1.3-The Reciprocal Relationship between gods and mortals

Question 1

Reciprocal Relationship

Answer 1

Quid pro quo, not mutual love
Honour - ritual acts
Not equal relationship
Mortals could be punished if neglect gods
Gods could choose to ignore supplications

Question 2

How would mortals give honour?

Answer 2

Ritual acts:
sacrifices
libations
votive offerings

Question 3

Examples of Reciprocal Relationship
Homer

Answer 3

Homer, Iliad 24 (8 c. BC): Hector gave ‘the honour gods have been granted as our right’

Question 4

Examples of Reciprocal Relationship
Hesiod

Answer 4

Hesiod, Works and Days (c.700 BC):
Appease gods with libations day and night so that they are gracious towards you

Question 5

Examples of Reciprocal Relationship
Asclepius

Answer 5

Asclepeion at Epidauros
Later 4th c.
Euphanes of Epidauros suffered from stone. He slept at the Asclepeion and gave the god 10 knucklebones. The god laughed and next morning the boy was healed

Question 7

Examples of Reciprocal Relationship
Tyche

Answer 7

Tyche’s Leg
Asclepeion of Melos
1st/2nd c. AD
Tyche give thanks to the healing of her leg

Question 8

Evidence that gods could ignore supplications

Answer 8

Iliad 6
Athene refused to grant the Trojans’ prayer for Diomedes to be neutralised. She ‘shook her head’
Shows the status and power difference between gods and mortals

Question 9

Hitch scholarly view