Wk07 -F - Myth - F24 - Myths of AthensCreteThebes

Herakles Overview

Beginnings:

  • Alcmena visited by Zeus in disguise.

  • Birth of fraternal twins: Herakles and Iphicles.

  • Hera delayed Herakles’ birth; he became a slave to Eurystheus.

  • Depicted variably as a buffoon or a genius.

Youth:

  • Hera sent serpents to kill infant Herakles.

  • Herakles and Hera's milk: formed Milky Way.

  • Had 50 sons mistakenly thinking they had the same mother.

Adulthood:

  • Married Megara and fathered 3 children.

  • Killed family in madness induced by Hera; became Eurystheus's slave (10+2 Labors).

Twelve Labors:

  • Notable tasks include slaying the Nemean Lion and capturing Cerberus.

Locations of Herakles' Labors

  • Geographic scope includes regions like Nemea, Crete, Mt. Caucasus, and more.

Death and Apotheosis of Herakles

  • Married Deianira; death due to deceiving poison from Nessus.

  • Built funeral pyre, lit by Philoctetes, achieving Apotheosis and marrying Hebe.

Theseus Overview

Origin Stories:

  • Descent from Cecrops during a golden age.

  • Introduction of civilized arts and monogamy principles.

Cecrops' Contributions:

  • First king, taught city building and worship of Zeus.

Athenian national hero; linked to democracy and engaged in notable labors.

  • Labors of Theseus include combats against various threats.

Arrival and impact on Athens; associated with many figures in mythology including Hippolyta and Ariadne.

  • Final labors and political reinterpretation in context of Athenian democracy.

Myths of Crete

  • Explores narratives of Europa and the Bull, and Minos’ rule resulting in the Minotaur story.

Myths of Thebes

  • Founding stories attributed to Cadmus and twin brothers.

  • Focus on prominent figures like Oedipus and the events around Thebes and different familial conflicts.

Big Questions

  • Themes of fate, familial curses, and the struggle between divine and human laws explored in myths like Oedipus.

Takeaway Questions

  • Reflective prompts about main takeaways from the lecture, personal challenges, and areas of confusion.