Classical Mythology Week 1 Quiz

Ancient Greek Gods

• Images of various ancient Greek gods are shown.

Classical Literature Interpretation and Definition of Classical Mythology

• Week 1, Session 2
• Ayşegül Avcı
• Yaşar University

Definition(s)

• No single definition is wholly satisfactory.
• Many theories must be combined to interpret myths.
• Definitions often too broad or too narrow to be useful.
• Definitions are helpful for identifying characteristics of different types of stories and provide classification criteria.

Definitions: What is Myth?

• Myth: words, speeches, tales, stories
• Narrated orally or in written form
• Represented in painting, sculpture, music, dance, mime, drama, song, opera, movies, and series
• Myth vs. legend/saga, folktale, fairytale

Definitions: Myth Proper and the Rest

• Myth: comprehensive (but not exclusive) term for stories, primarily concerned with gods and human relationships.
• Saga & Legend: Used interchangeably; have a relationship to history; Imaginative, rooted in historical facts (e.g., Icelandic sea voyages).
• Folktale: Tales of adventure; include fantastic beings; driven by clever strategies for the hero; aim to entertain (e.g., Keloglan).
• Fairytale: A particular kind of folktale; short, imaginative, traditional with a high moral and magical content (e.g., Cinderella).

Is Myth Real?

• Myth is a multifaceted personal and cultural phenomenon, providing reality and unity to transient and fragmented aspects of the world.
• Philosophical vision of the afterlife
• Religious conceptions of a god
• Myths aren't scientific; they discuss concepts that are "fact-like" yet transient, temporary and periodic.
• Myth and factual truth don't need to be mutually exclusive.

Myth and Religion

• Myth deals with gods, religion, the supernatural, creation, divine nature, humankind's fate, and afterlife.
• Myth forms the basis for devout religious beliefs.
• Explanation of human origin and human society
• Difference between myth and religion.

Myth and Etiology

• Etiology (cause): used to explain phenomena unexplained by science (e.g., origins of the world, love, beauty and evil).
• Myth is used as explanation by people.
• Myth does not specify a unique form of expression distinguishing it from science, religion, and art.

Rationalism vs. Metaphorical/Symbolic

• Euhemerus (c. 300 BCE): Gods are deified men; this contrasts with the idea that gods have symbolic meanings.
• Anti-rationalists: Traditional tales hold profound meanings; Details are symbols for universal truths (refer to phenomena such as meteorology and cosmology, e.g., Zeus).
• Max Müller (19th century): Myths are nature myths (e.g., Zeus and sky/weather control).

Myth and Psychology

• Emphasis on sexuality, the unconscious, dream interpretation, and the Oedipus complex.
• Dreams are the fulfillment of repressed and disguised wishes to relieve anxiety.
• Symbolic interpretations are used to analyze myths.

Oedipus Complex

• The Oedipus complex relates to our inherent conflict with our fathers.
• Our fate reflects the ancient oracle's curse.
• His fate concerns us because it might have been ours.
• We have inherent sexual urges toward our mothers and hatred toward our fathers

Myth and Psychology (continued)

• Myths project collective unconsciousness (revelations of continuing psychic tendencies in society).
• Collective unconsciousness includes political/social issues.
• Myths contain images (archetypes), expressions of collective dreams to create a scheme of functioning (e.g., Oedipus complex).

Myth and the Structuralists

• Myth is a mode of communication (like language); the structure (relationship of components) matters more than the sound itself.
• One version of a myth is not necessarily more valid; all versions equally legitimate.
• Myths are a living organism, all parts contribute to the structure.
• To understand myths, break each component down into its pieces.
• Myth is permanent and occurs across different cultures and societies.
• Societal Structure is consistent and based on binary opposition; society's oppositional resolutions are used to resolve conflicts in stories.

Myth and the Structuralists (continued)

• Myths have a linear structure with unchanging sequences. Elements never occur out of order.
• Analyzing myths by breaking down elements can identify recurring patterns across myths (of a single culture and across different cultures).
• Myth development can be better appreciated and understood, prior to literary presentation.

Myth and the Structuralists (continued)

• Offers synthesis of structural theories and traditional approaches; Classical myths reflect a historical dimension.
• Original tales adapt to cultural context.
• Myth structure shows human creators and cultural needs; a method to understand audience and cultural expectations of tellers.

Feminist Critical Theory

• Analyzes mythology from a woman's/female perspective.
• Examines psychological and social issues of female characters.
• Explores the binary nature of human society and mind: male vs. female.

Women in Greek Society

• City-states presented complicated views of women.
• Women's position varied by region and era.
• Citizens' status depended on both parents (Aristotle)
• Limited rights (no voting).
• Active participation in religious ceremonies and art, in spite of limited rights.

Theme of Rape

• Explores themes of passion, lust, love, pursuit, hunter/hunted
• Conflicts include the right of kings or gods vs. seduction
• Love stories depict victimization and male dominance/supremacy
• Female portrayals often focus on chastity, virginity (e.g., Artemis), love (e.g., Aphrodite)
• Stories highlight the tension between these concepts in examples like the Rape of Helen.

Homosexuality

• Accepted and part of ancient life
• Noted as part of daily lives.
• Social code/motive focused on education of character and citizenship.
• Not seen as sin, but (male) effeminacy was problematic.
• Examples include Zeus and Ganymede.