Greek Mythology Flashcards Review

Greek Mythology Archetypes

• Narcissus exemplifies the archetype of Ingénue, symbolizing beauty and vanity.
• Antihero archetype contrasts with the Hero; Antiheroes may act selfishly or use immoral methods while still achieving worthwhile goals.
• The character of Theseus represents the Hero archetype due to his "heroic feats" and significant accomplishments like defeating the Minotaur.

Influence of Greek Mythology

• Greek mythology significantly permeates modern culture, including the names of planets and constellations, the Olympic Games, and various literary works.
• Technology is an example of a field largely unaffected by Greek mythology.

Mythological Purposes

• The myth of Arachne highlights several purposes:
  • Religious aspects detailing the power of gods and the consequences of hubris.
  • It establishes cultural codes of acceptable behavior.
  • It explains natural phenomena, specifically how spiders weave their webs.
  • The myth serves as entertainment, fulfilling early literature's purpose.

Situational Archetypes

• A prominent situational archetype in the story of Perseus is the Hero's Journey, reflecting the hero's quest narrative.
• The myth of Cupid and Psyche features several situational archetypes, including Tests and True Love's Kiss, illustrating themes of love and transformation.

Character Analysis

• Echo represents an Ingénue archetype, embodying beauty with a lack of depth, and experiences Unrequited Love with Narcissus.
• Psyche, in Cupid and Psyche, evolves from an Ingénue into a clever woman, facing challenges represented by her tasks and the influence of characters like Venus, portrayed as a Wicked Witch.

Cultural and Historical Influence

• The myth of Perseus demonstrates how cultural values evolve; he symbolizes a transition from traditional warrior leadership to a ruler focused on societal welfare, reflecting changing societal norms.