Greek Mythology: Perseus and Hercules

Mythological Characters and Events relating to Perseus

Grandfather of Perseus

  • King Acrisius

Oracle's Prophecy

  • What does King Acrisius learn from the oracle?

    • His grandson will kill him.

Danae's Imprisonment

  • What does he do with Danae once he learns of this oracle?

    • He puts her in a hole (prison).

Acrisius' Actions Towards Perseus

  • What does Acrisius do with Danae and Perseus upon discovery?

    • Locks them in a box and casts them into the sea.

Differences Between Polydectes and Dictys

  • Polydectes: a more malevolent figure

    • Wants to kill Perseus to marry his mother, Danae.

  • Dictys: a benevolent figure

    • A fisherman who helps Danae and Perseus.

Polydectes' Intentions Towards Danae

  • What does Polydectes want from Danae?

    • To marry her.

Ruse of Polydectes

  • What ruse does Polydectes use to get rid of Perseus?

    • Challenges him to retrieve the head of Medusa.

Features of the Gorgons

  • Physical Attributes

    • They have wings.

    • Considered horrible to mortals.

    • Have snakey hair.

Perseus' Flaw

  • What vice is a hindrance for Perseus?

    • Pride: This leads him to boast about killing Medusa.

Perseus' Preparation Against the Gorgons

  • What must Perseus do to succeed against the Gorgons?

    • Utilize weapons given to him by Hermes and Athena.

Divine Assistance for Perseus

  • What goddess aids Perseus?

    • Athena

  • What gifts does he receive through Athena, from nymphs and Hermes?

    • A sword.

    • Winged sandals.

    • A magical wallet.

    • An invisible cap.

Perseus in the Gorgon’s Lair

  • What occurs once Perseus finds the lair?

    • He successfully kills Medusa.

Discovery of Andromeda

  • While flying over the coast of Ethiopia, whom does Perseus discover?

    • Andromeda.

Killing the Sea Monster

  • How does Perseus kill the sea monster?

    • By stabbing it with his sword.

Return and Confrontation with Polydectes

  • Upon his return, what does Perseus discover about Polydectes' behavior towards his mother?

    • Polydectes had treated his mother poorly.

  • What does Perseus do to Polydectes and Dictys?

    • Turns them into stone using Medusa's head.

Gratitude to Athena

  • How does Perseus show his gratitude to Athena?

    • He gives Medusa's head to her.

Irony of Prophecy Fulfillment

  • What occurs when Perseus tries to meet his grandfather?

    • Inadvertently hits and kills him, fulfilling the prophecy.

Genealogy Tree of Perseus

  • Created using the following names:

    • King Acrisius

    • Danae

    • Zeus

    • Perseus

    • Andromeda

    • Electryon

    • Hercules

  • Structure:

    • King Acrisius
      ├─ Danae
      ├─ Zeus
      ├─ Perseus
      ├─ Andromeda
      └─ Electryon
      └─ Hercules

Hercules in Mythology

Parentage of Hercules

  • Who are Hercules's parents?

    • Zeus and Alcmene.

Nature of Hercules

  • What kind of God is Hercules?

    • He is a demigod, both mortal and capable of dying.

Definition of Hero

  • What does hero mean?

    • Someone who suffers and possesses great strength.

  • Example of Hercules as a Hero:

    • He embodies the idea of suffering immensely.

Hercules' Strength

  • What is Hercules known for?

    • His superhuman strength.

Vices of Hercules

  • What two vices did Hercules exemplify?

    • Lust: This portrays him as a heavy drinker and womanizer.

    • Gluttony: Another factor contributing to his flaws.

Hera's Hostility Towards Hercules

  • Why does Hera want Hercules dead?

    • This desire stems from being a result of Zeus's affairs with Alcmene.

Zeus’ Reaction to Hera's Desire

  • How does his father react to Hera wanting Hercules dead?

    • He does not care.

Additional Facts about Hercules

  • Two additional facts:

    1. Intended to be made a god.

    2. Has a three-legged dog as a last labor.

Marriage and Family of Hercules

  • Whom does Hercules marry?

    • Marries a princess.

  • How many children do they have?

    • Two children.

Hera's Influence on Hercules

  • When he is an adult, what does Hera do one night to Hercules?

    • She causes him to go mad.

  • Outcome of Hercules' Madness:

    • He kills his family and does not initially realize what he does.

Blood Guilt Concept

  • What does "blood guilt" mean?

    • The guilt Hercules feels after accidentally killing his whole family, leading to a horror he cannot shake off.

Eurystheus and his Role

  • Who is King Eurystheus?

    • He is Hercules's arch-rival and imposes challenges on him (The Twelve Labors).

The Twelve Labors of Hercules

  • What are the Twelve Labors?

    • Series of challenges designed as punishment inflicted upon Hercules, primarily initiated by Hera.