Greek and Roman Mythology Figures

Greek and Roman Mythology & History Figures

• Gods and Goddesses: Zeus (Jupiter), Poseidon (Neptune), Hera, Hades, Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Demeter, Persephone (Proserpina), Hestia (Vesta), Janus, Lares, Nymphs, Perseus, Poseidon, Satyrs, Talos, Theseus, Thetis, Hydra, additional figures (e.g. Argus, Castor, Polydeuces [Pollux], etc.)

Greek and Roman Mythology & History Figures Cont'd

• Definitions:
  • Figures are associated with roles, places, or events in mythology and history. For example, Hestia was the Roman goddess of the hearth, Hydra was a multi-headed snake. Gods and goddesses were often tied to specific realms like the oceans (Poseidon) or the sky (Zeus). Hydra grows two heads in place of each severed head. Janus was a Roman two-headed god of beginnings and bridges, open gates at Rome signify war. Lares were Roman domestic gods associated with the home. Nymphs are minor goddesses of nature; Persephone is daughter of Demeter, stolen by Hades. Perseus killed Medusa and a sea monster. Poseidon is god of oceans. Satyrs are goat-men divinities. Talos was a bronze giant protecting Crete, disabled by Medea. Theseus is son of Poseidon/Aegeus, defeating the Minotaur and performing other heroic deeds. Thetis is a Nereid, wife of Peleus, mother of Achilles. Zeus is king of the Olympians, storm god. Enforces justice and hospitality.

Epic Heroes and Figures

• Characteristics and actions: Figures involved in significant events and actions like Heracles' labors, the Trojan War, and the voyages of Odysseus. These involve battles, quests, and interactions with other figures. Theseus defeated the Minotaur, Odysseus navigated treacherous journeys. Argonauts accompanied Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. Key figures include Heracles, Odysseus, Jason, and many others associated with these stories.

Sites and Locations

• Geographical significance: Locations like Troy, Crete, Athens, Ithaca, Rome, Sparta and others are crucial in events and journeys described, including the various locations in Greek mythology like the Argo and Colchis.

Important Figures in Greek and Roman History

• Mortals: Key examples include Agamemnon, Ajax, Alcmena, Amphitryon, Anchises, Aegisthus, Clytemnestra, Deianeira, Coriolanus, Eurystheus, Hector, Helen, Hecabe (Hecuba), Iphigeneia, Jason, Laocoon, Medea and other historical figures involved in the events such as the Trojan War and the founding of Rome. Agamemnon was commander in chief at Troy, killed on his return home by Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. Ajax was best fighter after Achilles, lost the contest for his armor. Alcinous and Arete are king and queen of Phaeacia, hosting Odysseus. Alcmena is wife of Amphitryon, mother of Heracles by Zeus. Amphitryon is Theban general, resents her apparent adultery. Anchises is Trojan who slept with Aphrodite, becoming father of Aeneas. Andromache is wife of Hector, mother of Astyanax. Atalanta is a hunter who wounded the Calydonian boar. Argus was Odysseus's dog, welcoming him home. Augean stables, were filthy, cleaned by Heracles diverting a river. Briseis was a Trojan given to Achilles, taken away by Agamemnon. Calchas was a prophet. Clytemnestra kills Agamemnon. Coriolanus is early Roman aristocrat, turns against Rome, his wife/mother convince him not to attack. Deian eira was daughter of Meleager, wife of Heracles, kills him. Dido was queen of Carthage, delaying Aeneas. Etruscans provided early Roman kings. Eurystheus was king of Mycenae, forcing Heracles' labors. Hecabe is queen of Troy, wife of Priam, mother of Hector. Hector is son of Priam and Hecuba, main fighter on the Trojan side, killed by Achilles. Helen's leaving Menelaus caused the Trojan War. Hylas was Argonaut beloved of Heracles, stolen by nymphs. Iphigeneia was Agamemnon and Clytemnestra's daughter, sacrificed. Jason got the golden fleece and Medea but marriage failed. Laocoon was a Trojan priest, recognizing the wooden horse as a trap. Laestrygonians are cannibal ogres who destroyed ships.

Literary Sources

• Literary works: Several literary works, including Aeschylus' Oresteia, Apollonius of Rhodes' Argonautica, Euripides' Medea, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Livy's History of Rome, Virgil's Aeneid, and additional works (e.g., Aeschylus, Apollonius of Rhodes, Euripides, etc.) provided accounts and stories associated with these figures and events.

Test your knowledge on the gods, goddesses, and epic heroes of Greek and Roman mythology. Explore their roles, characteristics, and stories, including significant events like the Trojan War and the Labors of Heracles. This quiz covers a wide range of figures and their legendary exploits.