Greek Mythology Test Edith Hamilton Flashcards
Who are the Stone People?
They were created by Deucalion and Pyrrha as they threw stones behind them as the “bones of the earth” which they were instructed to do by a voice from above. As they did so the stones became human which were very hardy and repopulated the earth after the flood.
Who are the only two survivors?
The two survivors were Deucalion and Pyrrha. Pyrrha was the daughter of Ephemethus and Pandora. Deucalion was the son of Prometheus. They survived by hiding in a chest that Prometheus had given them.
Why does Zeus send a flood to earth?
Zeus sends a flood to the earth because men have become evil and he feels it necessary to destroy them. He asked Posiden for help and together Zeus sent endless rain and Posiden made the seas overflow.
Why is Pandora created?
Pandora was created as the first woman meant to be a punishment for men for not offering Zeus the best cuts of the animal. She was designed to unleash the terrors of the plagues and sadness upon the earth. But she also gave humanity hope which allowed them to cope with the new atrocities in their world.
How is Prometheus tortured?
Prometheus is tortured by being chained to a rock forever until a son of Zeus will one day free him. Only Prometheus knew who the mother of this child would be. Zeus asked him to disclose that information to which he said no. This caused Zeus to send an eagle to eat his liver everyday. Everyday his liver would regrow just in time for the eagle to eat it again.
What does Prometheus do that angers Zeus?
Zeus was angry at Prometheus because he cared so much for men and had stolen fire for them. He also tricked Zeus into picking the worst parts of the animal for men to sacrifice to him by covering the better parts in entrails. This allowed men to keep the best parts of the animal for themselves but angered Zeus.
What is the second version of creation, the five stages of man?
In the second version of creation, the gods created many different versions of humanity. Gold, silver, brass, hero, iron race which is the race of humans today
What gifts does Epimetheus give to animals? What does Prometheus give to mankind to make us superior to animals?
Epimetheus gave the physical traits of fur, wings, shells, and feathers to animals. He also gave the capabilities of intelligence, bravery, speed, and strength. In order to supplement this, Prometheus created man walking upright as the Gods do and he also provided them with fire
Who are Prometheus and Epometheus?
Prometheus and Epometheus are Titian brothers. They were given the task of creating life on earth and fashioned all of the species we have today.
What is Hesiod’s version of the creation of man?
In Hesiod’s version of the creation of man, Zeus allows Prometheus and his brother Epometheus to create man because they sided with him during the Titan war.
Why is Dionysus considered so important to Greeks?
He allowed them to “temporaily experience the divine” Many great stories were written at his festival Dionysus represents the vine which dies in the winter and is constantly having its leaves pulled from it. This made stories about him sad
Why is Dionysus considered so important to Greeks?
Dionysus is so important to the Greeks because he allowed them to “temporarily experience the divine” His festival was also responsible for many great works of literature, (Often sad bc he was reborn and died every year bc he is the vine)
What are the two contrasting ideas associated with the worship of Dionysus?
The two contrasting ideas associated with Dionysus are happiness and euphoria as well as madness and brutality.
What is Dionysus known as, and what does he teach humans?
Dionysus is known as Bacchus and he teaches humans “the culture of the vine.” Presumably this is referring to him teaching them how to cultivate grapes and make wine.
How does the myth of Demeter explain the seasons of spring and winter?
The myth of Demeter gives way to the 4 seasons due to the death of her daughter Persephone. Demeter became irreconcilably sad and because of her mood the earth became cold and desolate. Zeus forced Hades to return Persephone but she had eaten a pomegranate seed which caused her to have to return to him. Eventually the gods made a compromise and Persephone had to spend 4 months in the underworld with Hades every year which became winter.
How are Dionysus and Demeter different from the Twelve Gods of mythology?
Demter and Dionysus stick out among their fellow Olympians because they are known for being kind to humans. They were beneficial to them instead of making trouble for them as their brethren did.
What do Greeks believe are the two basic gifts that Earth gives to man?
The two gifts that the earth gives to man are the grape vine and corn.
What is her explanation for differing views of the same gods?
Hamilton’s explanation for differing views on the same Gods is different authors having different purposes and perspectives on the same story. For example there were slightly different depictions of Zeus until one consistent one came to be as humans developed their needs and expectations for their divine.
How does she define mythology?
Hamilton defines mythology as, “An explanation of something in nature; how, for instance, any and everything in the universe came into existence.” Also as, “Early science, the result of man trying to explain what they saw around them.”
What are the “dark spots” referred to by Edith Hamilton (18-19)?
The “dark spots” Hamilton mentions in the tales of the Greeks are the dishonorable behavior of the Gods, animalistic depictions of the divine including Satyrs and even Hera herself being described as “cow-faced”, and evidence that the Greeks once engaged in human sacrifice.
What is “the miracle of Greek mythology” (17)?
The miracle of Greek mythology is creating Gods that humans understand and see themselves in.
How are the Greek gods different from Egyptian or Mesopotamian gods?
Egyptian mythology depicts Gods as inhuman beings. The Greek Gods were more relatable and comprehensible to the normal humans that worshiped them.
What is the difference between primitive and classical mythology?
Primitive mythology is meant to frighten worshipers of their divine beings. Classical mythology has a more positive light. The Gods of this style of myth are almost like a fairy tale and are pleasing to both the eye and mind.
The Sirens-
● Lived on an island
Very beautiful voices that drew sailors towards their death
● Their appearance is not known because everyone who saw them died
The Graiae-
● The 3 sisters of the Gorgons
● They were grey
● Shared one eye
● Lived on the “farther bank of the ocean”
The Gorgons-
● Lived on the earth
● 2 out of 3 of them were immortal
● Had wings and looked like dragons
● Their gaze could turn people to stone
● Daughters of Phorcys, “son of the Earth and Sea”
The Centaurs-
● Part horse, part man
● Vicious creatures more akin to beasts than people
● Chiron was the most famous Centaur who was known for being kind and
smart, unlike his brethren
The Satyrs-
● Similarly to Pan, also half man, half goat
● Lived in the wild
● Differed from other spirits of the wild which were often depicted as
pretty women
The Sileni-
Half man, half horse
● Had 2 legs but the hooves of a horse
● Sometimes horse ears, always horse tails
● Although they often appear on Greek vases there are no stories about
them
Leda,
Wife of King Tyndareus, ruler of Sparta
● She gave birth to 2 mortal children, Castor and Clytemnestra
● She also gave birth to 2 immortal children, fathered by Zeus, Pollux and Helen
Zeus came to Leda as a Swan
Silenus
, In some stories Pan’s brother, in other stories Pan’s son, Constantly happy and drunk
● Rides a donkey because he is too intoxicated to walk
● Taught Dionysus when he was a child
● Very faithful to Dionysus
Pan,
God of goatherds, shepherds, and nature, Hermes son, Always hanging out with wood nymphs and is often in love with one always rejected because of his looks
What are some of the rivers in the underworld?
The 3 rivers that separate the underworld from the human world are Phlegethon which is a river of fire, Styx which is the river of unbreakable oaths, and Lethe which is the river of forgetfulness.
Judges in Underworld?
The three possible judges that decide which section of the underworld a spirit will be placed in are, Rhadamanthus, Minos, and Aeacus. They send bad people to “everlasting torment” and good people to the beautiful Elysian fields.
Who is Cerebus
Cereberus is the 3 headed dog with a dragon tail that serves as a guard to the gates of the underworld. It lets all dead go in but none come out.
What are the rivers into the underworld and who is the boatman?
The boatman’s name is Charon and he takes people across the rivers Acaheron and Cocytus to the gates of the underworld. He will only sail people in his boat who have paid to get the ride.
What are other names for underworld?
Erebus is one name for the underworld, it is the section that the dead can be found as soon as they die. The other section that it is often referred to as is Tartarus, which is where the divine beings are imprisoned.
Who is the ruler of the underworld?
The ruler of the underworld is Hades or Pluto in Roman Mythology. His wife and the Queen of the underworld is Persephone.
