Chapter 13: Introduction To Heroic Myth Flashcards
What was the name of the cult place of worship for heroes?
Heroa
Where are some heroa located?
Olympia (for Pelops), Troy (for Achilles) and Lavinium (for Aeneas)
What were the features of heroa?
They normally had the shape of enormous earthen mounds that were to protect the grave of the hero.
They were often built in conspicuous places (within sanctuaries or along principal roads)
What did Alexander the Great do after his first victory over the Persians?
He made a pilgrimage to Troy and ran naked three times around the tomb of Achilles
Who was Caracella and what did he do?
He was the half-mad Roman emperors who arranged for the death of his friend Festus so he could re-enact Achille’s mourning for his dead friend Patroclus
What was the Epic of Gilgamesh originally?
It was an ancient Mesopotamian myth that was originally a scribal exercise that was meant to be read and studied by other scribes
Who was Gilgamesh?
He was a real man who once ruled the Sumerian city of Uruk. He is remembered for building the city walls
Who pieced together the Epic of Gilgamesh?
Sin-leqe-unnini
What was the Epic of Gilgamesh written on and where was it kept?
It was written on 12 tablets and kept in the library of Assurbanipal
How was Gilgamesh described?
1/3 mortal and 2/3 divine and was therefore destined to die. He was King of Uruk but abused his power (slept with every virgin, overcame every challenger)
How was Enkidu made and by whom?
Enkidu was fashioned out of clay by Aruru (mother of the gods)
What does Enkidu and Gilgamesh represent?
The motif of true male companionship, a significant component to Greek hero stories
Who ruled over the Land of the Living (Land of the Cedars)?
The sun-God Shamash
Who was the guardian of the forest in the Land of the Living?
Humbaba
What did Enkidu and Gilgamesh do after they overcame Humbaba?
They offered his head to Enlil (the storm God) but he was furious they had killed the guardian of the forest
