Greek_Myth_Presentation_Notes_2025

Theseus Labors 1&2

• Overview: Upon traveling to Athens to claim his birthright, Theseus must encounter six entrances to the underworld. This section details the first two of his labors.

Labor 1: Periphetes

• Location: Epidaurus

• Character: Periphetes, a notorious bandit known for killing travelers with a bronze club.

• Encounter: Theseus tricks Periphetes into giving him the club.

• Outcome: Theseus uses the club to kill Periphetes.

Labor 2: Sinis

• Character: Sinis, known for his cruel method of execution that involved tying victims to bent trees and releasing them to be torn apart.

• Encounter: Theseus captures Sinis using his own method.

• Outcome: Theseus defeats Sinis, ensuring he can no longer terrorize travelers.

Theseus Labors 3&4

• Overview: Theseus, a significant figure in Greek mythology, is known for overcoming formidable challenges, including slaying the Minotaur to save Athenian youth.

Labor 3: Crommyonian Sow

• Character: A monstrous pig called the Crommyonian Sow, the offspring of Echidna and Typhon but raised by Phaea.

• Outcome: Theseus slays the Sow, liberating locals from its terror. Alternate version suggests the pig was Phaea herself.

Labor 4: Sciron

• Location: Megara, specifically the Scironian Rocks.

• Character: Sciron, a robber who deceived victims into washing his feet before throwing them off a cliff to be eaten by a sea turtle.

• Outcome: Theseus throws Sciron off the cliff, leading to Sciron’s demise by the very monster he used against his victims.

Theseus' 5th & 6th Labors

• Overview: Theseus' further pursuits given by King Eurystheus continue his legendary path.

Labor 5: King Cercyon

• Character: King Cercyon of Eleusis challenges Theseus to a wrestling match for the title of king.

• Outcome: Theseus slams Cercyon to the ground, killing him and gaining respect and authority.

Labor 6: Procrustes the Stretcher

• Character: Procrustes, who offers guests a bed but then mutilates them to fit it.

• Outcome: Theseus kills Procrustes with his own axe, ending the terror once and for all.

The Tale of Andromeda and Perseus

• Characters: Andromeda, Cassiopeia (mother), Perseus (hero), Cetus (sea monster).

• Plot: Cassiopeia boasts about her beauty, angering the sea god Neptune, who demands Andromeda be sacrificed.

• Conflict: Chained to a rock, she awaits her fate when Perseus arrives and saves her by using Medusa's head to turn Cetus to stone.

• Resolution: Perseus and Andromeda marry, thwarting her previous betrothal to Phineas, whom Perseus also turns to stone.

Narcissus Information Sheet

• Background: Narcissus from Boeotia, son of river god Cephissus and nymph Liriope.

• Plot: Falls in love with his own reflection, leading to his demise after rejecting the love of Echo.

• Outcome: Narcissus dies at the pond, embodying the concept of narcissism (excessive self-interest).

The Tale of Arachne

• Characters: Arachne, a skilled weaver; Athena, goddess of wisdom.

• Plot: They hold a weaving competition, with Athena illustrating the glory of gods and Arachne depicting their flaws.

• Conflict: Athena, enraged by Arachne’s skill, destroys her tapestry and punishes Arachne, who hangs herself in shame.

• Resolution: Arachne is transformed into a spider by Athena, representing a blend of punishment and pity.

Tantalus

• Background: Tantalus, a figure who angered the gods and served his son Pelops to them.

• Punishment: Stands in a pool of water that recedes as he tries to drink and fruit above him forever out of reach.

• Legacy: Father of Niobe and Pelops, cursed descendants including heroes of the Trojan War.

Sisyphus

• Background: A cunning king known for tricking the gods and cheating death.

• Punishment: Condemned to roll a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back each time it reaches the top.

• Theme: Explore themes of futility and endless labor.

Phaethon and the Sun Chariot

• Plot: Phaethon, son of Helios, attempts to drive the sun chariot, which leads to disastrous consequences due to his hubris.

• Outcome: Causing havoc, he is struck down by Zeus to prevent further disaster, transforming his sisters into trees out of grief.

Atalanta

• Character: A gifted huntress abandoned at birth, later raised by hunters.

• Myths:

  • Calydonian Boar Hunt: First to wound a powerful boar sent by Artemis, earning respect.

  • Footrace: Competitors who fail to beat her face death. Hippomenes wins with help from Aphrodite's golden apples.

• Outcome: Atalanta marries Hippomenes, but their disrespect to the gods leads to their transformation into lions.

Pegasus and Bellerophon

• Character: Bellerophon, accused and exiled, tasked with slaying the Chimera.

• Assistance from the Gods: Given a golden bridle to tamed Pegasus.

• Outcome: They successfully defeat Chimera, but Bellerophon’s desire for more leads to his downfall when he is cast from Pegasus and left blind.

Orpheus

• Background: The gifted musician and son of a Muse and Apollo.

• Love Story: Orpheus marries Eurydice, who dies shortly after their wedding.

• Journey: He ventures into the Underworld to rescue her, charming the guards with music.

• Tragic Outcome: Looks back as they near the exit, losing Eurydice forever.

The Underworld

• Key Figures:

  • Hermes: Guides souls to the Underworld.

  • Charon: Ferryman requiring payment for passage across the Styx.

  • Cerberus: The three-headed dog guarding the gates of Hades.

  • Judges: Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus, who determine each soul's fate.

• Destinies: Righteous souls reach Elysium; wicked are sent to Tartarus.

Jason and Medea

• Plot: Jason tasked with retrieving the Golden Fleece.

• Help: With the support of Hera, Athena, and Medea, who falls in love with Jason.

• Challenges: Overcomes lethal trials by King Aeetes with Medea's aid.

• Aftermath: Jason secures the fleece, but their union leads to tragedy as Medea's dark vengeance unfolds.

Charon, the Ferryman

• Role: Transport souls to the Underworld; requires payment for passage.

• Importance: Souls must be properly buried to cross; those unable to pay wander the river shores eternally.

• Description: Depicted as an unsightly older man in a black cloak, embodying the grim aspect of death.

The Chimaera

• Origin: A fearsome monster born from Echidna and Typhon.

• Plot: Bellerophon, sent to slay it as a cruel punishment, ends up taming Pegasus with divine aid.

• Outcome: With Pegasus’ help, Bellerophon defeats the Chimaera, gaining fame and further challenges.

Jason & the Golden Fleece

• Quest Overview: Tasked by King Pelias to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Aeetes.

• Argonauts: Forms a team to aid in his quest.

• Trials: Faces two formidable tasks set by King Aeetes, accomplishing them with the help of divine forces.

• Conclusion: Returns triumphant, solidifying his hero status.

Hippolyta

• Background: Daughter of Otrera (queen of Amazons) and Ares.

• Role in Myths: Significant figure in tales of Theseus and Heracles, culminates in her death during a misunderstanding driven by Hera.

• Legacy: Represents the tragic element of misunderstanding in hero tales.