Introduction to Ancient Greece and Its Gods - PDF

Introduction to Ancient Greece and and Its Gods Zeus -​ Roman equivalent: Jupiter -​ Supreme god of Olympus -​ Sky god -​ God of justice and virtue -​ Attributes: Bolt of lightning, mature and bearded, aegis -​ Sacred to him: Oak tree, eagle, bull -​ (Refer to Hesiod’s Theogony...

Introduction to Ancient Greece and and Its Gods Zeus -​ Roman equivalent: Jupiter -​ Supreme god of Olympus -​ Sky god -​ God of justice and virtue -​ Attributes: Bolt of lightning, mature and bearded, aegis -​ Sacred to him: Oak tree, eagle, bull -​ (Refer to Hesiod’s Theogony for Zeus’ birth story) -​ Married to Hera (Juno) and is unfaithful to her while Hera stayed loyal -​ *Altar to Zeus at Olympia* - waiting for Tristan’s email Hera -​ Roman equivalent: Juno -​ Queen of the Olympian gods and married to Zeus -​ Goddess of morality, monogamous marriage, fidelity and childbirth -​ Nurturing -​ Presides over weddings -​ Blesses marital unions -​ Protects women from harm during childbirth -​ Associated with the cow and peacock -​ Usually shown as matronly and regal, often with a crown and a sceptre -​ Her 4 Principal Children:  -​ Eileithyia: associated with childbirth -​ Hebe: goddess of youth, cupbearer of the gods and later the divine wife of Heracles -​ Ares: the god of war -​ Hephaestus: thought to have been born without a father after Zeus gave birth to Athena without Hera Hestia -​ Roman equivalent: Vesta -​ Goddess of the hearth. As such, she is a goddess of the family and the state -​ Hearth: place in a home where a fire was kept for heating and cooking -​ Not often depicted in anthropomorphic form - represented as a hearth, flame, or a simple sacred fire. -​ Virgin goddess like Artemis and Athena Demeter -​ Roman equivalent: Ceres -​ Earth goddess -​ Goddess of harvest, grain, agriculture, growth and nourishment -​ Depicted as matronly -​ When Hades abducted her daughter, Persephone, she became depressed and withdrew, which halted the crops. Therefore, Zeus struck a deal with Hades; Demeter’s daughter  was to be allowed on earth for half of the year, which makes Demeter (aka “agriculture and growth) functional for half of the year -​ The mother of Persephone with Zeus Hades (Aidos) -​ Roman equivalent: Dis Pater/Pluto -​ Name means “unseen one” -​ God of the dead and of death -​ Rules the underworld with his wife Persephone (for 3 months of the year. Refer to Demeter for explanation) -​ Associated with Cerberus (three-headed dog) -​ Generally considered a Chthonian/Chthonic (of the earth) deity -​ Also address as Chthonian Zeus or Pluton (wealth) -​ Chthonian Zeus: Relates to the earth and the underworld, distinguishing him from the Olympian gods who rule the heavens and living world. It highlights his role as a sovereign and lawgiver in the underworld - parallel of Zeus’ authority over Mount Olympus. The Greeks often avoided directly naming Hades, as his name was believed to bring misfortune, so euphemisms like this were used to show respect and fear -​ Pluton: The name means “wealth”, referring to the riches found underground, such as precious metals and fertile soil. It reflects a more positive aspect of Hades, associating him with prosperity and abundance rather than just death. Poseidon -​ Roman equivalent: Neptune -​ God of the ocean, springs, earthquakes, and horses -​ His realm supports the earth/causes earthquakes: the Greeks believed the sea surrounded and upheld the land, providing stability to the world. However, as the god of earthquakes, he could shake the very earth he upheld. This reflects a belief that earthquakes originated from beneath the sea, caused by Poseidon striking the ground with his trident. The shifting of the land was seen as part of his dual power - he both supports and disrupts -​ He is a saviour for seafarers/can cause the sea to surge: As the god of the sea, he was worshipped by sailors who prayed for safe passage and calm waters. At the same time, he was feared because he could unleash storms, sink ships, and drown those who angered him. His control over the sea meant that life and death were in his hands, reinforcing his dual nature as both a protector and punisher. -​ Poseidon represents: -​ Unpredictability of nature - he is not simply benevolent or malevolent, but a force that must be respected. -​ Balance between stability and chaos - just as the sea gives life and takes it away, the earthquakes can both shape and destroy land, Poseidon embodies the fragile balance between order and disruption -​ Power over both Land and Sea - his realm his not just the ocean but the foundation of the earth itself, showing the Greeks’ belief that the sea and land were deeply intertwined Athena -​ Roman equivalent: Minerva -​ Goddess of arts and crafts such as weaving and boat building (all attributes revolve around intelligence, innovation, and control) -​ Credited with inventing and improving the war chariot -​ Chariots were a symbol of controlled power and tactical movement, reflecting Athena’s focus on discipline and intelligence in battle -​ Symbol of tactical movement and innovation, fitting Athena’s intelligent warfare -​ Athena embodies strategic, well-planned, and disciplined combat -​ Often invoked by warriors seeking guidance in tactics, defense, and leadership -​ Emphasizes intellect over brute force, making her the preferred deity for generals and warriors -​ Her wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but also practical intelligence -​ This wisdom applies to warfare, crafts, governance, and justice, making her a key deity for rules, strategists, and artisans -​ Her birth from Zeus’ head symbolizes pure intellect and reason, as she emerges fully armed, ready for action -​ Provides knowledge and foresight, essential for both war and civilization -​ Many heroes received Athena’s guidance because they embodied cunning, skill, and bravery - qualities she favoured  -​ Athena helps heroes survive through strategy, wit, and divine insight -​ Guides those who use skill and strategy, reinforcing her role as a divine mentor -​ Referred to as Athena Polias (Polias = city) because of her role as the guardian of cities, especially Athens, emphasizing her function as the protector and civic deity of urban centres. -​ Personifies reasoned control over the elements - embodied in the city -​ Divine defender of the city-state, ensuring it’s prosperity, order, and security -​ She upheld laws, governance, and the cultural development of the polis -​ Safeguarded cities’ intellectual, legal, and artistic traditions -​ Reinforced her role as both a warrior goddess (when the city needed defense) and a goddess of wisdom and civilization (guiding its governance and cultural growth). This is why her worship was deeply tied to Athens, the city most closely associated with philosophy, democracy, and intellectual achievement -​ Associated with the olive tree, owl (symbolizes wisdom), and snake -​ Represented usually with a helmet, spear, shield, and aegis. Sometimes attended with a Nike (victory) with a wreath or a crown Hephaestus -​ Roman equivalent: Vulcan -​ God of the forge, craftsmen, and fire -​ Smith of the Greek gods  -​ Often associated with Athena as champions of civilization and progress -​ Associated with the forge, black smith tongs, and the hammer -​ How to spot Hephaestus: with a smith hammer, tool, or in the middle of crafting Ares -​ Roman equivalent: Mars -​ God of war, bloodshed, and violence -​ Brother to Athena, who is also associated with war. In any fights with Athena, Athena always wins (E.g., Athena fights with the Greeks in the Trojan war, while Ares fights with the Trojans) -​ Personifies the brutal and wasteful aspects of warfare -​ Represents martial courage in war -​ The most famous offspring of Ares and Aphrodite is Eros -​ His consort was Aphrodite - they appear to be opposites (love and war), but in fact they can personify carnal emotions and actions -​ He is often depicted in military garb, including a spear, a shield, and a helmet. Often shown with Aphrodite -​ Always portrayed as clean-shaven and often accompanied by cherubs -​ Youthful impulsiveness - he represents hot-headed aggression rather than strategic or disciplined warfare. It reinforces his reckless, immature nature -​ Eternal warrior - Ares is perpetually in battle. His youthful appearance reflects constant movement and never-ending conflict - he never “ages” into wisdom.  -​ Ares’ clean-shaven look emphasizes his eternal youth, raw aggression, and lack of wisdom, while his association with cherubs symbolizes the deep connection between love, passion, war. Just as war is unpredictable, so is love - both are powerful chaotic forces as seen in the myth of Apollo and Daphne. Ares remains forever in the throes of battle - never aging, never learning, always fighting Aphrodite -​ Roman equivalent: Venus -​ Goddess of love, beauty, and marriage -​ She is often depicted with her hair let down which symbolizes sexuality -​ Also a fertility goddess (but NOT childbirth) -​ Young marriage (before kids) -​ Often depicted because her nudity reflects her divine function as the goddess of love and desire, whereas Hera and Demeter are depicted modestly because their roles centre on marriage, family, and nurturing rather than erotic attraction. -​ Goddess of seafaring and certain civic offices, as well as the protection of the citizen body - Pandemos (Pand = all, emos = people/citizens) in cities like Corinth and Athens (making her a municipal goddess) -​ Symbolizes social cohesion, unity, and the reproductive strength of the community -​ Her role in cities like Corinth and Athens was about maintaining the bonds that held society together, including family, fertility, and harmonious relationships  -​ Aphrodite ensured the survival and growth of the population -​ In Corinth, Aphrodite had a strong cult presence, and some scholars suggest that sacred prostitution at her temples played a role in reinforcing social and economic relationships -​ In Athens, she was worshipped because harmony and cooperation were crucial in a democratic society -​ Aphrodite’s and Athena’s roles in Polis was different but complementary (with some overlap) -​ Aphrodite: unity, social bonds, reproductive strength (the people who make up the city) -​ Athena: order, reason, civic identity, strategy (the structure of the city itself) -​ What’s the relationship between Aphrodite, Zeus, and Dione? Dionysus -​ Roman equivalent: Bacchus/Liber Pater -​ He was included in the Olympian pantheon late -​ Some say he displaced Hestia as the 12th Olympian god -​ He wasn’t an important God until myths were developed -​ He is a male fertility deity associated with the vine (grape, ivy) and animals that are associated with strength, ferocity, or sexual vitality (lion, leopard, bull, goat) -​ God of resurrection (also known as the twice born!) -​ God of wine and drinking, ecstasy, and madness -​ Wine is very important in Greek culture  -​ *Aristocrats did not get drunk, only the lower class -​ *Straddles the border of civilization and chaos -​ *He can be depicted as young or old and bearded -​ *Cult of Dionysus -​ Romans distrusted them and kicked them out (of where?) -​ Followers danced themselves into a frenzy -​ *Dionysus also associated with theatre because actors became someone else, when you channel Dionysus, you become someone else Artemis -​ Roman equivalent: Diana -​ Older sibling of Apollo -​ Helped birth Apollo -​ Goddess of the hunt -​ In classical times, she was associated with the moon -​ Associated with young children and animals and childbirth - yet she is a virginal goddess -​ Her arrows were for hunting but also caused death in childbirth -​ Depicted with a hunting dress, a bow and arrow, and perhaps and animal (any animal associated with hunting - dog, deer, and sometimes bear -​ *How is Artemis associated with childbirth but is a virginal goddess? -​ *Why are her arrows used for hunting but can also cause death in childbirth? Apollo -​ Roman equivalent: Apollo -​ Brother of Artemis -​ During the classical times, he was associated with the sun -​ Personified aristocratic values -​ God of music (the lyre), poetry, intellectual endeavors, healing, prophesy, and to a lesser extent, athletic games -​ Seen as a god of rational thought who personifies the spirit of Hellenism -​ Associated with the bow but is not a hunter. Instead his arrows bring plague -​ *Why is he associated with the bow even though he’s not a hunter? -​ *How did Artemis help give birth to Apollo? -​ *What is the relationship between the lyre, poetry, intellectual endeavors, healing, prophesy, and athletic games and aristocratic values? -​ *Why was he seen as a god of rational thought who personifies the spirit of Hellenism? -​ *What is the spirit of Hellenism? -​ Oracle of Delphi -​ Became a very rich, Pan-Hellenic sanctuary -​ The most famous oracle in the ancient world -​ Held its own games featuring music, poetry, and athletic games - the Pythian Games (for Apollo). Second in renown only to the Olympic games dedicated to Zeus. -​ Priestess called Pythia -​ Went into a trance and uttered a prophecy  -​ Sat on a Tripod - a sacred and practical instrument -​ Oracle of Delphi was always a woman -​ This became a centre of learning because all this knowledge was flowing in and out from all the people in the Mediterranean that come to see a Pythia Hermes (*Look up origin story) -​ Roman equivalent: Mercury -​ Name means “He of the Stone Heap” (“Herm”) -​ Messenger of the gods -​ Usually depicted with a Petasus (traveller’s hat), cap, sandals, and a Caduceus (herald’s staff) - all three could have wings on them -​ Protected shepherds, travellers, merchants, heralds, and thieves. -​ If someone donned the heraldry staff they were protected from harm. E.g., during war, if you needed to talk to the opposing side, you would send a herald with the staff and they would not be killed -​ Trickster god -​ God of boundaries and the crossing of boundaries. E.g., Olympus/earth/underworld, between cities, doorways, etc -​ Is a psychopomp -​ In the past, they thought that people whose only goal was to make money were not to be trusted. They thought the best way to make an honest living was by living off the land. Land was good, herds were bad. -​ God of things that “common people” are more involved in whereas Apollo is a god of more aristocratic things -​ Similar to Hephaestus and Dionysus (*confirm)