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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