Myth and Religion Midterm

Myth

A traditional tale applied for consolation, persuasion, or warning, or as an etiology.

Mythology

A cohesive set of myths.

Saga/legend

A myth concerned more with humans than Gods.

Rite

A traditional act.

Religion

A cohesive set of rites.

Tradition

Handing down of customs from generation, often orally.

Sacrifice

Killing an animal in honour of a god, the religious rite par excellence.

Aetiological explanation

An explanation for the origin or cause of something.

Demigod

Defined as one who has a mortal parent and an immortal parent, characterized by being 50% divine.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to one's downfall.

Cult statue

A statue representing a deity, placed in a temple for worship.

Temenos

A precinct cut off from profane space.

Patronage

Support or sponsorship given by a deity or influential figure.

Anthropomorphism

Attributing human traits or emotions to gods or deities.

Hero

A person admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple deities.

Monotheism

The belief in a single deity.

Henotheism

The belief in many powers, but elevating one deity to a higher position over the others.

Etiology

The study of causation; in mythology, it often explains how something came to be.

Scapegoat

A person or thing that is blamed for the wrongdoings or faults of others.

Chthonic

Relating to the underworld or deities of the underworld.

Muses

The nine goddesses of the arts and sciences in Greek mythology.

Oracles

Persons or agencies capable of divining the future or delivering messages from deities.

Cults of the dead

Religious practices aimed at honoring or appeasing the spirits of deceased ancestors.

Animal sacrifice

The ritual killing of an animal as an offering to a deity.

Libation

A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a god.

Rites of passage

Ceremonies marking important transitional periods in a person's life.

Necromancy

The practice of communicating with the dead to predict the future.

Panhellenic Games

Competitions held in ancient Greece, like the Olympic Games, honoring specific deities.

Principate

A form of government where a ruler has significant power but retains the appearance of the republic.

Votive offering

An object offered to a deity in gratitude for a favor received.

Festivals

Public celebrations, often religious in nature, marking important seasonal or cultural events.

Asylum

A sacred place offering protection, often for refugees.

Hymns

Songs of praise typically directed towards gods or deities.

Caduceus

A staff carried by Hermes, representing trade, eloquence, and negotiation; often confused with the rod of Asclepius.

Vestal Virgins

Priestesses of Vesta in ancient Rome, responsible for maintaining the sacred fire.

The Golden Age

A time of peace and prosperity in mythological history.

The Odyssey

An ancient Greek epic poem by Homer, detailing Odysseus's return home after the Trojan War.