Classics 110 Midterm UO Flashcards

Study Notes

Hesiod's Theogony

Poem outlining the creation of the universe and genealogy of gods.
Contains a prologue and various myths about the births of gods.
Features succession myths that explain the rise of Zeus as the king of gods.

Muses

Nine Muses from Mount Helicon associated with song, dance, and arts.
Hesiod emulates the Muses, who grant him a beautiful voice.

Origin of Muses

Resulted from Zeus' union with Mnemosyne (Memory).

Cosmogony

Refers to the birth and creation of the cosmos.

Theogony

Focuses specifically on the birth of the gods.

Chaos

Considered the first entity in existence, representing space.

Gaia

The second goddess in existence, symbolizing the Earth.

Tartarus

Third deity, depicted as the prison for Titans.

Eros

The fourth god, associated with love (Cupid); notable for being not gendered.

Ouranos

God of the sky, born from Gaia alone.

Hesiod's Vision of the Cosmos

Conceptualizes the universe as a layered structure: Chaos at the bottom, followed by Tartarus, Gaia, and finally Ouranos.

Titans

Offspring of Gaia and Ouranos.

Cyclopes

Known for strength and craftsmanship; provided Zeus with his thunderbolt.

Hundred Handers

Children of Gaia and Ouranos, noted for their immense power; freed by Zeus during the Titanomachy.

Kronos and Ouranos' Castration

Kronos castrates Ouranos, an unusual act in Greek mythology but justified in the Theogony.

Birth of Aphrodite

Born from Ouranos' severed genitals, also known for her ties to various locations and names (e.g., Kythereia, Philommedes).

Styx

Goddess and river, progenitor of four gods: Zelos, Nike, Kratos, and Bia; her waters are sacred for oaths.

Hymn to Hekate

Hekate is a minor deity with significant control and a unique mythological background.

Kronos' Cannibalism and the Stone

Kronos swallows his children due to a prophecy; Rhea saves Zeus by giving Kronos a stone to swallow instead.

Zeus, Prometheus, and Sacrifice

Zeus favors the burnt fat over bones during a sacrificial offering, leading to Prometheus' trickery.

Zeus, Prometheus, and Fire

Zeus punishes humanity by taking away fire; Prometheus steals it back, symbolizing his love for humans.

Punishment of Prometheus

Zeus torturously confines Prometheus to a pillar, with an eagle consuming his liver daily.

Pandora and Human Females in Theogony

Created by Zeus as a punishment for humans, embodying negative stereotypes of women in Greek culture.

Titanomachy

Epic battle between the Titans led by Kronos and the Olympians led by Zeus.

Ambrosia

Food of the gods, symbolizing immortality.

Nectar

The divine drink enjoyed by the gods, associated with immortality.

Description

This quiz features flashcards highlighting key concepts from Hesiod's 'Theogony,' including the structure of the poem and the significance of the Muses. Test your knowledge on the birth stories of gods and the myths surrounding Zeus's supremacy. Perfect for Classics 110 students preparing for their midterm exam.

Classics 110 Midterm UO Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Hesiod's Theogony?

How many Muses are there?

What is cosmogony?

What does chaos represent?

Who is Gaia?

What is Tartarus?

What is Eros known as?

What is the significance of Kronos castrating Ouranos?

How was Aphrodite born?

Who are the Hundred Handers?

What does the Styx give birth to?

What leads to the punishment of Prometheus?

What is ambrosia?

What does nectar refer to?

Pandora was created as a gift for mankind.

What is the Titanomachy?