definitions Flashcards
Mythology
A traditional story that has some kind of collective importance.
Aition
‘cause’ or an ‘explanation’
Aitiological / Etiological myth
A myth that explains things.
Traditio
Latin word for ‘tradition,’ it means handing or passing down.
Lacedaemon
Sparta
Achaeans
Name the Greeks gave themselves.
Polis
City-State
Pederasty
Involving the relationship of a mature and a younger man. Sometimes sexual, sometimes just a mentorship.
Hoplite
Greek infantry soldier
Parthenos
Unmarried woman, virgin
Miasma
Pollution
Cuneiform
“Wedge-shaped form,” a writing system used by the Sumerians.
Potnia Theron
mistress (or queen) of beasts
Enuma Elish
Babylonian creation myth
Aoidos
Bard who has been trained in oral tradition; composes in the moment.
Epic
Long narrative poem about heroes.
Hymn
Long narrative poem about gods.
Wisdom literature
can involve lessons on law, agriculture, nature etc.
Ziggurat
Sumerian term; “god’s home,” the home of a god in ancient Sumerian communities.
Rhapsode
Song-stitcher; professional performer, recites stories and practices.
Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.
-Something is really something else, turning x into y.
Symbolism
Using indirect suggestion to imply the real intent.
-ex. a bird is symbolic for freedom, x is y.
Euhemerism
Gods are great humans from the past.
Etymology
The study of the origin of words
Teleological
Beginning in a primitive state and progressing to a state of perfection.
Adamantium
A grey, steel sickle.
Deluge
“Flood” - related to near east destruction myths.
