Gods Flashcards
Why does Zeus accuse mortals of “waywardness”?
“They accurse the gods, they say that their troubles come from us, and yet by their own presumptuousness they draw down sorrow upon themselves that outruns their allotted portion…”
What do we learn from Aegithus’ tale?
To listen to the god’s portents - lest ‘a doom well earned’
Duality of the gods
Both “sent misery” and “brought” Odysseus home
Why was Menelaus “kept lingering by the gods”?
Had not offered them appropriate ‘hetacombs’
How is the herb moly described?
“for mortal men it is perilous to pluck up, but for the gods all things are possible” - gods closer connection to nature, aetiological myth
What does Odysseus beg of Athena?
“weave me a stratagem for revenge”
What is Zeus said to do?
“give one thing and withhold another, just as seems good to him; all things are within his reach”
Who is not accountable?
“it is not the bards who are accountable; Zeus, it may be, is accountable, when he allots to toiling men whatever is his pleasure for each”
How is the relationship between gods summarised?
Between Zeus and Athena: “you may work in any way you please, but I will tell you which way is best”
What does Zeus remind Poseidon?
“in no way to the gods fail to honour you”
