Literary Terms and Greek Mythology

Key Terms and Definitions

• Myth: A traditional story that explains the early history of a people or natural/social phenomena, often involving supernatural beings or events.
• Ode: A lyrical poem written in an elevated style to express deep emotions, typically intended to be performed or sung.
• Tragedy: Originally referred to as "goat song," it represents a serious drama that typically ends in disaster.

Important Greek Gods

• Zeus: The king of the gods, ruler of Mount Olympus, associated with the sky and thunder.
• Dionysus: God of wine, agriculture, and fertility, celebrating the vine's life cycle and festivity.
• Hades: The ruler of the Underworld, overseeing the realm of the dead.
• Poseidon: The god of the sea, rivers, and floods, often depicted with a trident.
• Aphrodite: The goddess of beauty, desire, and love, embodying attraction and affection.
• Apollo: God of music, knowledge, the arts, healing, and prophecy, representing order and harmony.

Key Figures in Greek Drama

• Thespis: Recognized as the first actor, known for innovating solo performance in Greek theater.
• Aeschylus: A prominent playwright who introduced the second actor, expanding the narrative complexity of plays.
• Sophocles: A playwright who further advanced drama by adding a third actor, known for writing "Oedipus Rex."
• "Oedipus Rex": Also referred to as "Oedipus The King," this tragedy explores themes of fate, free will, and tragic irony.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Myth: A traditional story that explains the early history of a people or natural/social phenomena, often involving supernatural beings or events.
• Ode: A lyrical poem written in an elevated style to express deep emotions, typically intended to be performed or sung.
• Tragedy: Originally referred to as "goat song," it represents a serious drama that typically ends in disaster.

Important Greek Gods

• Zeus: The king of the gods, ruler of Mount Olympus, associated with the sky and thunder.
• Dionysus: God of wine, agriculture, and fertility, celebrating the vine's life cycle and festivity.
• Hades: The ruler of the Underworld, overseeing the realm of the dead.
• Poseidon: The god of the sea, rivers, and floods, often depicted with a trident.
• Aphrodite: The goddess of beauty, desire, and love, embodying attraction and affection.
• Apollo: God of music, knowledge, the arts, healing, and prophecy, representing order and harmony.

Key Figures in Greek Drama

• Thespis: Recognized as the first actor, known for innovating solo performance in Greek theater.
• Aeschylus: A prominent playwright who introduced the second actor, expanding the narrative complexity of plays.
• Sophocles: A playwright who further advanced drama by adding a third actor, known for writing "Oedipus Rex."
• "Oedipus Rex": Also referred to as "Oedipus The King," this tragedy explores themes of fate, free will, and tragic irony.

Test your understanding of key literary terms and Greek mythology with this vocabulary quiz. Define essential terms like myth, ode, and tragedy, and identify important gods such as Zeus. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike!