The Basics
Define a myth
- traditional tale that is orally passed down over many years
3 flower myths
Narcissus, Hyacinthus, Adonis
Relationship Aphrodite is jealous of
Cupid and Psyche
Messenger God
Hermes
Hercules parents
Zeus and Hera
Reason for mythology
- heritage
- knowledge/understanding- entertainment
Spider creation myth name
Arachne
Story showing anti-materialism
Baucis and Philemon
Zeus’ realm and associations
Sky, thunder/lightning and rain
Hercules fell in love with her.
Meg
The Greek word for “myth” and its meaning
“Mythos”
Meaning: word, talk, tale
Creation in the Pyramus and Thisbe myth
Red mulberry tree berries
Reason for Eurydice being lost forever
Orpheus could not walk up underworld staircase without looking back
3 virgin goddesses
Artemis, Hestia, Athena
Number of labors Hercules must compete
12
Purposes of mythology
1. Early science
2. Sacred history
3. Entertainment
4. Truth of human condition
Explains the seasons
Kidnapping of Persephone
Brought Pygmalion’s lover statue to life
Venus
Thing rode and carried by Poseidon
Rode: golden car across water
Carried: trident
His weakness
Temper (always seemed to be getting himself in trouble)
5 characteristics of Greek mythology
1. Anthropomorphic
2. Polytheistic
3. Non-transcendental
4. Mythical in time
5. Full of motifs and themes
Reason Endymion myth shows creation
Creation of stars as Endymion and the moon (lulled him to forever sleep) have children
Reason Alcyone drowns herself
Discovers her husbands body floating (dead)
Name preceded with “Phoebus”
Apollo
Reason he did not die in the underworld
He became a God (immortal) as he proved he would perform selfless acts