Mythology and Folklore Flashcards
(68 cards)
Characteristics of Greek Mythology
a) Anthropomorphic—Greek gods were depicted with human qualities. emotions, and flaws.
b) Polytheistic—has numerous gods and goddesses
c) Hero Myths
d) Themes: honor, fate, mortality
Greek gods were depicted with human qualities
Anthropomorphic
Famous stories of Greek Mythology
The 12 Labors of Hercules -
A series of daunting tasks assigned to the legendary hero as penance for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness induced by Hera.
Jason and the Argonauts -
Jason, seeking to reclaim his stolen throne, embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. Assembling a crew of legendary heroes (the Argonauts), he sails the Argo and faces numerous trials, including harpies, clashing rocks, and treacherous encounters.
Perseus and Medusa the Gorgon -
Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë, was tasked by King Polydectes to bring back the head of Medusa, a Gorgon whose gaze turned men to stone. Aided by the gods (winged sandals, helmet of invisibility, reflective shield), Perseus journeyed to the Gorgons’ lair.
A series of daunting tasks was assigned to the legendary hero as penance for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness induced by Hera.
The 12 Labors of Hercules
Seeking to reclaim his stolen throne, he embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. Assembling a crew of legendary heroes (the Argonauts), he sails the Argo and faces numerous trials, including harpies, clashing rocks, and treacherous encounters.
Jason and the Argonauts
Son of Zeus and Danaë, was tasked by King Polydectes to bring back the head of Medusa, a Gorgon whose gaze turned men to stone. Aided by the gods (winged sandals, helmet of invisibility, reflective shield), Perseus journeyed to the Gorgons’ lair.
Perseus and Medusa the Gorgon
Love Stories of Greek Mythology
Pyramus and Thisbe - Young lovers whose families hate each other and forbid them to marry. They whisper through a wall crack and are willing to do anything to be together.
Orpheus and Eurydice - Orpheus, a legendary musician, moves Hades with his music and is allowed to take Eurydice back from the underworld.
Young lovers whose families hate each other and forbid them to marry. They whisper through a wall crack and are willing to do anything to be together.
Pyramus and Thisbe
A legendary musician moves Hades with his music and is allowed to take Eurydice back from the underworld.
Orpheus and Eurydice
Key Persons of Greek Mythology
Hesiod—Father of Greek Didactic Poetry
Homer—Blind poet and mythological geographer
Sophocles - the Bee of Ancient Greek literature
Father of Greek Didactic Poetry
Hesiod
origin and genealogy of the gods
Theogony (Hesoid)
virtuous living in harmony with gods and nature
Works and Days (Hesoid)
Blind poet and mythological geographer
Homer
Wrath of Achilles, Briseis
Iliad (Homer)
Odysseus’ 10-year struggle to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War
Odyssey (Homer)
the Bee of Ancient Greek literature
Sophocles
A Greek tragedy about King Oedipus of Thebes, fated to kill his father and marry his mother
Oedipus Rex (Sophocles)
Characteristics of Roman Mythology
a.) Adopted from the Greeks
b.) Focused on Roman values (duty, discipline, civic responsibility)
c.) Gods closely linked to politics
d.) Historical/patriotic legends (e.g., Aeneas, Romulus)
Famous Stories of Roman Mythology
The Adventures of Aeneas
Romulus and Remus
Aeneas flees Troy, destined to found Rome; battles, love affair with Dido, prophecy, establishes city
The Adventures of Aeneas
Twins nursed by a wolf; Romulus kills Remus, founds Rome as first monarch
Romulus and Remus
Loves Stories of Roman Mythology
Apollo and Daphne
Cupid and Psyche
Psyche, a mortal woman loved by Cupid; forbidden to see his face; tests of love and jealousy
Cupid and Psyche
