greek mythology exam

What does Hera represent in terms of syncretism?

Hera is a syncretism of the great goddess, often associated with Juno.

What is the Argive Heraion?

The Argive Heraion is a sanctuary dedicated to Hera, located in Argos.

What is the significance of Kanthos Spring in Hera's mythology?

Hera bathes there every year to regain her virginity.

What duality does Hera embody?

Hera embodies the duality of the virgin aspect, represented by Hebe.

What mythological significance does Hera's breast milk have?

It is said to have created the Milky Way.

What key feature distinguishes Demeter's iconography?

Demeter is depicted wearing a polos and seated on a throne, holding a scepter.

What are the Eleusinian Mysteries?

Religious rites associated with Demeter, particularly held at Eleusis.

Who is Triptolemus in relation to Demeter?

Triptolemus is a figure who spreads agriculture across the world and rides a magical chariot.

What role does Apollo play in Greek mythology?

Apollo is the god of the arts, music, prophecy, and archery.

What is the contest between Poseidon and Athena about?

It was a contest to determine which god would be the patron of Athens.

What is the significance of Apollo's killing of the Python?

This act established Apollo as the god of Delphi.

What is the connection between Apollo and the Muses?

Apollo is considered the leader of the Muses, known as Musagetes.

What tragic story involves Apollo and Daphne?

Apollo pursues Daphne, who prays to remain a virgin and is transformed into a tree.

Who is Artemis and what does she represent?

Artemis is the daughter of Zeus and Leto, representing the hunt, childbirth, and fertility.

What is the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus?

A significant sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What goddess is Athena often compared to?

Athena is often viewed as a protector of heroes and the goddess of wisdom.

What are some key attributes of Hermes?

Hermes is the god of travelers, heralds, and messengers, often depicted with a caduceus.

What role does Hephaestus play in mythology?

Hephaestus is the god of fire and metalworking, associated with volcanoes and craftsmanship.

How is Dionysus often depicted in relation to rituals?

Dionysus is associated with wine, festivities, and rituals involving human sacrifice and ecstatic states.

What does Hecate govern in Greek mythology?

Hecate is the goddess of sorcery and witchcraft, often depicted with three faces.

Who are the three judges of the underworld?

They are Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus.

Zeus

King of the gods; associated with storm, kingship, justice, and hospitality.

Hera

Queen of the gods; goddess of marriage and childbirth.

Poseidon

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.

Demeter

Goddess of grain and agriculture.

Apollo

God of prophecy, music, healing, and archery.

Artemis

Goddess of the hunt, childbirth, and the moon.

Athena

Goddess of wisdom, crafts, and protector of cities.

Hestia

Goddess of the hearth and home.

Hermes

God of travelers, heralds, and tricksters; guide of souls.

Ares

God of war and strife.

Hephaestus

God of the forge and craftsmanship.

Aphrodite

Goddess of love and beauty.

Dionysus

God of vegetation, wine, theater, and ecstasy.

Metamorphosis

A transformation in a narrative that resolves conflict or serves as punishment.

Syncretism

The blending or identification of different deities or religious beliefs.

Euhemerism

The interpretation of gods as exalted human beings.

Gigantomachy

The battle between gods and giants, symbolizing order over chaos.

Epithet

A descriptive title or phrase that reveals a characteristic of a deity.

Xenia

The sacred bond of hospitality and friendship, particularly under Zeus’s protection.

Zeus

King of the gods; associated with storm, kingship, justice, and hospitality.

Hera

Queen of the gods; goddess of marriage and childbirth.

Poseidon

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.

Demeter

Goddess of grain and agriculture.

Apollo

God of prophecy, music, healing, and archery.

Artemis

Goddess of the hunt, childbirth, and the moon.

Athena

Goddess of wisdom, crafts, and protector of cities.

Hestia

Goddess of the hearth and home.

Hermes

God of travelers, heralds, and tricksters; guide of souls.

Ares

God of war and strife.

Hephaestus

God of the forge and craftsmanship.

Aphrodite

Goddess of love and beauty.

Dionysus

God of vegetation, wine, theater, and ecstasy.

Metamorphosis

A transformation in a narrative that resolves conflict or serves as punishment.

Syncretism

The blending or identification of different deities or religious beliefs.

Euhemerism

The interpretation of gods as exalted human beings.

Gigantomachy

The battle between gods and giants, symbolizing order over chaos.

Epithet

A descriptive title or phrase that reveals a characteristic of a deity.

Xenia

The sacred bond of hospitality and friendship, particularly under Zeus’s protection.

Hades

God of the Underworld and the dead; ruler of subterranean wealth.

Persephone

Queen of the Underworld; goddess of spring growth.

Hecate

Goddess of witchcraft, crossroads, and ghosts.

Cronus

Leader of the Titans; father of the Olympian gods.

Rhea

Titaness; mother of the Olympian gods.

Uranus

Primordial god of the sky; father of the Titans.

Gaea

Primordial goddess of the Earth; mother of the Titans.

Oceanus

Titan, personification of the world-encircling river.

Tethys

Titaness, goddess of fresh water; wife of Oceanus.

Hyperion

Titan of light; father of Helius, Selene, and Eos.

Mnemosyne

Titaness of memory; mother of the Muses.

Themis

Titaness of divine law and justice; mother of the Horae and Fates.

Prometheus

Titan who shaped mankind and stole fire for them.

Epimetheus

Titan who opened Pandora's box; brother of Prometheus.

Atlas

Titan condemned to hold up the sky.

Helius

Personification of the Sun, often depicted driving a chariot.

Selene

Personification of the Moon, often depicted riding a chariot.

Eos

Personification of the Dawn, often depicted with rosy fingers.

Iris

Goddess of the rainbow; messenger of the gods.

Muses

Nine goddesses of inspiration in arts, literature, and science.

Graces (Charites)

Three goddesses representing charm, beauty, and creativity.

Fates (Moirai)

Three goddesses who determine the destiny of mortals.

Erinyes (Furies)

Goddesses of vengeance, especially for matricide/patricide.

Nymphs

Female nature spirits associated with specific locations like trees or water.

Satyrs

Male nature spirits, part-human, part-goat, associated with Dionysus.

Centaur

Mythological creature part human, part horse.

Cyclops

One-eyed giants, known for their strength and craftsmanship.

Harpies

Winged monstrous women, known for snatching food.

Gorgons

Three sisters with snakes for hair, capable of turning viewers to stone.

Medusa

The most famous Gorgon, slain by Perseus.

Minotaur

Creature with a bull's head and human body, dwelling in the Labyrinth.

Eros

God of love, desire, and attraction.

Hebe

Goddess of youth; cupbearer to the gods before Ganymede.

Pan

God of the wild, shepherds, and rustic music.

Olympus

The sacred mountain, home of the Olympian gods.

Underworld

The realm of the dead, ruled by Hades.

Tartarus

The prison-like abyss for the gravest offenders in the Underworld.

Elysian Fields

The paradise within the Underworld for heroes and virtuous souls.

Asphodel Meadows

The common afterlife destination for ordinary souls in the Underworld.

River Styx

A principal river of the Underworld, forming a boundary and oath-swearing place.

Charon

The ferryman of the dead across the River Styx.