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Mythology Questions
Foreword and Introduction
Answer the following in complete sentences, on your own paper, and include the question in your
answer. For example, in answer to question 2, your response could begin: “Greek mythology differs from those
of earlier cultures because . . .”
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In her foreword, what does Edith Hamilton state is the main difficulty with bringing
together a collection of myths like this one?
From the introduction, according to Hamilton, what are two ways Greek mythology
differs from the mythologies of the cultures before it?
What are at least three remnants of primitive culture that are left in the mythology of
the civilized Greeks (look for where Hamilton discusses “dark spots”)?
What purposes did the myths serve in early Greece, according to Hamilton? (List at least
two)
Why do differing views of the same god exist in the tales?
Briefly describe two important Roman writers of Greek myths.
Briefly describe the differences between Homer, Hesiod, and Sophocles and their works.
Mythology Questions
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Describe Olympus.
Distinguish the Titans from the Olympians.
Describe in detail the characteristics/functions of any four of the Olympians.
Create a chart placing each of the Roman names on the right next to its Greek
counterpart on the left, then write the basic function of each in three or four words or
less:
Zeus
Poseidon
Hades
Hera
Artemis
Hermes
Ares
Hestia
Hephaestus
Apollo
Aphrodite
Athena
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Chapter 1
“The Gods”
Juno
Phoebus
Diana
Vulcan
Jupiter
Minerva
Pluto
Neptune
Venus
Vesta
Mercury
Mars
Who were Eros, Hebe, and Iris?
Compare AND contrast the Muses and the Graces.
Describe the Underworld, remembering to note Cerberus, Styx, Charon, and the Elysian
Fields.
Identify the Erinyes. What were their duties?
Who were the Sirens and the Fates? What powers did they have?
Mythology Questions
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Briefly tell the story of Demeter and Persephone.
Chapter 2
“The Two Great Gods of Earth”
In what ways do the powers and ideas associated with Dionysus contradict each other?
Briefly describe Dionysus’ central position in the Greeks’ belief of human immortality.