classical mythology exam

What are traditional stories that explore cultural values and beliefs called?

Myths

What do myths express and create within a culture?

Cultural identity and cohesion

What do creation myths illustrate about people's experiences?

They show people's experiences of their world, not the world itself.

What is the pre-creation state in many cultures?

A void or chaos state

What does the Greek word 'khao' mean?

To yawn or gape, referring to the Void in Greek mythology.

What is the term for the 'birth of the cosmos'?

Cosmogony

What does Greek cosmogony specifically explain?

The birth of the gods (theogony) and how order is established.

Who is the author of one of the earliest well-preserved Greek epics?

Hesiod

What significant theme does Hesiod's Theogony explore?

The story of the births of the gods and the rise of Zeus.

What narrative style is characteristic of Hesiod's works?

Narrative interrupted by catalogues and oral poetry meant to be heard.

Who are considered the major characters in Hesiod's Theogony?

Primordial beings, Titans, and major gods like Zeus.

What is the significance of Eros in the context of creation?

Eros is considered a prime mover necessary for initiating births.

What violent act does Kronos commit against Ouranos?

Castration of Ouranos with a sickle.

What are the consequences of Ouranos' castration?

Separation of earth and sky, and the birth of Furies and Giants.

What does Aphrodite symbolize in Hesiod's Theogony?

The second god of sex, marking a new chapter in creation.

How does Zeus differ from his predecessors in his rise to power?

He plans strategically and forms alliances.

What is the role of Styx in Zeus' rise to power?

Styx joins Zeus, bringing her children who represent honor and strength.

What does the term 'sacred marriage' refer to in Greek mythology?

The union of Gaia (earth) and Ouranos (sky) that leads to creation.

What are the children of Kronos and Rhea known as?

The first six Olympians: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus.

What prophecy does Kronos try to avoid by swallowing his children?

He will be overthrown by one of his children.

What does the blood of Ouranos give rise to after his castration?

The Furies and Giants.

What is the significance of the character categories in Hesiod's Theogony?

They help to organize the various divine beings and their roles.

What does the term 'chaos' refer to in Greek cosmogony?

The initial void or state of disorder before creation.

How does the portrayal of Aphrodite change from Hesiod's time to modern interpretations?

She is seen as less dangerous and more associated with love and beauty.

What does the term 'theogony' specifically mean?

The birth of the gods.

What is the significance of the character Eros in the context of creation myths?

Eros is essential for initiating the process of creation.

What does the term 'Furies' refer to in Greek mythology?

Vengeful spirits born from the blood of Ouranos.

What is a key theme in the transition from chaos to order in Greek cosmogony?

The establishment of divine harmony and structure in the universe.

What role does Rhea play in the story of Kronos and Zeus?

She tricks Kronos to save her youngest child, Zeus.

Who did Zeus free from Tartaros?

The Cyclopes and Hecatoncheires

What did the Cyclopes create for Zeus?

His lightning

What was the Titanomachy?

A ten-year battle between the Olympians and the Titans

What was the outcome of the Titanomachy?

Zeus was victorious and the Titans were cast into Tartaros

Who is Typhon?

A 100-headed dragon born from Gaia and Tartaros, upset about the destruction of her children

How long did the battle between Zeus and Typhon last?

Ten years

What did Zeus do to Typhon after defeating him?

He threw him into Tartaros

What spheres of influence did Zeus and his brothers receive?

Zeus: sky, Poseidon: earth and sea, Hades: the underworld

Who was Zeus' first wife?

Metis

What was the prophecy regarding Metis' child?

That the child would overthrow Zeus

What did Zeus do to prevent the prophecy from coming true?

He swallowed Metis

Who are the Muses?

The daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, associated with the arts and sciences

What was Athena's unusual birth?

She sprang fully formed from Zeus' head after he swallowed Metis

What does Athena symbolize in Greek mythology?

Civilization and wisdom

What was Hera's reaction to Athena's birth?

She was upset and gave birth to Hephaestus through parthenogenesis

What is parthenogenesis?

A form of asexual reproduction where an organism develops from an unfertilized egg

What was the significance of the Homeric Hymn to Apollo?

To exalt Apollo and explain his importance as the god of prophecies

What obstacle did Apollo face in the Homeric Hymn?

He had to slay a dragon that raised Typhon

How did Zeus maintain order in the cosmos?

Through his victories over chaos and the establishment of a new cosmic order

What does the term 'Titanomachy' refer to?

The battle between the Titans and the Olympian gods led by Zeus

What does the term 'Typhonomachy' refer to?

The battle between Zeus and Typhon

What does Zeus represent in Greek mythology?

King of the gods, lightning, and order

What is the significance of Zeus' children?

They represent aspects of order and civilization

What is the role of the Muses in Greek mythology?

They inspire creativity and knowledge in the arts and sciences

What does the story of Zeus and his children illustrate?

The complexities of power, order, and the relationships among the gods

What is the significance of contradictions in Greek myths?

They reflect the diverse interpretations and purposes of the myths

How did Zeus gain allies during his rise to power?

By forming alliances through fair means

What does Zeus' character embody in Greek culture?

A mix of paternal sternness and benevolence, along with flaws

What is Calliope known for?

Epic poetry

Who is Clio?

The Muse of history

What does Erato represent?

Love poetry

What is Polyhymnia associated with?

Hymns

What type of poetry does Melpomene represent?

Tragedy

What does Thalia represent?

Comedy

What is Urania known for?

Astronomy

What does Terpsichore represent?

Dance

What is Euterpe associated with?

Song

How do the Muses assist Zeus?

They help maintain order and grant knowledge to mortals.

What is the significance of the hymn to the Muses in Hesiod's Theogony?

It emphasizes the Muses' role in inspiring poetry and knowledge.

What are the two jars mentioned in the Iliad?

One jar contains blessings and the other suffering.

What do the Muses provide to poets?

Great singing ability and knowledge of the gods and the past.

What is the role of good leaders according to Hesiod?

To make straight judgments and end disputes.

What ethical codes are emphasized in Hesiod's works?

Timé (honor), philia (friendship), and xenia (hospitality).

What is the significance of the Five Ages in Hesiod's Works and Days?

They illustrate the decline of humanity from a godlike state to one of suffering.

What characterizes the Golden Age in Hesiod's Five Ages?

Humans were godlike, with no toil or misery.

What is the fate of humans in the Silver Age?

They were childish and lacked respect for each other and the gods.

What defines the Bronze Age in Hesiod's narrative?

Humans were warlike and destroyed each other.

What is the Heroic Age known for?

Humans were more righteous and noble, but still faced challenges.

What does Hesiod suggest about the nature of mortals?

Mortals must work, suffer, and ultimately die.

How do immortals differ from mortals according to Hesiod?

Immortals do not die, live at ease, and consume ambrosia.

What cultural influences shaped Greek mythology according to the notes?

Heavy Semitic influence from Hebrew and Canaanite cultures.

What is the primary theme of Hesiod's Theogony?

The birth of the universe and the rise of Zeus.

What is the role of minor characters in Greek myths?

They reflect societal concerns and the need for good leaders.

What does Hesiod's encounter with the Muses symbolize?

The divine inspiration for poetry and knowledge.

What does the term 'Anthropogony' refer to?

The creation of mortals.

What era is described as the Iron Age in Hesiod's works?

A time of ceaseless toil, misery, human injustice, lawlessness, and war.

Who is Prometheus' father?

Titan Iapetus.

What punishment did Atlas receive for siding with the Titans?

He was condemned to hold up the sky.

What was Prometheus' fatal mistake during the feast between mortals and gods?

He unfairly divided the portions, giving the best meat to men and bones to the gods.

What does Zeus do in response to Prometheus stealing fire for mortals?

He creates an affliction for mankind as punishment.

What is the significance of Pandora in Greek mythology?

She is the first woman created by the gods, bringing both blessings and sorrows to humanity.

What does the name 'Pandora' mean?

The all-gifted one.

What does Hesiod's 'Works and Days' teach about societal destruction?

Abandoning justice and law leads to social destruction.

What is the role of xenia in Greek mythology?

It is the sacred code of hospitality that Zeus protects.

What happens to King Lykaon after he tests Zeus?

He is turned into a wolf and his city is destroyed.

Who are Deucalion and Pyrrha?

A kind elderly couple spared from the flood for showing hospitality to Zeus.

What does Pyrrha interpret the prophecy about 'mother's bones' to mean?

She interprets it as the earth being the mother.

What literary form does Hesiod's 'Works and Days' take?

It is a letter to a fictional relative presenting moral and practical wisdom.

What does the eagle symbolize in Prometheus' punishment?

It represents Zeus' authority, as it eats Prometheus' liver daily.

What is the moral lesson regarding honors in Hesiod's narratives?

Taking honors fractures society and leads to chaos.

What does the term 'Philía' refer to in Hesiod's context?

Familial bonds and relationships.