18 Questions
What is a notable aspect of Ovid's account of Hercules' life?
It is brief and does not focus on heroic exploits
Why did Ovid likely omit the story of Hercules' slaying of his wife and children?
Because it was a well-known tale already told by Euripides
Which ancient Greek poet wrote about Hercules' adventure with the snakes when he was a baby?
Theocritus
Who is the only writer, apart from Ovid, to tell Hercules' life in full?
Apollodorus
What is a characteristic of Hercules that distinguishes him from Theseus, the hero of Athens?
He was a personage of quite another order from Theseus
What is the tone of Ovid's account of Hercules' life?
Pathetic
What quality did the Athenians value most in their hero Theseus?
Great intellect and compassion
What was the reason behind Hercules' confidence in his dealings with the gods?
His role in the final victory of the Olympians
What was Hercules' reaction when the priestess at Delphi did not respond to his question?
He threatened to create his own oracle
What did Hercules value most in his relationships with the gods?
Equality and fair treatment
What was the outcome of the quarrel between Hercules and Apollo?
The quarrel was easily settled with no consequences
What did the Athenians embody in their hero Theseus?
Their own unique values and ideals
Who was Hercules' real father?
Zeus
What was Hera's motive in sending the snakes to kill Hercules?
She was furious about Zeus' infidelity
What did Hercules do when the snakes appeared in the nursery?
He sat up and grasped them by the throat
What was Alcmena's reaction when she saw the snakes in the nursery?
She called out to her husband for help
What was the outcome of Hercules' encounter with the snakes?
He killed the snakes and gave them to Amphitryon
What was signified by Hercules' ability to kill the snakes?
That he was destined to great things
This quiz is about Ovid's brief account of Hercules' life, focusing on the poet's unique storytelling style and its differences from other Greek tragedians. It explores Ovid's reticence in telling certain myths and his possible reasons for doing so.
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