significant role in religious rituals and prophecies.

Penelope

• Penelope is portrayed as a loyal and virtuous wife

• One of her most well-known actions is weaving a burial shroud for Odysseus's father, Laertes, during the day and secretly unraveling it at night, thus prolonging her decision to find a new husband and giving hope to her husband's return

Perseus

• Demigod son of zeus

• Kills medusa

Marries andromeda after saving her from the sea monster Cetus when she was chained to a rock for sacrifice

Polyphemus

• One eyed giant god of poseidon and Thoosa

• Homer’s odyssey

  • Odysseus says his name is nobody, which tricks polyphemus bc when the other giants asked polyphemus  who blinds him he says nobody which makes people think he went crazy

    • Tricked him to move the rock to escape the cave (odysseus tied himself to bottom of these giant sheep)

Orestes

• Orestes is a central character in Greek mythology and a key figure in the Oresteia trilogy.

• He is the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra and the brother of Electra.

• Orestes is driven by a divine command and the desire for vengeance to kill his mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus in retribution for their murder of Agamemnon.

• His actions lead to a cycle of guilt, turmoil, and divine punishment.

Patroclus

• Patroclus is a character from Greek mythology and a close companion and friend of the hero Achilles.

• In Homer's Iliad, Patroclus fights alongside the Greeks during the Trojan War.

• He is eventually killed in battle by the Trojan prince Hector, leading to Achilles' intense grief and his subsequent return to the war to avenge Patroclus' death.

• Patroclus' death is a turning point in the Iliad, highlighting themes of friendship, honor, and the devastating impact of loss

Peleus

• Peleus is a hero from Greek mythology, known as the father of Achilles.

• He is the son of King Aeacus and the mortal princess Endeis.

• Peleus is a participant in the Argonauts' quest for the Golden Fleece and eventually marries the sea nymph Thetis, who gives birth to Achilles.

• Peleus is known for his bravery, his connection to the gods, and his role as a father figure in the mythological narrative.

Pythia

• Pythia, also known as the Oracle of Delphi, is the priestess of Apollo at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi.

• She is revered as the most important oracle in ancient Greece and is believed to communicate the messages and prophecies of Apollo.

• Pythia would enter a trance-like state, often induced by inhaling fumes, and deliver cryptic prophecies to those who sought her guidance.

• The prophecies of Pythia played a crucial role in shaping political, military, and personal decisions of the ancient Greeks.

Riddle of the Sphinx

• The Riddle of the Sphinx is a famous mythological puzzle from Greek mythology.

• The Sphinx is a creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion.

• It guards the entrance to the city of Thebes and poses a riddle to passersby.

• The riddle typically goes: "What creature has one voice and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed?" The answer is "Man" because in infancy, a person crawls on all fours, as an adult walks on two feet, and in old age uses a cane or walking stick as a third "foot."

• Oedipus, the hero of the story, successfully solves the riddle, resulting in the Sphinx's demise and his own ascent to the throne of Thebes. The riddle symbolizes the complexities of human existence and the wisdom required to unravel life's mysteries.

Semele

• Semele is a figure from Greek mythology, known as the daughter of the mortal king Cadmus and the mother of the god Dionysus.

• Semele becomes the lover of Zeus, and their affair leads to her pregnancy with Dionysus.

• However, due to Hera's jealousy, she tricks Semele into asking Zeus to reveal himself in his full divine form, which mortals cannot withstand, leading to Semele's death.

• Zeus rescues their unborn child and sews Dionysus into his own thigh until he is ready to be born.

Teiresias

• Circe (a powerful sorceress) advises odysseus to seek guidance from the prophet Tiresia as she is supposed to have advice on how to return safely to Ithaca

• Sailed to the land of the Cimmerians where the entrance of the underworld is said to be, and they do the rituals to summon the souls of the deceased and that’s where the shades of Tiresia, who reveals important prophecies and guidance for his journey

Telemachus

• Odysseus and penelope’s son

• Coming of age story where he gains experience, confidence, etc during his father’s absence

Tartarus

• Tartarus is a part of the underworld in Greek mythology, a deep and dark abyss used as a place of punishment for the wicked and the Titans.

• It is described as a gloomy and harsh realm, located far below the realm of Hades.

• Tartarus is often associated with divine retribution and is the place where mythological figures such as the Titans, certain condemned mortals, and other monstrous beings are imprisoned and suffer eternal torment.

Thebes

• Thebes is an ancient city in Greek mythology and was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece.

• It is associated with various mythological events and figures, including the story of Oedipus and the tragedy of the ruling family.

• Thebes is known for its mythical founding by the hero Cadmus, as well as its famous ruler King Oedipus and his descendants.

• The city plays a significant role in Greek mythology and is the setting for numerous myths and tragedies.

Theogony:

• The Theogony is a poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Hesiod.

• It is a foundational work of Greek mythology and provides a detailed account of the origins and genealogies of the gods, Titans, and other mythological beings.

• The Theogony describes the birth of the gods, the succession of power from the Titans to the Olympian gods, and the creation of the world.

• It is a key source of information about Greek cosmology and the hierarchy of the gods

Theseus

• Theseus is a legendary hero from Greek mythology, known for his heroic deeds and involvement in various myths and adventures.

• He is best known for his slaying of the Minotaur, a monstrous creature half-human and half-bull, in the labyrinth of King Minos of Crete.

• Theseus is also associated with other famous feats, such as his participation in the Calydonian Boar hunt and his role in the mythological story of the Amazons.

• He is revered as a symbol of courage, strength, and heroism in Greek mythology.

Thetis

• Thetis is a sea nymph from Greek mythology, known as the mother of the hero Achilles.

• She is a daughter of the sea god Nereus and often depicted as a goddess of water and the sea.

• Thetis plays a significant role in the Trojan War myth, where she attempts to protect her son Achilles from harm.

• She is known for dipping Achilles in the River Styx to make him invulnerable, except for his heel, which remains his only vulnerable spot, leading to his eventual downfall.

Tragic recognition

Tragic recognition, also known as anagnorisis, is a crucial element in tragic literature and drama. It refers to a moment of realization or discovery experienced by the tragic hero or main character in a story. This recognition typically involves the revelation of a significant truth or understanding that profoundly impacts the character's understanding of themselves, their situation, or the events unfolding around them.

Tragic reversal

• sudden and unexpected shift or reversal of circumstances that significantly alters the course of events for a character, often leading to their downfall or a negative outcome.

Trojan war

• The Trojan War is a famous conflict in Greek mythology and literature, primarily depicted in Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.

• It is believed to have taken place in the Late Bronze Age and was fought between the Greeks (Achaeans) and the city of Troy (also known as Ilium).

• The war was sparked by the abduction of Helen, the wife of Menelaus, by Paris, a prince of Troy.

• The war lasted for ten years, and it is known for its famous heroes, including Achilles, Odysseus, and Hector.

• The war ended with the Greek victory through the clever tactic of the Trojan Horse, a wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers that deceived the Trojans and allowed the Greeks to enter and conquer Troy.

Typhoeus:

• Typhoeus, also known as Typhon, is a monstrous figure from Greek mythology.

• He is depicted as a massive creature with a hundred heads and fire-breathing mouths, and his lower body consists of snakes.

• Typhoeus is considered one of the most fearsome and powerful opponents of the gods, challenging their authority and causing chaos and destruction.

• In some versions of the myth, Typhoeus is defeated and imprisoned under Mount Etna in Sicily by Zeus, resulting in volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.