Mythology and Epic Literature Quiz

Introduction to Mythology

• Mythology is the study of myths and teachings from ancient Greece, relating to their gods, heroes, and world origins.
• Myths are stories passed down through generations within a community, explaining unexplained events and natural phenomena.
• Myths belong to the folklore genre and were passed down through word of mouth.

Role of Myths

• Myths have a dual purpose: explaining human origins and justifying social customs, traditions, and rituals.
• Robert Graves (1955) noted that myths answer children's questions and justify existing societal structures.

Reading Mythology

• Myths should not be taken literally, but examined for deeper symbolic meanings.
• Consider the original audience's perspective when reading a myth, alongside its modern relevance.
• Look for themes rather than just plots and characters. Multiple interpretations are possible.

Why Myths Still Matter

• Some myths are rooted in real historical events, while others are entirely fictional.
• Myths explain ancient life experiences, fears, and events.
• Many religions are based on mythical stories.
• Myths offer insights into the world views and values of ancient civilizations.

Greek Homeric Epics

• The Iliad and The Odyssey are epic poems from the 700s BCE.
• They were originally part of an oral tradition, later written down by Homer.
• These epics narrate the adventures of heroes, highlighting significant events like the Trojan War.
• Homer's identity remains debated among historians.

The Iliad

• The Iliad recounts the conflict between the kingdoms of Troy and Greece, originating from the abduction of Helen.
• The 10-year war was waged to restore honor and reclaim Helen.
• The Iliad primarily focuses on the battles and heroes of the Trojan War.

The Odyssey

• The Odyssey follows Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War, exploring his encounters with monsters and challenges on his return voyage.
• Odysseus's story shows his courage, strength, and cunning.
• This epic focuses on Odysseus's experiences during his long journey home.

What is an Epic?

• An epic is a long narrative poem detailing the deeds of a larger-than-life hero.
• Epic poems often present heroism, bravery, or other qualities.
• They can also include elements of stories involving great tragedy, horror, triumph or a combination.
• Epics commonly span many settings, sometimes encompassing multiple nations.
• The style is dignified and solemn, aiming to instill moral values in the reader.
• Epics typically open with the invocation of a muse and use flashbacks.

6 Elements of the Epic

1. The hero is of a significant, unbelievable stature, often partly divine or protected by a god. Their actions often complete what others attempt.
2. The story includes deeds of great valor and strength by the hero.
3. The action spans vast geographical locations, even spanning space and time, across land, sea, and into the underworld.
4. The story features supernatural forces, like gods, demons, angels, and even cheating death as elements.
5. The writing style is elevated, formal, and meticulously detailed.
6. The narrator is objective and omniscient (all-knowing), providing all perspectives.

Archetypes and Culture

• Every myth has unique components related to specific cultures and time periods.
• When studying myths, the goal is to find the elements that connect humans across cultures.

Archetypes

• Archetypes are universal symbolic patterns of behavior recognized by Carl Jung.
• They represent typical behaviors based on recurring patterns in literature and mythology.

Character Archetypes

• Epic Hero: A mortal figure whose actions require incredible powers and risk everything, often connected to a national, historical or international event.
• The Mentor: A guide and teacher who provides valuable information or tools to the hero, frequently dying or leaving the hero to complete a part of the journey independently.
• The Shadow: Opposite of the hero, a reflection of the hero's darker side, often the antagonist.
• The Monster or Dragon: The antagonist the hero often faces, representing evil or hardship.
• The Companion: Often an animal or magical creature that assists the hero.
• The Temptress: A woman who tries to distract the hero from their journey through temptation.
• The Trickster: A character who breaks rules and defies expectations, usually being a boundary-breaker.

12 Olympians

• The 12 Olympians are prominent Greek gods and goddesses.
• They inhabited Mount Olympus and often interacted with mortals.
• They possessed human-like characteristics and emotions. The gods exerted influence in the lives of mortals.

Key Concepts in The Odyssey

• Nostos (Homecoming): A central theme focused on Odysseus's 10-year journey home after the Trojan War, despite not necessarily being a remarkable warrior.
• Xenia (Hospitality): A crucial Greek value, showing how important politeness and generosity were. Its proper display was important, and breaches could have serious consequences. The Greeks valued hospitality, and proper displays were important, with breaches having serious consequences.
• Hubris (Excessive Pride): Excessive pride causing problems for the hero, that could be punished by the gods.
• Double Standard of Women: The treatment of women, contrasting with the treatment of men, in ancient Greek society. There were different standards and expectations for men and women.

Cycle of Violence

• The cycle of violence describes a recurring pattern of violent behaviors. Ancient ideas about cause and effect may include the idea that "blood begets blood" referencing cycles of conflict.
• Discussing when cycles end and applying this concept to modern society.

Fate

• Fate is the development of events beyond a person's control as an inevitable outcome, including timelines and when a god's will intersects with people's actions.
• Discussing how much control individuals have, and the concept's relation to actions and consequences.

Homeric Epithet

• A repeated term that describes the nature of gods, mortals, or objects.
• For example, "grey-eyed goddess Athena". A simple device that can create vivid images.

Epic Similes and Metaphors

• Extended comparisons. Used in epic poetry to enhance imagery and add depth, as in the example of the man fishing on a rock.

The Hero's Journey

• A classic monomyth that follows a hero's journey through many stages. The presentation includes visual representation of the hero's journey.