Mythology: Jason and Heracles

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Questions and Answers

What does the Greek name 'Hēraklēs' mean?

Fame of Hera (correct)

Light of the Gods

Strength of Zeus

Hero of the Greeks

How did the Etruscans refer to Heracles?

Hercules (correct)

Theseus

Herakles

Achilles

Why was the name 'Hēraklēs' difficult for the Etruscans?

It was a foreign name

It sounded too similar to other names

It was too long

It didn't mean anything in their language (correct)

Which aspect of Heracles' story has contributed to his lasting appeal?

His striving and suffering Signup and view all the answers

In which period did the Romans become enthusiasts of Greek culture?

In the 400s B.C. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Heracles from a typical 'teflon' hero?

He experiences both failures and successes Signup and view all the answers

What role did Heracles play in Etruscan legend and art?

Central figure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best summarizes Heracles' reputation?

He is arguably the most recognizable character from any mythology. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Heracles' actions against the gods?

He crosses boundaries without consequence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources is NOT mentioned as a primary source for the Heracles myth?

The Odyssey by Homer Signup and view all the answers

What is the Greek term that best translates to 'contests' regarding the Labours of Heracles?

athloi Signup and view all the answers

What does Heracles earn by successfully completing his Labours?

Heroic status and rank. Signup and view all the answers

How are the Twelve Labours of Heracles generally classified in Greece?

As physical challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Heracles' hubris play in his adventures?

It causes him to act recklessly without punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics are used to describe Heracles?

Childlike, capable of destructive rage, and occasionally shrewd Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical group revered Heracles during the Hellenistic era?

Stoics Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the Labours that Heracles undertakes?

Challenging deeds that contribute to humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happens to Heracles after his Labours?

He ascends to Mt. Olympus after death. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did early Christian thinkers view Heracles?

As a pagan forerunner of Christ Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about Heracles' afterlife compared to other heroes in Greek mythology?

He was welcomed on Olympus as a god Signup and view all the answers

Which other figures were mentioned as having a sympathetic relationship with humans, similar to Heracles?

Castor and Polydeuces Signup and view all the answers

What common theme does the myth of Heracles challenge in the context of Greek mythology?

The distinction between mortals and immortals Signup and view all the answers

How were prayers directed in relation to Heracles as a deity?

To Heracles as an intercessor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes Heracles' personality?

Impulsive, childlike, and often enraged Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary humorous element in the First Labour involving King Eurystheus?

He hides in a storage jar. Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Fifth Labour of Heracles unique among his labours?

It is a farcical adventure without combat. Signup and view all the answers

What significant location is associated with the Fifth Labour of Heracles?

Olympia Signup and view all the answers

What aetiological reason is given for the lack of wolves on the island of Crete?

Heracles exterminated them. Signup and view all the answers

In what mythological tale is the Seventh Labour of Heracles echoed?

The myth of Theseus Signup and view all the answers

What symbolic interpretation is associated with the Tenth Labour of Heracles?

West symbolizing death Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Erytheia' refer to in the context of the Tenth Labour?

A red land Signup and view all the answers

Who is traditionally credited with founding the Olympic Games in legend?

Heracles Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Theseid epic poem?

To glorify Athens through the Theseus story Signup and view all the answers

In which era did Athens not play a major role in Greek mythology?

Circa 1600-1200 B.C. Signup and view all the answers

What does the name Theseus translate to in relation to Athenian ideology?

Foundation Maker Signup and view all the answers

How did Athenians of the 400s B.C. likely perceive Theseus?

As a real-life figure similar to King Arthur Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Theseus myth is believed to have been added later in the historical context?

Elements from Athenian government revisions in the 500s-400s B.C. Signup and view all the answers

What was the political context surrounding the creation of the Theseid?

It emerged during the peak of Athenian wealth and power under Pericles Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Theseus is specifically utilized for Athenian propaganda?

His founding role in Athenian myths Signup and view all the answers

What does the relationship between the name Theseus and the word 'thesis' imply?

They have similar connotations of establishing foundations Signup and view all the answers

What was the method used by Heracles to kill the Nemean Lion?

Strangling it Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does Heracles gain from wearing the Nemean Lion's hide?

He gains invulnerability to penetrating weapons Signup and view all the answers

What event is said to have been instituted by Heracles after defeating the Nemean Lion?

The Nemean Games Signup and view all the answers

What creature did Heracles battle for his second labor?

The Lernean Hydra Signup and view all the answers

Which goddess is the Hind of Keryneia sacred to, as noted in Heracles' third labor?

Artemis Signup and view all the answers

How long did Heracles hunt for the Hind of Keryneia before capturing it?

One year Signup and view all the answers

What type of weapon did Heracles use to shoot down the Hind of Keryneia?

A bow and arrow Signup and view all the answers

What did Eurystheos hope to achieve by assigning Heracles the task of capturing the Hind of Keryneia?

He wanted to provoke the wrath of Artemis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jason and the Golden Fleece

The Jason myth is the second of four "Band of Heroes" tales
The Jason myth is the precursor to many Hollywood movie stories
It shares similarities with the Theseus-on-Crete myth, suggesting an ancient origin

Myth of Heracles

The Greek name Heracles means "glory of Hera" or "fame of Hera"
The alternative name, Hercules, highlights the hero's international appeal, emerging around 600 B.C.
The Etruscans adopted the myth and the name Hercules, despite the difficulty in pronunciation
Heracles became an important figure for the Etruscans in their own culture and art
The Romans also adopted Heracles and the figure influenced literature and plays, including Shakespeare.

Heracles' Worldwide Appeal

Heracles is among the most popular figures in any mythology globally.
His enduring appeal stems from his struggles, triumphs, and failures
Stoic philosophers saw Heracles as a model of human strength and perseverance (200s B.C. to 200s AD)
Early Christians viewed Heracles as a prefiguration of Christ, with his life, suffering, and resurrection.

Heracles' Human Family

Alcmene, a princess, marries Amphitryon.
Zeus disguised as Amphitryon fathers Heracles and Iphicles.
Heracles becomes the King of Thebes and marries
Heracles' jealousy turns to madness, and he murders his family

The Twelve Labours

Heracles performs 12 labours for King Eurystheus. The tasks included killing monsters or performing feats.
The twelve labours were often depicted in visual art, and they influenced various aspects of Greek culture

Heracles' Post-Labours Exploits

Heracles' life after the Labours culminates tragically.
Heracles was celebrated as a hero after his death and entered Mt. Olympus.

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Description

Explore the fascinating stories of Jason and Heracles, two iconic heroes from Greek mythology. Delve into their myths, the cultural influences they had on their times, and their lasting legacy in literature and art. Discover how these figures shape heroic narratives even in modern storytelling.