Ancient Mythology II Study Notes

Course Information

• Course: CLAA06H3S – Ancient Mythology II: Greece and Rome

• When: Wednesdays 3:00 – 5:00pm

• Where: AA112

• Office Hours: By appointment (email or post-class)

Land Acknowledgment

• Acknowledges traditional land of Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit.

Peer Note Taking Service

• Recruitment of volunteers to aid students with disabilities.

• Benefits include gaining experience and contributing to the community.

Hesiod

• Key Works: Theogony, Works and Days, Catalogue of Women, Shield of Herakles

• Era: 8th - 7th centuries BCE.

• Metrics: Dactylic hexameter.

Theogony Overview

• Title means "Birth of the Gods"

• Central themes include:

  • Creation of the universe (kosmos)

  • Power conflicts among gods

  • Sovereignty of Zeus.

Major Sections of Theogony

• Proem: Invocation of Muses.

• Primordial entities: Chasm, Earth, and Eros.

• Family of Earth: Birth of Titans, Cyclopes, and other entities.

• Titan conflict: War of Titans vs Olympians leading to Zeus's supremacy.

Works and Days Overview

• A didactic poem focusing on agriculture and social relations.

• Addresses human suffering and divine justice.

• Main themes include:

  • Justice vs injustice

  • Report of human conditions in contrast with gods

Prometheus and Pandora

• Prometheus steals fire leading to Pandora’s creation as punishment.

• Pandora unleashes evils upon humanity except for 'Hope'.

Five Ages of Men

• Golden, Silver, Bronze, Heroes, and Iron Ages, detailing the decline of human condition.

Conclusion and Cultural Impact

• Hesiod's myths reflect on justice, human strife, and moral lessons in human society and their relationship with the divine.