Hymn to Demeter & Orpheus/Eurydice Flashcards
The Hymn to Demeter is a special myth because it explains what natural phenomenon?
The turning of the seasons
Patrilocal
relating to a pattern of marriage in which the couple settles in the husband’s home or community
Define: epikleros
an heiress in ancient Athens and other ancient Greek city states, specifically a daughter of a man who had no sons. She marries the closest male relative
Do Olympians cross over into the underworld?
No, they either can’t or won’t. The only ones who do are Zeus and Hermes
In Greek literature there is often a symbolic connection between…
marriage and death
Who arranges marriages? In what way does it reflect something we do today?
The husband and the bride’s father. The match is meant to be beneficial to both families, not because of love. Today, traditionally the father walks a bride down the aisle and gives her away.
Demeter follows in two of her ancestors footsteps. Who and why?
Demeter follows Gaia and Rhea in trying to get infant sons to fight against oppressive adult fathers.
Is Hades actually a villian?
No, he simply drew the short stick and was assigned the underworld. He is not inherently bad.
Why does Zeus want Demeter to lift the famine she placed on humanity? What does that say about him?
It isn’t that he loves mortals and does not want to see them starve, it’s that he is upset about not having sacrifices made to him due to the lack of resources.
How does Demeter almost commit the “crime” that was committed against her?
She almost takes Demophoon away from his mother the way Persephone was taken from her.
In what ways does this myth show the gods attitudes toward mortals.
- humans are objects
- Demeter does not consider the impact of her choices
on the human mother. - Demeter no longer cares about Demophoon when he
is not made immortal. - Zeus is selfish in his wanting the famine to be lifted
What was Persephone doing when she was abducted?
Picking wildflowers
Who tells Demeter what happened to Persephone?
Hecate and Helios
Who gave Persephone to Hades?
Zeus, though some say that when Hades asked for her he said he could neither allow it or stop it, thus allowing Hades to do what he wanted without upsetting Demeter.
Orpheus
- Son the muse Caliope
- poet
- given a golden lyre by Apollo
the Muses
- nine goddesses who ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects.
- the daughters of Zeus
- Caliope is Orpheus’ mom AND the muse responsible for The Odyssey
lyre
a stringed instrument like a small U-shaped harp
How does Orpheus get to the underworld
by singing. His beautiful voice causes Charon to allow him passage across Styx
What is Hades’ condition for allowing Orpheus to have Eurydice on Earth again?
Orpheus must not look behind him while they travel back to Earth. He can only look when Eurydice is in the sunshine.
Who kills Orpheus? Why?
The Maenads. Either because Dionysus is mad at Orpheus for not worshipping him OR because they wanted him to love one of them and he won’t.
How does Eurydice die?
she is bitten by a snake
What does Orpheus do in the underworld?
He sings, temporarily stopping the tortures of the damned, making the furies cry, and charming Persephone and Hades
What became of Orpheus’ lyre when he died?
It went to a temple of Apollo then became a constellation.
