General Greek Mythology
What is a myth and why did ancient people tell them?
A myth is a type of folktale in a specific culture used to explain the unexplainable and ancient people told them to explain natural phenomenons, beliefs, and rituals.
What is an idiom? Give an example and its meaning.
Example: It's raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It's raining a lot
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Uranus
Themes/Morals:
Good is rewarded, evil is punished (Kronos was rewarded, Uranus was punished)
Bravery vs. Cowardice
Don’t kill your parents (Furies)
Character Traits:
Uranus = evil, jealous, tyrannical, cruel, insecure, unjust, cowardly, selfish, etc.
Kronos = powerful, strong, brave, etc.
Purpose of Myth:
-Creation story (how the world was created)
-To scare children and teach them not to kill their parents (Furies)
-To show values like don’t fight against family
-To teach the lesson to be brave even when it’s difficult
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Cupid and Psyche
Themes/Morals:
-Have your own opinion and don’t do everything others tell you to do
Character Traits:
Psyche = deceitful, pathetic, impulsive, etc.
Cupid = narcissistic, scornful, etc.
Purpose of Myth:
-To show people to have your own opinion and don’t do everything others tell you to do
What is an archetype?
Which of the following is an archetype:
a) A female hero
b) A quest
c) Only a singular god/goddess can me in it
An archetype is a plot pattern, image, or character trait that appears throughout literature.
B
What is a simile and what is a metaphor? Give an example and its meaning.
Simile-
Example: Her eyes were as bright as the sun
Meaning: Her eyes were bright
Metaphor-
Example: He had a cold expression on his face
Meaning: His face was blank
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Kronos and Zeus
Themes/Morals:
Good vs. Evil
Don’t try to change your fate, it is inevitable.
Power/Too much power can corrupt you
Character Traits:
Kronos = selfish, cruel, cowardly, hypocritical, arrogant, etc.
Purpose of Myth:
-To show that fate is inevitable
-To explain how the gods and titans were created; another creation myth
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Medusa and Athena
Themes/Morals:
-There is more to life than beauty
-Good is rewarded, evil is punished
Character Traits:
Medusa = vain, prideful, etc.
Athena = powerful, mature, intelligent, etc.
Purpose of Myth:
-To show that here is more to life than beauty
What is the difference between theme and moral?
Themes are the overall ideas of the story while morals are what the author wants you to take from the story.
Ex: Theme-Kindness/respect Moral-Respect your parents
What is a hyperbole? Give an example and its meaning.
Example: If I don't win this, I'll die
Meaning: They want to win
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Prometheus
Themes/Morals:
Perseverance: Stand up for what you believe in, but be ready to make sacrifices
Authority & Obedience: Don’t disobey higher authorities or you will be punished
Things are not always as they seem/Looks can be deceiving
Character Traits:
Prometheus = deceitful, daring, smart, kind, brave, IoyaI, caring, creative, selfless, rebellious, etc
Purpose of Myth:
-To show how man was created and why we stand upright
-Why the first woman was created
-How animals were created
-How man got the gift of fire :)
What are common characteristics of Greek Mythology. Name three.
Any Combination of these:
Myth teaches a lesson or explains the natural world
Generally involves nature, mythical creatures, or the adventure of gods/goddesses/heroes
The gods/goddesses/heroes are super human
Gods sometimes appear in disguised form
Human emotions are experienced by the gods
Magic is often present in myths
A metamorphosis may occur
Good is rewarded and evil is punished
Myths can be violent
What is conflict? What is a character trait?
A conflict is the main problem in a story and character traits are details about a character's personality and physical appearance.
What is personification? Give an example and its meaning.
Example: The thunder screamed
Meaning: The thunder was loud
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Pandora's Box
Themes/Morals:
Curiosity: Curiosity is okay, as long as it doesn't get out of hand
Character Traits:
Pandora = stubborn, persistent, rebellious, curious, etc.
Epimetheus = mature, intelligent, etc
Purpose of Myth:
-To show how all sorrowful things on earth were created
-To demonstrate the lesson that “curiosity killed the cat”
What is connotation?
Connotation is a feeling or idea that a specific word invokes
What is imagery? Give an example and its meaning.
Example: The gleaming snow glistened in the warm sun
Meaning: The snow was outside on a sunny day
Name themes/morals, character traits, and the purpose of the myth from the following myth:
Narcissus and Echo
Themes/Morals:
-Narcissism//Do not be to obsessed or self centered
-Heartbreak//Don’t let heartbreak consume you
-Self-love
-Self-esteem
-Love
Character Traits:
Narcissus = Narcissistic, vain, self-centered, scornful, handsome, beautiful, etc.
Echo= Desperate, down bad, heartbroken, pathetic, deceitful, impulsive, etc.
Purpose of Myth:
-To show how echos were created
-To explain why the narcissus flower exists and why it droops