Download Introduction: pgs. 13-23

Edith Hamilton’s Mythology Study Guide
Name:______________________________
Introduction: pgs. 13-23 *(page #s may vary depending on the version; follow the section titles)
1. What is the difference between primitive and classical mythology?
2. How are the Greek gods different from Egyptian or Mesopotamian gods?
3. What is "the miracle of Greek mythology" (17)?
4. What are the "dark spots" referred to by Edith Hamilton (18-19)?
5. How does she define mythology?
6. What is her explanation for differing views of the same gods?
7. Identify the best-known writers of Greek and Roman mythology.
a. Ovid-b. Homer-c. Hesiod-d. Pindar—
8. What is the best guide to Greek mythology?
Part One: The Gods, The Creation, and the Earliest Heroes -The Gods pgs. 24-38
1. Why are the Olympian Gods named the Olympian Gods?
2. How did Zeus and his brothers decide who got which realm?
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3. Complete the chart using pages 24-35 of Hamilton’s book.
Realm
Greek Name
Roman Name
King of the gods and ruler of
mankind
Zeus
Jupiter
Symbol
Thunderbolt
God of sea, horses, and
earthquakes
God of the underworld (did not
live on Mt. Olympus)
Goddess of hearth and home;
sister of Zeus
The hearth or fire
Queen of the gods and wife of
Zeus
The peacock
God of war
Goddess of wisdom, war, and
weaving
God of sun, music, poetry, and
medicine
Goddess of love and beauty
Cupid, her son
Messenger god; god of
commerce and travelers
Goddess of moon and hunting;
patroness of maidens
God of fire; forger of armor
4. Who are the muses?
5. Fill in the chart using page 37-38 of Hamilton’s book.
Name of the muse
The muse’s department
Clio
History
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The goddesses of joy and gratitude and the bringers of beauty to young girls are the graces.
The goddesses of destiny who decided the fate of all humans are the fates.
Chapter 2: The Two Great Gods of Earth: Demeter / Dionysus pgs. 48-64
1. What do Greeks believe are the two basic gifts that Earth gives to man?
2. These two gods are known as ________________
_____________
___________.
3. How does the myth of Demeter explain the seasons of spring and winter?
4. Why is Dionysus considered so important to Greeks?
5. How does Dionysus become a symbol of resurrection?
Chapter 3: How the World and Mankind were Created. Pgs. 72-76 (Prometheus and
Pandora)
1. What did Prometheus gift to mankind?
2. What was his punishment for doing so?
3. Who was Pandora?
4. What was Pandora’s downfall?
5. Explain what was in the box (including the last item).
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Chapter 4: The Earliest Heroes pgs.78 – 95 some selections
Briefly explain the following heroes:
Additional Prometheus (include Argus on pg. 100)
Polyphemus
Narcissus
Adonis
Chapter 6: Eight Brief Tales of Lovers pgs. 105-121
Briefly summarize the following story of lovers:
1. Pyramus and Thisbe:
2. Orpheus and Eurydice:
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3. Pygmalion and Galatea
4. Baucis and Philemon
Part Three: The Great Heroes Before the Trojan War
Chapter 9: Perseus pgs. 146-154
1. Why did Acrisius, the king of Argos, imprison and try to get rid of his daughter?
2. Why did Perseus go after Medusa?
3. What did Perseus look into in order to see Medusa and not turn to stone?
4. How did Perseus end up making the prophecy come true?
Chapter 10: Theseus pgs. 155-165
1. Before Theseus can go to Athens and claim King Aegeus as his father, what great test of strength is he required
to perform?
2. Where was Theseus sent to defeat the Minotaur?
3. Who killed Theseus?
4. What kind of ruler is Theseus when he becomes King of Athens?
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Chapter 11: Hercules pgs. 166-179
1. What are four examples of Hercules great strength?
a.
b.
c.
d.
2. How could you interpret the following quote: "Intelligence did not figure largely in anything he did and was
often conspicuously absent"?
3. What happens to Hercules when Hera sends madness to possess him?
4. Is he considered guilty of his crimes? Why or why not?
5. Why did Hercules perform the labors?
6. What was the last and most difficult labor?
7. Why did Hera hate Hercules and want to have him killed?
8. How does he die and why is he allowed onto Mount Olympus?
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Part Four: Heroes of the Trojan War
Chapter 13: The Trojan War pgs. 185-200
1. What caused the Trojan War?
2. Who was involved in the competition for the golden apple?
3. How did Helen of Troy become involved in this myth?
4. What sacrifice is Agamemnon required to make?
5. What happens at the end of nine years of fighting with neither side victorious?
6. Who wins the fight between Achilles and Hector?
Chapter 14: The Fall of Troy pgs. 201-210
1. What 2 sides fought the Trojan War?
2. What city was the Trojan War fought over?
3. What famous trick do the Greeks use to overthrow Troy?
4. Who won the Trojan War?
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