Greek Mythology, Epics, and Ancient History

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, locations, and literary devices from Greek mythology, ancient Greek history, and epic literature lecture notes.

Xenia

The sacred guest and host relationship in ancient Greek culture, emphasizing obligations of hospitality, gift exchange, and proper conduct.

Métis

A Greek term for cunning intelligence and resourcefulness, as well as the name of the goddess mother of Athena who was swallowed by Zeus.

Utis

A Greek word meaning 'no one,' famously used as a clever alias by Odysseus.

Hubris

Reckless pride or arrogance that provokes divine punishment, often serving as a fatal flaw in Greek heroes.

Kleos

The Greek concept of glory or renown, achieved through heroic deeds or dying young in battle to live on through story.

Nostos

A Greek term meaning homecoming or the return trip home, which serves as the central theme of Homer's Odyssey.

Eegis

A symbol and representation of power worn by Athena in ancient Greek depictions.

Chronos

The Greek personification and embodiment of time.

Demodocus

The quintessential myth-singer in Odyssey Book 8 whose godlike storytelling ability transports listeners and brings Odysseus to tears.

Theogony

An epic poem meaning 'origin of the gods,' which sets out the earliest complete account of the generation of gods and primordial cosmic order.

Titanomachy

The mythical battle in which the Olympian gods fought and overthrew the Titans to establish order over the cosmos.

Physchopompos

A role held by Hermes as the guide of dead souls and the only god who regularly travels between Olympus, Earth, and Hades.

Epithet

A descriptive phrase placed before a character's name to fulfill the metrical requirements of epic poetry.

Minoans

The earliest literate civilization in Greece (2500–1700 BCE), centered on the island of Crete.

Mycenaean

Considered the first true Greeks, known for writing Linear B, living in warring villages, and being mythically ruled by Agamemnon.

Linear B

An early written form of the Greek language used by the Mycenaeans.

Polis

The ancient Greek term for a city or city-state.

Venetus A

The oldest surviving manuscript text of Homer's Iliad, written on stretched animal skin.

Bull leaping

An ancient Minoan practice demonstrating youth and athleticism, where men (depicted in red/brown) and women (depicted in white) leaped over charging bulls.

Minotaur

A cannibalistic creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull that eats human flesh, offspring of Pasiphae and a bull.

Dictaean cave

A ritual site containing a clear deep lake with votive offerings, identified as the cave where Zeus was hidden from Cronus.

Epidaurus

A Greek city known for medicine and doctors, featuring a theater for comedy plays and a sanctuary of Apollo's son where dreams determined illness.

Nekyia

A literary device referring to the ritual summoning of the shades of the dead to communicate with them.

Katabasis

The purposeful descent of a living character or hero into the realm of the dead without dying, often returning with special knowledge.

Temenos wall

A wall constructed to mark a sacred enclosure and keep spirits contained inside.

Liminal spaces

Transitional areas or borders that separate and mark off the boundary between one realm and another.

Hypnos

The Greek deity representing sleep, considered soft-hearted because mortals wake up from sleep.

Thanatos

The Greek deity representing death, considered cold-hearted because mortals do not awaken from death.

Kore

A Greek term meaning 'young girl,' frequently used as an alternate name for Persephone.

Kouros

A Greek term meaning 'young boy.'

AntiKleia

A concept meaning 'no glory,' reflecting a desire for a son to remain safely at home rather than seeking battle renown.

Scylla

A cliff-dwelling monster with six dogs attached to her body that reaches out to grab and devour six sailors.

Charybdis

The monstrous partner of Scylla, described as a giant whirlpool with a gaping mouth at the bottom.

Chimera

A female monstrous hybrid depicted with both a lion head and a male goat head.

Sphinx

A clever female monster depicted with wings and a lion body who poses riddles and devours those who answer incorrectly.

Harpies

Winged female creatures that tormented a blind king who misused foresight by stealing and defiling his food.

Tantalus

A mythological figure tormented in Hades in a pool of water under fruit trees that recede when he reaches for them, inspiring the word 'tantalize.'

River Styx

A river in the Underworld hateful even to the gods, possessing the power to make immortals forget their nature.

Epitany

A brief summary or condensation of an entire literary work or scroll.

Papyrus

An ancient writing material made from reed scraped into strips, woven together with sap, and rolled into scrolls.