Classics 270- Classic Myth: Chapters 13 & 14

Hero

A term meaning “protector,” that for the ancient Greeks meant any “noble” or “well-born” male. The heroes of epic came to be worshiped as powers dwelling beneath the earth.

Gilgamesh

Mesopotamian hero who was described as two-thirds divine and one-third mortal. He was king of Uruk who was best remembered for building the city walls of Uruk.

Enkidu

Made from a piece of clay by Aruru to be Gilgamesh’s rival and someone who could temper his spirit. He was a primitive man who wore his locks long like a woman. He challenges Gilgamesh and their battle filled them with mutual admiration, creating a lifelong friendship.

Humbaba

Guardian of the Land of the Cedars whom Enkidu feared. Killed by Gilgamesh and Enkidu

Utnapishtim

One of two only mortals to have survived the flood, for the gods had transported them across the sea to a place where they enjoyed everlasting life. Sought out by Gilgamesh so he to be questioned about the living and the dead.

Heroic Nudity

The striking male nudity in Greek art that is attributed to the influence of Greek athletics which was practiced in the nude. In art, male nudity distinguishes the “heroic” Greeks from non-Greeks.

Argive Plain

Territory rich in physical remains from the Greek Bronze Age and in its wealth of myths. Home to the ruins of Mycenae* which includes the only large sculpture to survive from the Bronze Age.

Perseus

He who is said to have founded Mycenae in myth. Son of Zeus and Danae and father of Electyron.

Tiryns

A fortress surrounded by amazing walls of immense stones carefully fitted together. Located near the sea and may have been the port town that served Mycenae. Perseus was king of here when he founded Mycenae. Home of Heracles for much of his career.

Io

Daughter of Melia and Inachus. Priestess of Hera whom Zeus lusted after. Zeus disguised her as a cow to hide their affair from Hera and Hera kept her tethered to an olive tree guarded by Argus

Danaüs

Son of Belus and twin brother of Aegyptus. Set up as the king of Libya.

Danaïds

The fifty daughters of Danaüs whom Aegyptus suggested that his fifty sons marry. Danaüs suspected that Aegyptus’ true motive was to gain power over Libya. They tried to flee, but were pursued, so Danaus instructed each of them to murder their husbands on the wedding night. Forty-nine of the daughters did except for Hypermnestra becasue her husband Lynceus had spared her virginity (folktale motif of “all but one)

Acrisius

Son of Abas and twin brother of Proetus. He and his twin hated each other and they quarreled even in the womb and after a long struggle for power, Acrisius took Argos and Proetus took Tiryns. He fathered Danaë

Danaë

Daughter of Acrisius. Mother of Perseus who was prophesized to kill Acrisius so Acrisius constructed an underground chamber and imprisoned her in it. Zeus fell in love with her and came to her as a shower of gold that fell into her womb and this is how Perseus was conceived.

Polydectes

King of the king of Seriphos, he desired Danaë as his mistress who refused and Perseus defended her. He then pretended that he was going to marry another women so he demanded a wedding gift knowing Perseus could not give him one. To make up for it he asked Perseus for a Gorgon’s head seeing this an easy way to get rid of him.

Gorgons

Death dealing monsters, Stheno, Euryalê, and Medusa whom no one had ever returned alive from an encounter with. They live at the edge of the world so one must approach them on foot. Only Medusa was mortal.

Medusa

The only mortal Gorgon whom Perseus slashed off the head of. At the time she was pregnant by Poseidon so as the head came free, out sprang the Pegasus and the giant, Chrysaör.

Graeae

Two or three in number, they were hideous hags who only had one eye which they passed around. Athena helped Perseus find them so he could take their eye and demand the whereabouts of the nymphs who could give him useful objects for his battle with the Gorgons

Andromeda

Daughter of Cepheus’ who was chained to a rock and about to be devoured by the sea-monster Ceto. Perseus flew over her and immediately fell in love with her, so he saved and married her.

Girl’s tragedy

A folktale pattern that is present in the stories of Danae and Perseus. Contains the elements of prohibition, seclusion, violation of the prohibition, threat of punishment or death, and liberation