Theories of Myth Interpretation

• Key Names & Terms: rationalism, Xenophanes, Hecataeus (class notes), Plato, Theagenes, Stoics, Plutarch, Euhemerus, Palaephatus, Neoplatonics, allegorical approaches (physical, etymological, historical, linguistic, metaphysical)
  
• go to Powell's web site (Ch 24): click here (pay attention to the terms at the back of the chapters)

Myths of the Olympian gods: Zeus and Hera

• Key Names & Terms: Zeus, aegis, xenia, Ganymede, Hera, Eileithyia, anthropomorphism, Qo-wi-ja, animals/powers associated with them
  
• go to Powell's web site (Ch 6): click here (pay attention to the terms at the back of the chapters)

Myths of the Olympian gods: The Male Deities

• Key Names & Terms: Poseidon, Hades, Apollo, Delphi, Delos, Pythia, Cassandra, Sibyl, Daphne, Asclepius, Coronis, Hephaestus, Ares, Eros, Harmonia, Hermes, caduceus, Dionysus (god of, Lin B, birth myth, marriage: class notes), animals/powers associated with the deities
  
• go to Powell's web site (Ch 7): click here (pay attention to the terms at the back of the chapters)

Myths of the Olympian gods: Female Divinities:

• Powell, Chapter 8:
• Key Names & Terms: Hestia, Aphrodite, Cypris, Hermaphroditus, Priapus, Pygmalion, Myrrha, Anchises, Artemis, Potnia Theron, Niobe, Orion, Actaeon, Athena, Arachne
  
• sample questions at his web site: click here
• Powell, Chapter 9:
• Key Names & Terms: Demeter, Persephone, Kore, Eleusinian Mysteries (& class notes), Inanna, Dumuzi, Isis, Osiris, Cybele, Attis, Agdestis, Adonis
  
• sample questions at his web site: click here

Myths of the Female Divine, Leonard, Ch 3:

• The Fire Goddess (Hawaiian): Pe-le, Lo-hi-au, Ho-po-e, Hi-i-aka
  
• White Buffalo Calf Woman (Brule Siouz): Standing Horn, Ptesan-wi, White Buffalo Calf Woman

Possible Essay Question:

• We have seen how myths of a particular culture often reveal societal norms. Using the myth of Demeter & Persephone (Homeric Hymn to Demeter in Powell or Trzaskoma), and the myth of "The Fire Goddess" (Leonard, 124ff), what do these myths tell us about how these two cultures treated 'love' relationships (between couples, between family members)? For your conclusion answer whether there is a universal concept of 'love.'

• One of the key poles around which Greek life was centered was the local community. In many ways the myths which we have studied in this unit (Powell, Ch 6-9) can be looked upon as defining the individual's place within this local community. Discuss with respect to men.

• We have seen that the actions and attributes of the Greek gods and goddesses were patterned on the Greeks themselves and serve to define the place of the Greeks within their society. After a careful review of the myths of the Greek goddesses in Powell, Ch 6-9, what do these myths tell us about the extent to which Greek women exerted control over their lives?