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Helpful Notes for the “We Are Family” quiz
For every myth, consider these questions:
What does the myth explain? (earthquakes, lizards, dolphins, twins…)
What does the myth teach? (hospitality, bereavement, forgiveness…)
Also, you should know this term from the reading: golden mean- found in the Apollo myth,
page 57 of textbook
Why did Zeus have so many wives?
This is reflective of the Myceneans taking over individual Minoan communities that worshipped
local Mother goddesses. Over time, as Myceneans had Zeus become the patriarch of each
community, these Mother Goddesses became his wife or lover to accommodate the story.
Metis—A Titan-wise- She was the mother of Athena-turned herself into a fly and was swallowed by
Zeus who then took over her power of childbirth (reflects patriarchal influence)
Athena—Goddess of wisdom and war-Zeus’ brainchild and favorite
NOTE: Notice that Athena is almost on equal footing with Zeus and that she never marries. This
indicated some conflict on the Minoans’ behalf. They were clearly unwilling to hand over their female
power.
Dione—Mother of Aphrodite-lover of Zeus
Aphrodite—Goddess of love,-Zeus’s daughter. Some say she sprang from the sea foam of Uranus’
blood. We get the word aphrodisiac from that
Eros—God of unbridled passion and lust-feared by many-he could mortify and humiliate you
Hera—Wife of Zeus-very jealous and vengeful-decided to have Hephaestus on her own to match
Athena’s power. Once she saw he was a disappointment, she cast him off Mt. Olympus. She
later asked for his forgiveness.
Hephaestus—god of fire and artistry-blacksmith of the gods. Made beautiful jewelry and gifts for all
the gods. Made a throne for Hera on which she became stuck. He then forced her
to beg for forgiveness.
Ares—God of war and brutishness. Also a great coward. He has an affair with Hephaestus’ wife
Aphrodite. They were trapped in an invisible net that Hephaestus made to catch them
having an affair. Yikes!
Apollo—God of the sun and healing and music. Twin brother of Artemis. Killed Python as fulfilled by
the prophecy. Became a dolphin and presented himself to Cretan seamen. They became his
apostles and made a temple at Delphi.
Leto—Mother of twins Artemis (goddess of the moon and forest animals) and Apollo (go of the
sun and music)
Python—the snake like dragon that chased Leto all over the world so that she would not give
birth to her twins. It was later killed by Apollo.
Demeter—Goddess of corn and the harvest. Searched far and wide for Persephone after
Persephone was kidnapped. When she was treated poorly by Abas, a young boy, she
turned him into a lizard. Later, at Eleusis, she made kindly women who took her in. She
tried to make their little boy immortal by rubbing ambrosia on him and placing him in the
fire, but she was stopped by the mother. After showing her true identity to the women,
the town built at temple for her in that place. Demeter teaches that all strangers should be
treated as gifts of Zeus.
Persephone—Abducted by Hades. Demeter’s daughter and called Queen of the underworld.
Reluctantly became Hades’ wife. Ate a pomegranate seed so she must return there one
season a year. This time period is winter, as Demeter goes into a state of depression
when her daughter is not with her. When mother and daughter are reunited, it is spring-a
rebirth of life.
Hades- God of the underworld. Tricked Persephone with the pomegranate to force her to stay
for some time of the year in the underworld.
Nemesis—Mother of Helen of Troy. Pursued by Zeus. The goddess of retribution. The name is
associated with a foe or a vengeful punishment today.
Learn these (yes they will be on the quiz!)
God/Goddess
Zeus
Poseidon
Apollo
Ares
Hermes
Hephaestus
Domain
King of the Gods
Relationship
Lord of the sea
Father and brother to
many
Brother of Zeus
Thunderbolt, eagle,
oak
Trident, dolphin
Sun god, god of
prophecy, music and
healing
God of War
Son of Zeus
Twin brother to
Artemis
Son of Zeus
Chariot, lyre, laurel
Messenger God, god
Son of Zeus
of merchants
God of fire and smiths Son of Hera and Zeus
Hades
God of underworld
Zeus’s brother
Hera
Queen of Gods,
goddess of marriage
and women
Goddess of wisdom
and war
Goddess of wheat and
corn (harvest)
Goddess of hunting
and wild creative,
queen of the chase
Goddess of love and
beauty
God of vine and wine
Zeus’s sister and wife
Athena
Demeter
Artemis
Aphrodite
Dionysus
Symbol
Zeus’s daughter
Armor, dogs, vultures
Winged cap and
sandals
Anvil and hammer
Cerberus, the three
headed dog
Peacock
Zeus’s sister
Owl, olive, breastplate
and shield
Wheat, corn, poppy
Zeus’s daughter
Twins sister of Apollo
Hunting weapons,
deer
Zeus’s daughter
Myrtle, dove
Zeus’s son
Grapes, wine