Podcast
Questions and Answers
What concept did Joseph Campbell develop that explores human experiences through myths?
What concept did Joseph Campbell develop that explores human experiences through myths?
- The Epic of Mortality
- The Myth of Creation
- The Cycle of Life
- The Hero's Journey (correct)
According to Campbell, what do hero myths symbolize?
According to Campbell, what do hero myths symbolize?
- The cycle of life and death
- The inevitability of fate
- Divine intervention in human affairs
- Personal growth and overcoming challenges (correct)
How did the Greeks view their heroes, in terms of their historical existence?
How did the Greeks view their heroes, in terms of their historical existence?
- As entirely fictional figures
- As representations of moral virtues
- As embodiments of the natural world
- As real or semi-divine beings connected to history (correct)
What flaw is commonly associated with Greek heroes that can lead to their downfall?
What flaw is commonly associated with Greek heroes that can lead to their downfall?
Who is Cadmus, and what city did he establish?
Who is Cadmus, and what city did he establish?
What was the Sphinx's riddle that Oedipus had to solve?
What was the Sphinx's riddle that Oedipus had to solve?
What tragic fate befell Oedipus as prophesied?
What tragic fate befell Oedipus as prophesied?
Who is the father of Europa's children and what form did he take to abduct her?
Who is the father of Europa's children and what form did he take to abduct her?
What strategy does Penelope use to test Odysseus' identity?
What strategy does Penelope use to test Odysseus' identity?
How does Ovid’s Metamorphoses primarily depict transformations?
How does Ovid’s Metamorphoses primarily depict transformations?
Which of the following is NOT a Roman god mentioned in the content?
Which of the following is NOT a Roman god mentioned in the content?
What is the significance of the statue depicting a wolf nursing Romulus and Remus?
What is the significance of the statue depicting a wolf nursing Romulus and Remus?
Why is Venus depicted as a supportive figure for Aeneas in the Aeneid?
Why is Venus depicted as a supportive figure for Aeneas in the Aeneid?
How did the Romans differ from the Greeks regarding myths?
How did the Romans differ from the Greeks regarding myths?
What was Aeneas’ divine destiny related to?
What was Aeneas’ divine destiny related to?
How does the death of Maximus in Gladiator reflect both Roman and modern views of heroism?
How does the death of Maximus in Gladiator reflect both Roman and modern views of heroism?
What is the primary function of myth in a society, according to the content?
What is the primary function of myth in a society, according to the content?
What tragic outcome befalls Dido in her relationship with Aeneas?
What tragic outcome befalls Dido in her relationship with Aeneas?
What is the ultimate fate of Oedipus after years of wandering?
What is the ultimate fate of Oedipus after years of wandering?
How does Perseus avoid turning to stone while confronting Medusa?
How does Perseus avoid turning to stone while confronting Medusa?
What does Theseus use to navigate the Cretan labyrinth?
What does Theseus use to navigate the Cretan labyrinth?
What unique characteristic defines the Gorgon Medusa?
What unique characteristic defines the Gorgon Medusa?
What indirectly leads to the death of Heracles' first wife, Megara?
What indirectly leads to the death of Heracles' first wife, Megara?
How does Bellerophon defeat the Chimera?
How does Bellerophon defeat the Chimera?
What does Acrisius do to prevent the oracle's prophecy regarding his daughter Danaë and grandson Perseus?
What does Acrisius do to prevent the oracle's prophecy regarding his daughter Danaë and grandson Perseus?
What tragic event occurs to Ariadne after assisting Theseus?
What tragic event occurs to Ariadne after assisting Theseus?
What motivates Heracles to undertake his Twelve Labors?
What motivates Heracles to undertake his Twelve Labors?
How does Perseus come to possess winged sandals?
How does Perseus come to possess winged sandals?
What is Procrustes known for in mythology?
What is Procrustes known for in mythology?
What leads to the birth of Pegasus?
What leads to the birth of Pegasus?
How does Theseus escape death in the Underworld?
How does Theseus escape death in the Underworld?
What is the significance of the oracle that prophesies death for Acrisius at the hands of his grandson?
What is the significance of the oracle that prophesies death for Acrisius at the hands of his grandson?
What tasks must Jason complete to obtain the Golden Fleece?
What tasks must Jason complete to obtain the Golden Fleece?
How does Medea ultimately take vengeance on Jason for his betrayal?
How does Medea ultimately take vengeance on Jason for his betrayal?
What is the significance of Achilles' choice between two fates?
What is the significance of Achilles' choice between two fates?
What role does xenia play in the Odyssey?
What role does xenia play in the Odyssey?
Who kills Patroclus and what motivates Achilles to return to battle?
Who kills Patroclus and what motivates Achilles to return to battle?
What happens to the suitors at the end of the Odyssey?
What happens to the suitors at the end of the Odyssey?
Why does Medea kill her own children?
Why does Medea kill her own children?
What happens to Cassandra during the aftermath of the Trojan War?
What happens to Cassandra during the aftermath of the Trojan War?
Who convinces Odysseus to disguised himself as a beggar upon returning home?
Who convinces Odysseus to disguised himself as a beggar upon returning home?
How does Jason die in the myth?
How does Jason die in the myth?
What is the outcome of the conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles in the Iliad?
What is the outcome of the conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles in the Iliad?
What ultimately leads to the death of Achilles?
What ultimately leads to the death of Achilles?
What does Athena, Hera, and Poseidon represent in the Trojan War?
What does Athena, Hera, and Poseidon represent in the Trojan War?
What does the 'Judgment of Paris' ultimately lead to?
What does the 'Judgment of Paris' ultimately lead to?
What is the essence of the Hero’s Journey as proposed by Joseph Campbell?
What is the essence of the Hero’s Journey as proposed by Joseph Campbell?
What flaw is most commonly associated with Greek heroes that can lead to their destruction?
What flaw is most commonly associated with Greek heroes that can lead to their destruction?
How did the Greeks view their heroes in relation to historical events?
How did the Greeks view their heroes in relation to historical events?
What motivates Oedipus to become king of Thebes?
What motivates Oedipus to become king of Thebes?
What is one of the primary teachings of hero myths according to Joseph Campbell?
What is one of the primary teachings of hero myths according to Joseph Campbell?
What is a key characteristic of Greek heroes as depicted in their myths?
What is a key characteristic of Greek heroes as depicted in their myths?
How did Cadmus come to found the city of Thebes?
How did Cadmus come to found the city of Thebes?
What was the pivotal event that led Oedipus to fulfill the prophecy of killing his father?
What was the pivotal event that led Oedipus to fulfill the prophecy of killing his father?
What significant role does Penelope's story about their bed play in the narrative?
What significant role does Penelope's story about their bed play in the narrative?
How does Ovid's Metamorphoses differ from traditional Greek myths?
How does Ovid's Metamorphoses differ from traditional Greek myths?
What distinguishes the Roman god Mars from the Greek god Ares?
What distinguishes the Roman god Mars from the Greek god Ares?
What is the significance of the foundation myth of Romulus and Remus?
What is the significance of the foundation myth of Romulus and Remus?
What does Aeneas' epithet 'pius Aeneas' signify in Roman culture?
What does Aeneas' epithet 'pius Aeneas' signify in Roman culture?
Why did the Romans have a different approach to myths compared to the Greeks?
Why did the Romans have a different approach to myths compared to the Greeks?
Which aspect of Dido's relationship with Aeneas illustrates a tragic element in Roman storytelling?
Which aspect of Dido's relationship with Aeneas illustrates a tragic element in Roman storytelling?
How do myths serve a community according to the functions outlined in the content?
How do myths serve a community according to the functions outlined in the content?
What is the relationship between Aeneas and Venus in the Aeneid?
What is the relationship between Aeneas and Venus in the Aeneid?
How do Roman myths reflect societal values and behaviors?
How do Roman myths reflect societal values and behaviors?
What ultimately leads to Oedipus blinding himself?
What ultimately leads to Oedipus blinding himself?
What is the significance of the mirrored shield that Perseus receives from Athena?
What is the significance of the mirrored shield that Perseus receives from Athena?
How does Theseus deal with Procrustes and his bed?
How does Theseus deal with Procrustes and his bed?
Who is granted a divine and protective spirit status after death?
Who is granted a divine and protective spirit status after death?
What is the identity of the being that helps Theseus escape the labyrinth?
What is the identity of the being that helps Theseus escape the labyrinth?
What does the oracle predict about Acrisius' fate?
What does the oracle predict about Acrisius' fate?
What happens to Medusa after her death?
What happens to Medusa after her death?
Why does Heracles undertake the Twelve Labors?
Why does Heracles undertake the Twelve Labors?
What defines the Chimera in mythology?
What defines the Chimera in mythology?
What ultimately causes the madness that leads Heracles to kill Megara?
What ultimately causes the madness that leads Heracles to kill Megara?
What action causes the downfall of Jason's relationship with Medea?
What action causes the downfall of Jason's relationship with Medea?
What are the Graiae known for?
What are the Graiae known for?
How is the Gorgon Medusa typically portrayed in mythology?
How is the Gorgon Medusa typically portrayed in mythology?
What task does Jason not have to perform to obtain the Golden Fleece?
What task does Jason not have to perform to obtain the Golden Fleece?
How does Medea assist Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece?
How does Medea assist Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece?
What ultimately leads to the downfall of Agamemnon upon his return from Troy?
What ultimately leads to the downfall of Agamemnon upon his return from Troy?
What happens to Homer’s portrayal of Hector in the Iliad?
What happens to Homer’s portrayal of Hector in the Iliad?
Which of the following is not a trait of Odysseus as described in the Odyssey?
Which of the following is not a trait of Odysseus as described in the Odyssey?
What role does Telemachus play in the Odyssey?
What role does Telemachus play in the Odyssey?
What is the significance of the 'Judgment of Paris' in the Trojan War?
What is the significance of the 'Judgment of Paris' in the Trojan War?
Which hero is primarily responsible for the defeat of Hector in the Iliad?
Which hero is primarily responsible for the defeat of Hector in the Iliad?
What is Helen's ultimate fate at the end of the Trojan War?
What is Helen's ultimate fate at the end of the Trojan War?
What happens to Odysseus when he encounters the Cyclops Polyphemus?
What happens to Odysseus when he encounters the Cyclops Polyphemus?
What motivates Medea's vengeful actions against Jason?
What motivates Medea's vengeful actions against Jason?
How does Priam plead with Achilles in the Iliad?
How does Priam plead with Achilles in the Iliad?
What is the ultimate fate of the suitors in the Odyssey?
What is the ultimate fate of the suitors in the Odyssey?
What is the first stage in the basic pattern of the hero’s journey?
What is the first stage in the basic pattern of the hero’s journey?
Which of the following is a trait commonly associated with Greek heroes?
Which of the following is a trait commonly associated with Greek heroes?
What was a major consequence of the hubris displayed by heroes like Achilles?
What was a major consequence of the hubris displayed by heroes like Achilles?
In what manner did Oedipus fulfill the prophecy given to him?
In what manner did Oedipus fulfill the prophecy given to him?
What did Cadmus do after following the oracle’s instructions?
What did Cadmus do after following the oracle’s instructions?
Which character was responsible for solving the Sphinx's riddle?
Which character was responsible for solving the Sphinx's riddle?
Which of the following best describes the Greek belief in heroes?
Which of the following best describes the Greek belief in heroes?
What is the answer to the Sphinx's riddle?
What is the answer to the Sphinx's riddle?
What is the primary reason Acrisius wants to eliminate Perseus and Danaë?
What is the primary reason Acrisius wants to eliminate Perseus and Danaë?
How does theseus retaliate against the villain Sinus?
How does theseus retaliate against the villain Sinus?
What ultimately causes Heracles' demise?
What ultimately causes Heracles' demise?
Who aids Perseus in his quest to kill Medusa?
Who aids Perseus in his quest to kill Medusa?
What kind of monster is Bellerophon tasked to defeat?
What kind of monster is Bellerophon tasked to defeat?
Why do the Athenians regard Theseus as a good king?
Why do the Athenians regard Theseus as a good king?
What consequence does Jason face upon his return from the quest for the Golden Fleece?
What consequence does Jason face upon his return from the quest for the Golden Fleece?
What does the mirrored shield allow Perseus to do?
What does the mirrored shield allow Perseus to do?
How does Heracles prove his extraordinary strength as a child?
How does Heracles prove his extraordinary strength as a child?
What role do the Graiae sisters play in Perseus's quest?
What role do the Graiae sisters play in Perseus's quest?
What fate befell Icarus as per the myth?
What fate befell Icarus as per the myth?
What did Danaë conceive from Zeus's visit in golden rain?
What did Danaë conceive from Zeus's visit in golden rain?
What does Medea provide to Jason to help him with Aeetes’ tasks?
What does Medea provide to Jason to help him with Aeetes’ tasks?
What is the significance of the Symplegades in Jason's quest?
What is the significance of the Symplegades in Jason's quest?
How does Talus, the bronze giant, meet his end?
How does Talus, the bronze giant, meet his end?
What role do the Harpies play in the myth of Phineus?
What role do the Harpies play in the myth of Phineus?
What did Medea do to punish Jason for his betrayal?
What did Medea do to punish Jason for his betrayal?
What is the fate of Agamemnon upon his return from Troy?
What is the fate of Agamemnon upon his return from Troy?
What does the 'Judgment of Paris' lead to?
What does the 'Judgment of Paris' lead to?
Who is Priam in the context of the Trojan War?
Who is Priam in the context of the Trojan War?
What is the consequence of Achilles' anger in the Iliad?
What is the consequence of Achilles' anger in the Iliad?
What ultimately brings Achilles back to the battlefield?
What ultimately brings Achilles back to the battlefield?
What does Odysseus' disguise as a beggar symbolize upon his return home?
What does Odysseus' disguise as a beggar symbolize upon his return home?
How is Helen depicted at the end of the Trojan War?
How is Helen depicted at the end of the Trojan War?
What type of hero is Odysseus known for being in the Odyssey?
What type of hero is Odysseus known for being in the Odyssey?
What distinguishes Penelope as a heroine in her interaction with Odysseus?
What distinguishes Penelope as a heroine in her interaction with Odysseus?
What recurring theme is highlighted in Ovid's Metamorphoses regarding transformations?
What recurring theme is highlighted in Ovid's Metamorphoses regarding transformations?
What was a primary reason the Romans had fewer myths about their gods compared to the Greeks?
What was a primary reason the Romans had fewer myths about their gods compared to the Greeks?
How does the relationship between Aeneas and Dido illustrate Roman values of duty?
How does the relationship between Aeneas and Dido illustrate Roman values of duty?
What role did Janus play in Roman mythology?
What role did Janus play in Roman mythology?
Why is Aeneas considered a model Roman hero in the context of his epic journey?
Why is Aeneas considered a model Roman hero in the context of his epic journey?
What is the significance of the tale of Romulus and Remus for Roman identity?
What is the significance of the tale of Romulus and Remus for Roman identity?
What crucial function do myths serve in a society, as identified in the content?
What crucial function do myths serve in a society, as identified in the content?
How does Ovid's view on Greek myths differ from the Roman perspective?
How does Ovid's view on Greek myths differ from the Roman perspective?
What does the character of Maximus in Gladiator reflect about Roman heroism?
What does the character of Maximus in Gladiator reflect about Roman heroism?
Flashcards
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey
A universal pattern found in myths that describes the stages a hero goes through in their journey, encompassing themes of transformation, and overcoming challenges.
Greek Hero Characteristics
Greek Hero Characteristics
Greek heroes were mortal figures with special abilities or divine favor, who accomplished great deeds and were celebrated for them.
Oedipus's Fate
Oedipus's Fate
Oedipus was destined to kill his father and marry his mother, a prophecy he unwittingly fulfilled.
The Sphinx's Riddle
The Sphinx's Riddle
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Cadmus and Thebes
Cadmus and Thebes
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Europa and Zeus
Europa and Zeus
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Hubris
Hubris
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Oedipus's Family
Oedipus's Family
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Oedipus's End
Oedipus's End
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Perseus's Gifts
Perseus's Gifts
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Medusa's Gaze
Medusa's Gaze
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Perseus and Medusa
Perseus and Medusa
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Theseus & Athens
Theseus & Athens
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Theseus & Procrustes
Theseus & Procrustes
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Minotaur Defeated
Minotaur Defeated
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Heracles's Labors
Heracles's Labors
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Heracles's recognition
Heracles's recognition
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Heracles & Poisoned Tunic
Heracles & Poisoned Tunic
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Heracles's Immortality
Heracles's Immortality
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Argonauts' Quest
Argonauts' Quest
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Jason's Fate
Jason's Fate
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Procrustes's Punishment
Procrustes's Punishment
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Medea's relationship to Aeetes
Medea's relationship to Aeetes
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Medea's help to Jason
Medea's help to Jason
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Harpies and Phineus
Harpies and Phineus
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Symplegades
Symplegades
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Jason's tasks for the Fleece
Jason's tasks for the Fleece
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Killing Talus
Killing Talus
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Agamemnon's death
Agamemnon's death
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Judgment of Paris
Judgment of Paris
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Leda and the swan
Leda and the swan
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Achilles' death
Achilles' death
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Trojan Horse's role
Trojan Horse's role
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Agamemnon-Achilles quarrel
Agamemnon-Achilles quarrel
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Penelope's Bed Trick
Penelope's Bed Trick
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Ovid's Metamorphoses: Transformation
Ovid's Metamorphoses: Transformation
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Roman Perspective on Myths
Roman Perspective on Myths
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Roman Gods: Mars vs Ares
Roman Gods: Mars vs Ares
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Roman Legends and Myths
Roman Legends and Myths
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Roman Foundation Myths
Roman Foundation Myths
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Rhea Silvia and the Wolf
Rhea Silvia and the Wolf
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Aeneid's Divine Destiny
Aeneid's Divine Destiny
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Roman Value: Duty over Fulfillment
Roman Value: Duty over Fulfillment
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Mythic Function: More than False Stories
Mythic Function: More than False Stories
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Who is Joseph Campbell?
Who is Joseph Campbell?
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What is the Hero's Journey's basic pattern?
What is the Hero's Journey's basic pattern?
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Why are hero myths important?
Why are hero myths important?
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Did the Greeks believe heroes were real?
Did the Greeks believe heroes were real?
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Cadmus: What city did he found?
Cadmus: What city did he found?
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Who is Europa?
Who is Europa?
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Oedipus: What was his fate?
Oedipus: What was his fate?
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What is the riddle of the Sphinx?
What is the riddle of the Sphinx?
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Medea's Help
Medea's Help
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Clashing Rocks: Symplegades
Clashing Rocks: Symplegades
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Jason's Tasks
Jason's Tasks
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Talus' Weakness
Talus' Weakness
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Medea's Revenge
Medea's Revenge
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Medea's Children
Medea's Children
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Medea's Escape
Medea's Escape
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Agamemnon's Family
Agamemnon's Family
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Iphigenia's Sacrifice
Iphigenia's Sacrifice
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Agamemnon's Murder
Agamemnon's Murder
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Achilles' Weakness
Achilles' Weakness
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Trojan Horse
Trojan Horse
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Who is Perseus?
Who is Perseus?
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How did Perseus kill Medusa?
How did Perseus kill Medusa?
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What gifts helped Perseus defeat Medusa?
What gifts helped Perseus defeat Medusa?
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Who is Bellerophon?
Who is Bellerophon?
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How did Bellerophon kill the Chimera?
How did Bellerophon kill the Chimera?
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What is Theseus' connection to Athens?
What is Theseus' connection to Athens?
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Why is the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur famous?
Why is the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur famous?
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What happened to Ariadne after helping Theseus?
What happened to Ariadne after helping Theseus?
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How is Heracles recognized in art?
How is Heracles recognized in art?
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Why did Heracles go on the 12 Labors?
Why did Heracles go on the 12 Labors?
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What is the most famous of Heracles' 12 Labors?
What is the most famous of Heracles' 12 Labors?
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How did Heracles die?
How did Heracles die?
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Why is Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece important?
Why is Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece important?
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Who is Medea in the story of Jason?
Who is Medea in the story of Jason?
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What is the significance of the Argonauts?
What is the significance of the Argonauts?
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Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell
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Hero's Journey
Hero's Journey
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Greek Heroes: Real or Myth?
Greek Heroes: Real or Myth?
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Ovid's Metamorphoses: Focus?
Ovid's Metamorphoses: Focus?
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Roman Perspective: Myths vs. Legends?
Roman Perspective: Myths vs. Legends?
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Roman Foundation Myth: Romulus & Remus
Roman Foundation Myth: Romulus & Remus
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Functions of Myth
Functions of Myth
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Theseus and the Minotaur
Theseus and the Minotaur
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Ariadne's Fate
Ariadne's Fate
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Jason's Quest
Jason's Quest
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Study Notes
Joseph Campbell, Hero's Journey, and the Greek Heroic Age
- Joseph Campbell was a mythologist known for developing the Hero's Journey, a pattern found in many myths.
- Hero myths, according to Campbell, represent personal growth and offer guidance for overcoming challenges.
- The basic pattern of the hero's journey is birth, death, and rebirth.
- Ancient Greeks viewed heroes as real or semi-divine figures with extraordinary abilities, often favored by the gods, who accomplished great deeds and gained fame.
- Greek heroes weren't perfect; flaws like hubris (excessive pride) often led to their downfall.
- Example: Achilles was admired for bravery, but his pride provoked divine punishment.
Theban Saga & Oedipus the King
- Cadmus, instructed by the Oracle, founded Thebes after following a cow.
- Europa, a Phoenician princess, was abducted by Zeus and became the mother of Minos and other children.
- Oedipus was fated to kill his father and marry his mother.
- Oedipus unwittingly fulfilled the prophecy by killing Laius and marrying Jocasta, becoming king of Thebes.
- The Sphinx's riddle: "What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" (Answer: Man).
- Oedipus and Jocasta had four children: Polynices, Eteocles, Antigone, and Ismene.
- In Sophocles' Oedipus the King, Oedipus discovers he fulfilled the prophecy and blinds himself in despair.
- Oedipus' fate was predetermined by the gods and could not be avoided.
- Oedipus died at Colonus, a place where he became a protector spirit.
Perseus, Bellerophon
- Perseus, the hero who beheaded Medusa, received a mirrored shield, winged sandals, a sword, and an invisibility cap from the gods.
- Danaë became pregnant after Zeus visited her in the form of golden rain.
- Acrisius wanted to get rid of Perseus because of an oracle predicting he would kill him.
- Medusa was a Gorgon whose gaze turned people to stone; Perseus used a mirrored shield to kill her.
- The Graeae were three sisters who shared one eye and one tooth.
- Pegasus was born from Medusa's blood, and Bellerophon rode him.
- Andromeda was rescued from a sea monster by Perseus and became his wife.
- The Chimera was a fire-breathing creature with a lion's head, goat's body, and serpent's tail; Bellerophon killed it on Pegasus.
Theseus
- Theseus was connected to Athens, symbolizing its unity and democracy.
- Theseus' parents were Aegeus (king of Athens) and Aethra.
- Theseus outsmarted and killed the villains Sinis, Pine-bender, and Procrustes, known for stretching or cutting travelers to fit his bed.
- In the Cretan labyrinth myth, Daedalus built the labyrinth; Icarus was Theseus' son who died from flying too close to the sun; Minos was the king of Crete; Pasiphaë was Minos' wife and mother of the Minotaur; Minotaur was half-bull, half-monster.
- Theseus killed the Minotaur and used Ariadne's thread to escape the labyrinth.
- Ariadne, Minos' daughter, helped Theseus but was abandoned on Naxos.
- Theseus participated in the Argonautic expedition (some versions).
- Athenians revered Theseus for unifying Attica, establishing justice, and promoting democracy.
Heracles/Hercules
- Heracles/Hercules was portrayed in art with a lion skin and club.
- Heracles' parents were Alcmene and Amphitryon, but his real father was Zeus.
- Heracles demonstrated extraordinary strength as a baby, killing serpents.
- Hera caused Heracles' madness, prompting him to kill his wife, Megara, and their children.
- Heracles performed 12 labors to atone for killing his family.
- Heracles' 12 labors included slaying the Nemean Lion, Hydra, Cerynean Hind, Erymanthian Boar, cleaning the Augean Stables, killing Stymphalian birds, capturing the Cretan Bull and the Mares of Diomedes, retrieving the Girdle of Hippolyta, stealing the Cattle of Geryon, retrieving the Apples of Hesperides, and capturing Cerberus from the Underworld.
- Heracles rescued Alcestis from death.
- A poisoned tunic from the centaur Nessus caused Heracles' death.
- Heracles fought Apollo over the Delphic Oracle and later became a god.
- Heracles epitomized Greek ideals of resilience, bravery, and overcoming adversity.
Jason, Medea, & the Argonauts
- Pelias sent Jason on the quest for the Golden Fleece to eliminate him, as prophesied.
- Phrixus and Helle were siblings who survived a golden ram; Phrixus sacrificed the ram, but Helle died.
- Chiron was a wise centaur who mentored heroes, such as Jason and Achilles.
- The Argo was the ship of the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece.
- Medea, Aeetes' daughter, aided Jason by providing magical help.
- Harpies tormented the blind prophet Phineus by stealing his food.
- Symplegades were clashing rocks passed by the Argo.
- Jason had to yoke fire-breathing bulls, plow a field, and sow dragon's teeth to obtain the Fleece.
- Talus, a bronze giant, was vulnerable at his ankle.
- Jason's death occurred when a rotting plank of the Argo collapsed on him.
- Medea killed Creon and Glauce to punish Jason.
- Medea killed her own children to maximize Jason's pain.
- Medea escaped on a chariot by her grandfather.
Trojan Saga
- Relationship between Agamemnon, Menelaus, Helen, and Clytemnestra: Agamemnon and Menelaus were brothers, and married to Clytemnestra and Helen respectively.
- Iphigenia was sacrificed.
- Agamemnon's death: Clytemnestra killed him with an axe.
- The Judgment of Paris: Paris chose Aphrodite as the fairest goddess.
- Leda and Zeus: Leda had relations with Zeus and her children included Helen, Castor, Pollux, and Clytemnestra.
- Greek heroes at Troy: Agamemnon, Menelaus, Achilles, Ajax, Diomedes, and Nestor.
- Trojan heroes: Hector, Paris, and Aeneas.
- Priam and Hecuba were King and Queen of Troy.
- Cassandra and Polyxena, daughters of Priam and Hecuba, suffered different fates.
- The Trojan War's historicity is debated.
- Penthesilea, an Amazon, was killed by Achilles.
- Achilles' death: Killed by Paris.
- Trojan Horse's role: (Not in the Iliad; relevant in other Greek accounts).
The Iliad
- Agamemnon and Achilles' quarrel: Agamemnon demanded Achilles' prize.
- Briseis was Achilles' prized possession demanded by Agamemnon.
- Gods' allegiances: Athena, Hera, Poseidon, Artemis, Apollo, and Aphrodite sided with various parties.
- Thetis asked Zeus for favors for Achilles.
- Odysseus, Ajax, and Phoenix tried to persuade Achilles to rejoin the battle.
- Patroclus, Achilles' friend, was killed, motivating him to rejoin the war.
- Achilles' anger led to the Greeks' losses.
- Achilles' return to battle was for revenge.
- Helen is portrayed as sympathetic, beautiful, and vital.
- Hephaestus forged new armor for Achilles.
- Achilles' two fates were to be forgotten or live forever.
- Trojans were depicted as honorable and heroic.
- Hector was a great Trojan hero, defender of his city.
- Priam sought Achilles to get Hector's body for a proper burial.
The Odyssey
- Xenia laws were important in the Odyssey as they dictated how to treat strangers.
- Telemachus embarked on a journey by desire of Athena to pursue his father's adventures.
- Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and Orestes are referenced in the Odyssey because their story reflects loyalty and betrayal.
- Calypso kept Odysseus on her island; Hermes intervened to secure his release.
- Odysseus's adventures: Lotus Eaters, Cyclops, Aeolus, Circe, Underworld, Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis.
- Odysseus's time with the Phaeacians: They welcomed and helped him return home.
- Odysseus disguised himself as a beggar to test loyalty.
- Athena aided Odysseus.
- Odysseus is a crafty, intelligent hero, known for his wit.
- Eumaeus was a swineherd loyal to Odysseus.
- Eurycleia was a loyal servant to Odysseus.
- Penelope's bow and arrow contest: A test of strength against suitors.
- Suitors and servants met their fates.
- Penelope tricked suitors with a story about their bed.
- Penelope was a wise and capable queen.
Ovid's Metamorphoses
- Ovid's Metamorphoses focused on transformations in mythology.
- Roman perspective in Metamorphoses: Ovid expressed a Roman take on mythology through stories.
- Themes of love gone wrong or happy endings: Procne/Philomela/Tereus/Itys; Myrrha/Cinyras; Pyramus/Thisbe; Iphis/Ianthe; Pygmalion/Galatea; Baucis/Philemon.
Roman Gods and Myths
- Roman and Greek god counterparts were given: Mars/Ares, Jupiter/Zeus, Juno/Hera, Minerva/Athena, Neptune/Poseidon, Vulcan/Hephaestus, Vesta/Hestia, Diana/Artemis, Venus/Aphrodite, Ceres/Demeter, Mercury/Hermes, Apollo/Apollo, Bacchus/Dionysus, Pluto/Hades.
- Romans prioritized proper worship.
- Janus was the two-faced Roman god.
- Isis, an Egyptian goddess, was adopted by the Romans.
- Mars' relationship with Rome: Mars was considered the father of the Roman nation and fought only for Rome's defense.
- Romans used legends to promote proper behaviors.
- Roman foundation myths involve Romulus and Remus and Aeneas.
- Rhea Silvia was the mother of Romulus and Remus.
- The statue of the wolf nursing twins represented Rome's mother figure.
- Romulus was selected over Remus in naming Rome.
- Roman Emperor Augustus commissioned Virgil for the Aeneid.
- The Aeneid echoes Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
- Venus supported Aeneas due to her being his mother.
- Dido, a Carthaginian queen, fell in love with Aeneas, but their relationship was fated.
- Aeneas's divine destiny and significance to Roman identity: His role was substantial to the Roman sense of identity.
- Public duty and personal fulfillment in Roman society and its influence on Aeneas's heroism.
- Gladiator (2000) aligns Roman ideals of heroes with modern perspectives.
Mythological Functions
- Mythical function: Myths tap into important personal and community ideas.
- Functions of myths:
- Help individuals with identity.
- Provide community identity.
- Establish moral values.
- Explain the mystery of creation and death.
- Offer meaning and purpose.
- Serve as socially powerful stories.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the concepts presented by Joseph Campbell regarding the Hero's Journey and its significance in mythology. Delve into the characteristics of Greek heroes and the Theban saga, focusing on Oedipus's tragic fate and the themes of personal growth, divine intervention, and hubris.
