Y1 Week 2: Mythology

Week 2 assignments: Days 1-4 

As you read, consider the questions assigned for Day 4. 

Day 1: Mythology chapter 1: The Titans and the Twelve Great Olympians, The Lesser Gods of Olympus, The Gods of the Waters, The Underworld

Day 2: Mythology Chapter 1: The Lesser Gods of Earth, The Roman Gods, Chapter 2: Demeter (Cerces)

Day 3: Chapter 2: Dionysus or Bacchus, Chapter 3: How the World and Mankind Were Created 

Day 4: Complete the following study questions

Introduction 

  1. What is the difference between primitive and classical mythology?
  2.  How are the Greek gods different from Egyptian or Mesopotamian gods?
  3.  What is “the miracle of Greek mythology”?
  4. What are the “dark spots” referred to by Edith Hamilton?
  5. How does she define mythology?
  6. What happened to the portrayal of Zeus over the years?

Chapter 1 The Gods: 

  1. What did the Greeks believe about the origins of the gods and the universe?
  2. Who were the first parents?
  3. Identify the twelve gods of Olympus by both Greek and Roman names. Explain what each is god(dess) of, what symbol is associated with their character, and one tendency each has.
  4. The following are some of the lesser Gods of Olympus. Briefly explain who each of them is:  Eros, Hebe, Iris, The Graces, and The Muses
  5. The following are some of the Gods of the water. Briefly explain who each of them is:  Poseidon (Neptune), Ocean, Triton, Proteus, and Naiads.
  6. The following are some of the Gods of the Underworld. Briefly explain who each of them is:  Charon, Cerberus, Acheron, Cocytus, Styx, The Furies, Sleep and Death—
  7. Briefly explain who Saturn and Janus are.

Chapter 2 The Two Great Gods of Earth

  1. What did the Greeks think was at the very beginning of things?
  2. What do Greeks believe are the two basic gifts that Earth gives to man?
  3. How are Dionysus and Demeter different from the Twelve Gods of mythology?
  4. How does the myth of Demeter explain the seasons of spring and winter?
  5. According to myth, how is Dionysus born? How is this related to Dionysus’ association with grapes and wine?
  6. What are the two contrasting ideas associated with the worship of Dionysus?
  7. Why is Dionysus considered so important to Greeks?
  8. How does Dionysus become a symbol of resurrection and immortality?

Chapter 3 How the World and Mankind Were Created

  1. Who are Prometheus and Epimetheus?
  2. What gifts does Epimetheus give to animals? 
  3. What does Prometheus give to mankind to make us superior to animals?
  4. What is the second version of creation, the five stages of man?
  5. What does Prometheus do that angers Zeus? How is he punished?
  6. Why is Pandora created?
  7. Why does Zeus send a flood to earth? Who are the only two survivors? 
  8. Who are the Stone People?