Theseus: A Mythical Hero of Athens
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Questions and Answers

In which era did Athens begin to develop a significant mythology centered around Theseus?

  • 300s B.C.
  • 500s–400s B.C. (correct)
  • 1600–1200 B.C.
  • 1000–900 B.C.

    • What does the name 'Thēseus' translate to in English?

  • Foundation Maker (correct)
  • Bravest Warrior
  • Hero of Mycenae
  • King of Athens

    • How was Theseus viewed by Athenians of the 400s B.C.?

  • As a real historical figure deemed mythical (correct)
  • As the primary ruler of ancient Greece
  • As an entirely mythological creation
  • As a fictional character with no historical basis

    • What motivated Athenian myth-making around Theseus, similar to the perception of King Arthur in the Victorian era?

    <p>To present a semi-legendary figure representing Athenian greatness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure's era correponds to the peak of Athenian power and the promotion of Theseus?

    <p>Pericles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one specific purpose of Athenian propaganda regarding Theseus?

    <p>To establish Theseus as a counterpart to Heracles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During what time period did Theseus's myth undergo significant revisions?

    <p>Late 500s–400s B.C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which city is primarily associated with the myths surrounding Theseus?

    <p>Athens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately happens to Theseus after he seeks refuge on the island of Scyros?

    <p>He is betrayed and murdered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event marks the beginning of the earliest layer of the Theseus myth?

    <p>The adventure with the Minotaur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which layer of the myth does Theseus begin to resemble the hero Heracles?

    <p>The imitating Heracles layer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who rescues Theseus from the Underworld in the usual version of the myth?

    <p>Heracles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element primarily characterizes the third layer of the Theseus myth?

    <p>His governance and generosity in Athens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Theseus's personality appear throughout the different layers of his myth?

    <p>Inconsistent and contradictory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of Theseus's adventure with Phaedra and Hippolytus?

    <p>It highlights themes of false accusation and tragedy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the consequences of Theseus and Peirithoüs's hubris in the Underworld?

    <p>They are punished for eternity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action did Theseus take that led to the splitting of his myth into different character portrayals?

    <p>His decision to abandon Ariadne.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'synoecism' associated with King Theseus represent?

    <p>A unification of the surrounding countryside under Athenian rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of developing the myth of Theseus in relation to Heracles?

    <p>To create a rival hero for Dorian-ethnic Greek cities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How was Theseus characterized throughout his mythological adventures?

    <p>He displayed a mix of valorous deeds and morally ambiguous behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions best exemplifies Theseus' hubris?

    <p>Attempting to kidnap Persephone from the Underworld</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately happened to Peirithoüs as a result of his actions with Theseus?

    <p>He was punished to sit eternally on a bench of forgetfulness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What moral dilemma is present in Theseus' character as mentioned in the myth?

    <p>His mix of valorous actions with ruthless behavior towards women</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Theseus and his romantic pursuits is true?

    <p>His relationships often involved abduction and were viewed negatively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the consequence of Theseus' attempt to kidnap Helen?

    <p>He was punished by the Greeks and marked as a villain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which detail illustrates Theseus' punishment in the Underworld?

    <p>He was stuck on a bench with Peirithoüs for eternity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Heracles intervene in the fate of Theseus in the Underworld?

    <p>He rescued Theseus from being eternally bound.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to Theseus upon his return to Athens after his time in the Underworld?

    <p>He discovered a usurper had seized his throne.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way did Theseus’ actions during adulthood contradict his role as a wise king?

    <p>He pursued reckless adventures alongside friends despite his responsibilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship dynamics among Theseus, Peirithoüs, and the goddess Persephone?

    <p>Theseus and Peirithoüs shared equal blame for their failed endeavor against Persephone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What overarching theme is reflected in Theseus' mythological narrative?

    <p>The dichotomy of heroism and moral failure in human behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the portrayal of Theseus as compared to Heracles in Greek mythology?

    <p>Theseus had a morally ambiguous character, unlike Heracles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Theseus: A Mythical Hero of Athens

    • Theseus is the only major mythical hero of Athens, though Athens wasn't a major kingdom during the Mycenaean era (1600–1200 BC).
    • The myths surrounding heroes like Theseus are often rooted in important kingdoms of that era, such as Mycenae and Thebes. Athens's lesser importance during that period led to fewer myths connected to it.
    • Athenian accounts of Theseus show signs of later invention and propaganda, especially from the 500s to 400s BC when Athens was a powerful city-state.
    • The name "Theseus" means "Establisher" or "Foundation Maker," perfectly aligning with Athenian myth-making aimed at showcasing Athens's historical importance.
    • Athenians of the 400s BC saw Theseus as a legendary figure, akin to King Arthur to Victorians of the 1890s, foreshadowing the future greatness of Athens.
    • There is a historical layer to the myth, potentially dating as far back as 1400 BC, as well as later additions.

    Athenian Propaganda and Theseus

    • The development of the Theseus myth mirrors the rise of Athenian propaganda in the 5th and 4th centuries BC.
    • Athens created a hero comparable to Heracles, a Dorian propagandistic hero prevalent in Sparta.
    • The "Dorian-Sparta vs. Ionian-Athens" rivalry in the 5th-4th BC centuries led to the use of Theseus as a counter-hero.
    • Theseus' adventures sometimes mirrored those of Heracles, intentionally, according to the author.
    • Theseus is sometimes referred to as "a second Heracles."

    A Complex Personality

    • The Theseus myth spans his lifespan (approximately 60 years), with inconsistent behaviour.
    • Theseus's actions sometimes include valor, shrewdness, nobility; other times, recklessness and brutality.
    • Theseus was sometimes presented as a wise king and also as someone involved in reckless adventures, like the attempt to kidnap Persephone in the Underworld.
    • The inconsistencies can be explained by the myth evolving as it gained importance.

    Theseus's Adventures & Character Flaws

    • Theseus is a "Don Juan" figure in Greek mythology, romantically involved with and abandoning multiple women, including Cretan royal sisters, an Amazon queen and a Spartan princess.
    • The myth portrays these acts as sometimes questionable, indicating flaws, yet he was still romanticized as the ideal male figure of Athens.
    • His abduction and enslavement of the mythical Amazon queen, which resulted in an attack against Athens.
    • His involvement in the disastrous plan to kidnap Persephone.
    • Theseus and Peirithous' punishment in the Underworld.

    Layers of the Myth

    • Early layer (?1400–600 BC) includes the Minotaur, Ariadne, establishing Athenian rule, kidnapping of Helen, and the Persephone abduction.
    • "Imitating Heracles" layer (circa 550–500 BC) developed parallel adventures to Heracles, like destroying bandits, capturing a boar, bull and abducting Amazons).
    • "Wise King" layer(circa 500–400 BC) emphasizes Theseus's rule of Athens and welcomed suppliants, and his role in battles.

    Theseus's Later Life and Death

    • Theseus is dethroned by a usurper.
    • While in the Underworld, his mother Aethra is kidnapped.
    • Theseus takes refuge in Scyros and is murdered by his host.

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    Description

    Explore the legendary figure of Theseus, the primary mythical hero of Athens. Understand the historical context during the Mycenaean era and how Athenian accounts evolved over time, reflecting the city's growing importance. Discover the layers of mythology and propaganda that shaped the narrative of Theseus in ancient Greece.

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