Edith Hamilton’s

Mythology
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Introduction - Chapter 2
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Mythology Nectar Redoubtable

Nymph Ambrosia Deified
Naiad Dryad Incalculable
Colossus Inexorable Capricious
Omniscient Endowments Desolate
Omnipotent Raiment Exultant
Satyr Incarnate

Questions

1. How does Greek mythology differ from folklore? Why does it differ?
2. What is the “Greek Miracle”? How did it affect the Greek world and our world?
3. What remnants of primitive culture are left in Greek mythology?
4. What purposes did myth serve in early Greece?
5. How did the character of Zeus change? Why?
6. When were the myths recorded? By whom?
7. Who were the first parents of lifelike creatures? Who were their children and grandchildren?
8. Who were the Titans? Who first ruled the Titans?
9. What is Olympus? Who lives there?
10. Who were the twelve great Olympians?
11. Who were Eros, Hebe, and Iris?
12. Identify the Graces and the Muses. Why are they famous? Who were their parents?
13. Who was Nereus? Who were his children?
14. Who are Triton, Proteus, and the naiads?
15. Describe the underworld.
16. Who are the Erinyes? What were their duties?
17. Who is Pan?
18. Who are Castor and Pollux? How did Castor die? What happened to Pollux?
19. What were satyrs, centaurs, and gorgons?
20. Who were the Sirens and the Fates? What powers did they possess?
21. Why was Demeter thought of as a goddess?
22. How was the harvest celebrated?
23. Who was Persephone? How did her story explain the seasons?
24. With what city was Dionysus associated? Why?
25. Why did Greece refuse to recognize Dionysus as a god?
26. Who were the maenads, or bacchantes? How are they connected to Dionysus?
27. Who was Pentheus? What fate did he suffer?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 3 - Chapter 6
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Unfathomable Laggard Perpetually

Lamentation Austere Inevitable
Heifer Consorting Tryst
Succored Homage Enamored
Wafted Diligent Eminently
Pliant Loathed Disdainful

Questions

1. Describe the creation of Earth and Heaven.

2. Who were the first creatures on Earth before humans?
3. What was the conflict between Gaea and Ouranos?
4. How were the giants and the Erinyes created?
5. How was Cronus’ rule threatened?
6. What steps did Zeus take to become ruler of heaven and earth?
7. How did the Greeks see the world?
8. How did Prometheus and Epimetheus create humans? What gifts did Prometheus give humans?
9. What are the five ages of humans?
10. Who was the first woman? Why was she created?
11. Why was Prometheus punished? What does Prometheus symbolize now?
12. Who survived the flood? What were they directed to do?
13. How did Io suffer? Why?
14. How did Zeus capture Europa? Where did Zeus take her? What was Europa’s fate?
15. How does Polyphemus appear in the stories of Odysseus and Galatea?
16. Who were Narcissus and Echo? What were their fates?
17. Describe the deaths and transformations of Hyacinth and Adonis.
18. Who was Psyche? How is she unique? How did she anger Venus?
19. How was Psyche’s marriage arranged? Who did she marry?
20. How did Psyche lose her husband? How were they reunited?
21. What does the story of Pyramus and Thisbe explain?
22. Who was Orpheus? How did he help Jason and the Argonauts?
23. How did Orpheus lose his bride? What did he do to try to get her back?
24. Who were Ceyx and Alcyone? What tragedy befell Ceyx? What was Alcyone’s virtue?
25. Who was Pygmalion? What was Pygmalion’s virtue?
26. How were Baucis and Philemon different from their neighbors? Who rewarded them? Why?
27. Who was Endymion? What was his outstanding trait?
28. How did the laurel tree come into being?
29. Who were Alpheus and Arethusa? What was Arethusa changed into? Why? What was
Alpheus’s fate?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 7 - Chapter 8
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Renown Abashed Pedestrian

Usurper Manifest Torrent
Oracle Portent

Questions

1. Describe the origin of the Golden Fleece.

2. Who were Jason and Pelias?
3. Who were the Argonauts? What did the Argonauts face as they traveled to Colchis?
4. How did Hera plan to help Jason?
5. Why did King Aetes want to kill Jason?
6. How did Jason obtain the Golden Fleece?
7. How did Medea help Jason? How did Jason treat Medea?
8. Who is the mother of Phaethon?
9. Why did Phaethon seek out the Sun god?
10. What route does the Sun travel each day?
11. What did the horses realize as Phaethon drove the chariot? How did they react?
12. What happened to the world during Phaethon's ride? What happened to Phaethon?
13. Who was Glaucus? How did he incur the wrath of the gods?
14. Who was rumored to be Bellerophon's father? Who was his mother?
15. What did Bellerophon want?
16. What did Anteia want to happen to Bellerophon? Why?
17. What great beings did Bellerophon conquer?
18. What caused the beginning of Bellerophon’s demise? How did he die?
19. What happened to Pegasus?
20. Who was Otus and Ephialtes’ father? What were they commonly called?
21. Who did Otus and Ephialtes imprison? How did the gods free the prisoner?
22. How does Poseidon convince Zeus not to throw his thunderbolt?
23. What two goddesses do Otus and Ephialtes love?
24. How does Artemis lead Otus and Ephialtes to their death?
25. Who was Daedulus? What was his profession? What object did he build?
26. Who was Daedulus’ son?
27. Why did King Minos imprison Daedulus and his son? How did they escape?
28. How did Daedulus warn his son? What happened to his son?
29. How did King Minos know that Daedulus was in Sicily?
30. What happened to King Minos?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 9 - Chapter 12
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Scudding Exonerate Ascribed

Contemptible Ludicrous Dauntless
Expiating Coverts

Questions

1. Who did King Acrisius of Argos want to get rid of? Why?
2. Who were Dictys and Polydectes?
3. Who helped Perseus in his quest to obtain the head of a Gorgon?
4. How did Perseus meet and rescue his future wife?
5. How did Perseus rescue Danae and Dictys? What happened to Polydectes?
6. What did the oracle of Apollo predict in reference to Perseus?
7. Who was Theseus? Why did he journey to Athens?
8. Who was Procrustes?
9. Describe the Minotaur and the labyrinth. How did Theseus conquer the Minotaur?
10. What became of Ariadne? How did Aegeus die?
11. How did Theseus organize the government of Athens?
12. What was Theseus’ weakness?
13. What is the tragic story of Phaedra, Theseus, and Hippolytus?
14. What was Hercules’ first heroic act?
15. Who did Hercules merry? How was the marriage arranged?
16. Why did Hercules undertake the Twelve Labors? What are the Twelve Labors?
17. What are the Pillars of Hercules? Where are they?
18. What additional heroic deeds did Hercules accomplish?
19. How did Hercules die?
20. What did Atalanta’s father do to her when she was born?
21. Who took care of Atalanta?
22. Who did Calydon send to punish King Orneus? Why?
23. How did Atalanta look when she joined the Argo?
24. Who fell in love with Atalanta?
25. How was the boar wounded? Who wounded the boar? Who eventually killed the boar?
26. Who was Meleager’s mother? What caused Meleager’s death?
27. Who did Atalanta beat in a wrestling match? Who did she reconcile with?
28. How was Atalanta to be defeated in order to marry her? How was she defeated?
29. Who was Atalanta’s son?
30. What kind of animals were Atalanta and Meleager turned into?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 13 - Chapter 14
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Reputed Appeasing Filial

Circumvent Rout Votive
Havoc Suppliant
Discerning Plausible

Questions

1. Who was Paris?

2. What prophesy had been given in regard to Paris?
3. How did the goddesses ask Paris to choose among them? What choice did he make?
4. How did Paris’ judgement spark events that would lead to the Trojan War?
5. Why were the princes of Greece bound to help Menelaus get Helen back from Troy?
6. How did Odysseus plan to avoid going to Troy?
7. Why did Achilles’ mother plan to keep him from going to Troy?
8. Why was Iphigenia killed?
9. Who were Protesilaus and Laodamia?
10. Who were Hecuba, Hector, and Andromache?
11. What did Hector and Achilles represent to their armies?
12. What part did Chryseis play in the war?
13. Why did Agamemnon and Achilles quarrel? What did Achilles do?
14. Why did Achilles to reenter the battle?
15. How did Achilles dishonor Hector?
16. Which side did Zeus favor in the Trojan War? Why?
17. Which side did Hera favor in the Trojan War? Why?
18. Who came to the aid of the Trojans? How did this affect the war?
19. How was Achilles killed? How did Ajax die? How did Paris die?
20. What was the Palladium? Why did the Greeks want it?
21. What plan did Odysseus devise to conquer Troy?
22. Describe the fall of Troy. What happened to the remaining Trojans?
23. What became of Prince Aeneas of Troy and his family?
24. What became of Helen of Troy?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 15 - Chapter 16
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Enticed Clamor Susceptible

Sumptuously Prodigy Retinue
Cadences Implacable
Destitute Squalid

Questions

1. Which gods were the Greeks’ greatest allies?

2. What power did Apollo give to Cassandra? Why did Apollo turn against Cassandra?
3. What happened to Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Ajax after they left Troy?
4. Who was Penelope? What task had to be completed before she would marry?
5. Who was Telemachus?
6. How did Athena disguise herself? What did she instruct Telemachus?
7. How did Athena appear the second time to Telemachus?
8. Who were Nestor and his sons offering a sacrifice to?
9. Which nymph kept Odysseus?
10. Why did Calypso not want to free Odysseus?
11. Who spots Odysseus on the sea? Who helps Odysseus? Who calmed the waves?
12. Where does Odysseus wash ashore? What was their way of life?
13. Who finds Odysseus in the trees? What does she do for Odysseus?
14. What did King Aeolus give Odysseus? Why? What does his crew do to it?
15. Who destroys Odysseus’ fleet?
16. Who lives on Aeaea? What happened to Odysseus’ remaining crew?
17. How is Odysseus to get to the entrance to Hades?
18. What island does Odysseus go to next? Who lives there? Why are they harmful?
19. What does Odysseus receive from the King of the Phaeacians and the chiefs?
20. Where does Odysseus wake up? Who is disguised as a shepherd?
21. Who is Argos? What does he do after he recognizes Odysseus?
22. What challenges does Penelope give her suitors? Who completes the challenges?
23. How does Odysseus finally prove himself to Penelope?
24. Where were Aeneas and other Trojans heading? Why?
25. Who was Dido?
26. Where was Aeneas advised to visit? What did Aeneas take with him? Why?
27. What did Aeneas and the Trojans undertake? How did Juno interfere? Why?
28. Who is Father Tiber? What does he advise Aeneas to do? Why?
29. Who were Nisus and Euryalus? What mission did they undertake? Why?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 17 - Chapter 19
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Atrociously Acquittal Suffrage

Inadvertently Infallibly Chagrined
Sordid Acquiesce
Atonement Arbiter

Questions

1. Who was Tantalus? What was his wrongdoing? How was he punished?
2. Who was Pelops? What did he do wrong? Why?
3. Who was Niobe? What did she do wrong? How was she punished?
4. Who were Atreus and Thyestes?
5. Who were Agamemnon, Menelaus, Aegisthus, Orestes, Iphigenia, and Electra.
6. Who killed Clytemnestra? Why?
7. How did Iphigenia, Orestes, and his cousin Pylades escape from the Taurians?
8. How was the site of Thebes determined? How did Cadmus get people to build the city?
9. What was the fate of Cadmus and his wife Harmonia?
10. Why was Oedipus sent away to die as a baby?
11. How did Laius die?
12. Why did Oedipus become the hero, king, and marry Jocasta?
13. How did the prophet finally answer Oedipus’ request?
14. What happened to Jocasta and Oedipus?
15. Who became regent of Thebes?
16. Who took care of Oedipus when he was exiled? Where did Oedipus die?
17. What did the prophet tell Creon?
18. What was Creon’s edict?
19. Who pleaded to king Theseus of Athens? Why? How did he decide?
20. Who was the first King of Attica?
21. Who competes to become the protector of Athens? Who wins?
22. Who was Tereus?
23. How was Philomela set free?
24. Who were Procris and Cephalus?
25. How did Cephalus win Procris’ love? How did Procris die?
26. Who was Orithyia? What was her fate?
27. Who was Creusa? Why was she so sad?
28. Who was restored back to Creusa? How?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 20 - Chapter 21
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Bower Audacity Pestilence

Promontory Divination Pyre
Vindictive Soothsayer Emulate

Questions

1. Who was Midas?

2. What wish did Bacchus grant to Midas? What was the result?
3. Who was Aesculapius? Why was Aesculapius honored?
4. Who were the Danaids? What wrong did the Danaids do? How were they punished?
5. Who became a danger to sailors? How?
6. Who won the nymph Pomona? How?
7. What is the Cornucopia?
8. Describe the Amazons.
9. Who was Amymone?
10. What was Arachne’s misdeed? What was her punishment?
11. What did Aurora and Cydippe wish for?
12. Who becomes a sunflower? How?
13. Who was changed into a tree? Why?
14. Describe Leto.
15. Who was Melampus?
16. Who was changed into the Great Bear? Where was she placed?
17. For what was the centaur Chiron known?
18. Why were the Myrmidons created?
19. Which great hunter was placed in the sky as a constellation?
20. Who were the Pleiades?
21. What did Sisyphus do? How was he punished?
22. Who were Tyro and her sons?
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 22 - Chapter 23
Study Guide

Vocabulary

Somber Prototype Sustenance

Unsullied Futility Paltry

Questions

1. Describe Asgard.
2. How did the Norse view good and evil?
3. What was the central theme of Norse mythology?
4. Who was Signy?
5. Who was put to sleep? Why? Who comes to the rescue? How?
6. Who was tricked into marrying Gudrun? How? Why?
7. What happened to Brynhild? Why?
8. Who was Odin? What were his duties?
9. Who were the Valkyries?
10. Who was Balder? What was his fate?
11. Which days of the week were named after Norse gods?
12. Who ruled the Kingdom of Death?
13. How did Odin and his brothers make the world?
14. Who was the God of Thunder?
15. Who was Odin’s wife?
16. Who was Tyr?
17. Who was the Goddess of Love and Beauty?
18. What was Midgard?
19. Who were the first creatures on earth?
20. What was believed would happen after Odin was defeated by evil?
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Annotate the Text

Your task is to read and annotate Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. You will need
your own personal copy of the book. What does it mean to annotate? In simple
terms, it means to take notes. However, you probably want some examples.
Below are listed several ways to annotate. You don’t need to do all of these,
just the options that work best for you.

• Inside front cover - character list with small space for character summary and for page
references for key scenes, moments of character development, etc.
• Inside back cover - themes, allusions, images, motifs, key scenes, plot line, etc.
• Chapter summaries - brief summary at the end of each chapter.
• Underlining (or use Post-Its) - of major points (confusing, interesting, surprising, or
important), of important or forceful statements of essential stylistic devices (diction, syntax,
imagery, literary devices, tone), and of elements of literature (plot, setting, characterization,
point of view, and theme).
• Vertical lines at the margin - to emphasize a statement already underlined.
• Star or asterisk at the margin - to be used sparingly, to emphasize the ten or twenty most
important statements in the book.
• Numbers in the margin - to indicate the sequence of points the author makes in developing a
single argument.
• Numbers of other pages in the margin - to indicate where else in the book the author made
points relevant to the point marked; to tie up the ideas in a book, which, though they may be
separated by many pages, belong together.
• Writing in the margin, or at the top or bottom of the page - to record questions (and perhaps
answers) which a passage raised in your mind; to reduce a complicated discussion to a simple
statement; to record the sequence of major points right through the book.
• Vocabulary/unusual diction - circle unfamiliar, unusual, or inventive words; write a brief
definition or synonym in the margin.
• Questions - for the instructor to answer, for the class to discuss, for you to use in future writing
assignments, or for you to keep as a reminder of what you were thinking.
• Shifts - note all shifts in point of view, in time, or in diction and syntax.
• Think - about connections between this text and other texts you have read, information from
other classes, and personal experiences.
• Don’t use a highlighter - Quality marking isn’t done with a fat-tipped highlighter. You can’t
write, which is an important part of marking the text, with a large marker.
• Don’t mark large volumes of text - You want important points to stand out.
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Flashcards

Create flashcards for the mythological characters listed below. On the front of the flashcard write the
name of the god, person or creature. On the back of the card, explain the origin (or birth) of this
character, the key events (challenges and/or adventures) in this character’s life, the death of this
character (if any) and list any objects or special roles/responsibilities that are associated with this
character. The flashcards will prove helpful in preparation for review and tests.

PRIMEVAL GODS OTHER GODS PEOPLE

1. Gaea 19. Demeter 36. Pandora

2. Uranus 20. Persephone 37. Narcissus
21. Hecate 38. Psyche
THE TITANS 22. Dionysus 39. Jason
23. Eros/ Cupid 40. Medea
3. Cronus 24. Pan 41. Daedalus
4. Rhea 25. The Graces 42. Perseus
5. Prometheus 26. The Muses 43. Theseus
6. Atlas 27. The Furies (Erinyes) 44. Minos
28. The Fates 45. Hercules
THE OLYMPIAN GODS 46. Atalanta
CREATURES 47. Helen of Troy
7. Zeus (Jove) 48. Achilles
8. Hera (Juno) 29. The Sirens 49. Agamemnon
9. Poseidon (Neptune) 30. Chiron (The Centaur) 50. Electra
10. Hades (Pluto) 31. Chimaera 51. Orestes
11. Pallas Athena (Minerva) 32. Gorgons (focus on 52. Cassandra
12. Phoebus Apollo Medusa) 53. Odysseus
13. Artemis (Diana) 33. Pegasus 54. Aeneas
14. Aphrodite (Venus) 34. Phoenix 55. Oedipus
15. Hermes (Mercury) 35. Harpy 56. Antigone
16. Ares (Mars) 57. Midas
17. Hephaestus (Vulcan)
18. Hestia (Vesta) PLACES

58. Mount Olympus

59. Hades (The Underworld)
60. Tartarus
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Mythological Impacts

The impact of Greek and Roman Mythology on Western Civilization cannot be overstated. America,
as a democratic nation, is a by-product of the influence of Ancient Greece and Rome in the areas of
language, art, music, drama, poetry, literature, politics, architecture, mathematics, military science,
medicine, philosophy, sports, and religion. Study of the Ancient Greek and Romans and classical
antiquity was revived in Europe during the Renaissance and survives in great literature and art from
that period. The Romantic period of the late 18th century also enthusiastically embraced all things
Greek and Roman and inspired a new brand of contemporary poets. Even 19th century American
authors have recognized that the study of Greek and Roman mythology is essential to the
understanding of British and American literature. Having understood these contributions to the culture
and history of Western Civilization, it is time to research and acknowledge the various ways that
Ancient Greek and Roman myths and stories have crept into modern American culture.

Your Task - Many modern products, businesses, inventions, and discoveries that we use or refer to on
a daily basis carry the names of Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, mythological creatures, and
heroes/heroines. Your task is to identify some of these products, businesses, inventions, and
discoveries and explain why each specific name was chosen.

For Example - In the Trojan War, described by Homer in his epic poem The
Iliad, Ajax is the tallest and strongest of all the Achaean warriors who fight the
Trojans. Trained by the centaur Chiron, he battles with a great hammer and huge
shield made of ox-hides and bronze. Though not as skilled in arms, perhaps, as
the better known hero Achilles, he does not die by the hand of any other warrior
during the war. In 1947, corporate conglomerate Colgate - Palmolive introduced
a new cleanser called Ajax that it claimed was “stronger than dirt.” Later, it used
the same slogan to introduce its laundry detergent version of the cleaner. When
its first commercial ran on TV the following year, the jingle Americans heard was
“You’ll stop paying the elbow tax, when you start cleaning with Ajax,” an
allusion to the strength of the Greek warrior Ajax that suggested to consumers
that, with this product, no “elbow grease” was needed.

Assignment Requirements

• A minimum of 10 products, businesses, inventions, and/or discoveries.

• In addition to identifying the product, business, invention, and/or discovery, you must explain
the relationship of its name to Greek or Roman mythology, and why the name was chosen.
• Each of your submissions must include an illustration of the product, business, invention,
and/or discovery.
• Illustrations may be drawn by hand, computer generated, or taken from the product itself.
• You should graphically display your work on a poster board with detailed explanations
accompanying each illustration.
• All work should be neat, colorful, and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
• It will be necessary for you to independently research some of the products, businesses,
inventions, and/or discoveries as they relate to Greek and Roman myths and legends.
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Allusion Jigsaw

An allusion is a reference, explicit or implicit, to something in previous literature or history. This is an

important literary concept that you will encounter repeatedly in poetry, drama, and fiction. With
allusions, authors can engage the reader in making associations and creating meaning. However, if you
are unaware of allusions you will miss some of these meanings. You will be assigned to a group and
need to learn the following allusions well. You may read whatever sources you wish: children’s tales,
the Bible, encyclopedias, reference books or credible websites.

Your assignment is to create a teaching document that includes an explanation of the stories, written in
your own words in MLA format. Each story you explain does not need to be long; most should be a
paragraph or so. The purpose of the assignment is to give you and your classmates a working
knowledge of allusion structures. You will be teaching this information to your classmates.

Biblical Allusions #1 Greek and Roman Mythology #1

• Creation • Prometheus (and Io)
• Adam and Eve • Narcissus
• Cain and Abel • The Golden Fleece
• David and Goliath • Orpheus and Eurydice
• Moses • Daedalus (and Icarus)
• Abraham and Isaac • Cupid and Psyche
• Tower of Babel • Pygmalion and Galatea
• Jonah and the Whale • Daphne (and Apollo)
• Samson and Delilah • Perseus
• Solomon • Theseus
• Job • Hercules
• Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors
• Armageddon

Biblical Allusions #2 Greek and Roman Mythology #2

• Daniel in the Lion’s Den • Oedipus (including Sphinx)
• Elijah • Antigone
• Jezebel • The Trojan War (Troy, Achilles, Hector, Paris,
• Sodom and Gomorrah Helen, Trojan Horse)
• Birth of Jesus • Midas
• Parable of the Prodigal Son • Bacchus
• Lazarus • Agamemnon, Orestes, and Electra (The
• John the Baptist Oresteia)
• Last Supper • Leda and the Swan
• Judas • Pandora
• Crucifixion and Resurrection • Odysseus/Ulysses
• Doubting Tomas
• Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
 Arthurian Allusions Fairy Tales
• Uther and Igraine and Arthur’s birth • The Ugly Duckling
• Arthur, Guenevere, and Lancelot • Snow White
• Sir Gawain • Rumpelstiltskin
• Merlin • The Princess and the Pea
• Morgan le Fay • The Pied Piper of Hamelin
• Nimue alias Vivienne, Lady of the Lake • Little Red Riding Hood
• Mordred • Hansel and Gretel
• Avalon and Camelot • The Frog Prince
• Excalibur, Holy Grail • The Fisherman and His Wife
• Cinderella
• Bluebeard
• Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
• Aladdin
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Updating a Myth

Update one of the Greek, Roman or Norse myths. Choose five or six
aspects of the story to relate to modern life. For example, the Lotus-
eaters are the dropped-out drug culture, Ulysses’ adventures in modern
America. Try to choose a myth no one else will choose. Or try to
place the myth in your own hometown or community.

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 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Trading Card

You are responsible for creating a Trading Card, like a baseball or fantasy game
card, that depicts and describes one of the major Greek/Roman heroes of your
choice. The card should be a regular sized, white poster board (approximately 22 x
28 inches), have a graphic or illustrated picture of the major character or scene on
one side. On the other side each card must include the following:

1. The Greek and Roman name (if applicable) of the hero and any other name by which the figure
has been depicted. For some stories, there are more than one potential hero; I leave it up to you
to decide if one or more are depicted as the focus of the card.

2. Include the race and lineage of the character and/or from what city he/she hails or protects.

3. Briefly highlight the main points of the story or stories for what the hero was most noted. This
may be easier for some than others considering the intricacies of the story or the numbers of
stories included. You should focus on what is the importance of the quest.

4. Identify what places (lands, cities, towns, city-states, wars, areas) were important to the hero
and his story.

5. Identify three examples of temperament, wisdom (or lack of), physical ability, or character traits
for which the hero is known.

6. Identify any symbols commonly associated with the character today. Give examples of how
this figure is still used in the modern world (examples include analogies or bases of more
modern literature, words in modern language, as a corporate logo or slogan, a brand name, or
more importantly constellation or star).

Your Trading Card graded on the following criteria (25 points total).

Correct and complete information: Creative and neat representation; the

information includes as much of the above mentioned material as necessary,
____/15 points and an understanding of the story. No grammatical, spelling or informational
errors.

Layout and organization: Neat, legible, organized, and shows time, effort and
____/5 points planning went in to completing the project.

Graphic representation: The cover graphic is valid and neat and shows time,
____/5 points effort and creativity. Any other graphs or charts show an equal amount of
time, effort and understanding.
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Biblical Allusions

Below you will find selected Biblical passages. After you read the assigned passages, complete the
table to form a glossary of sorts with a summary of each of the biblical passages.

Biblical Passage Summary

Genesis Chapters 1-4
(Creation, Adam & Eve, The
Fall, Cain & Abel)

Genesis 6-9
(Noah, The Flood)

Genesis 11:1-9
(The Tower of Babel)

Genesis Chapter 19
(Sodom & Gomorrah, Lot’s
Wife)

Genesis 22:1-18
(Abraham & Isaac)

Exodus 3:1-10
(The Burning Bush)

Exodus 14:5-31
(The Parting of the Sea)

Exodus Chapter 32
(The Golden Calf)

I Samuel Chapters 17 & 18

(David & Goliath, Saul)
I Kings 3:16-28
(Solomon’s Wisdom)

Job 1-2
(God and Satan discuss Job)

Matthew 14:1-21
(John the Baptist, Loaves &
Fishes)

Matthew 19:16-24
(Wealth & Salvation)

Matthew 26:14-56
(Silver Coins, Gethsemane,
Betrayed With a Kiss)

Matthew 27:27-31
(Mocked by Soldiers)

Luke 6:24-31
(Wealth, Turning the Other
Cheek)

Luke 10:25-37
(The Good Samaritan)

Luke 15:11-32
(The Prodigal Son)

John 11:1-44
(Lazarus)

Revelation Chapter 6
(Four Horsemen of the
Apocalypse)
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Creative Myth

Choose a myth and maintain the conflict and characters but rewrite the plot so that
the ending is completely different. If the end is tragic, make it blissful - or vice
versa. Or, choose a myth and match it to a contemporary television show in which
this myth could appear. Explain how you would incorporate this myth into the
show. How would you update the characters and the plot to fit the show?

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 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Book Cover

Design and color an alternative book cover for the novel.

 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Comic Book Page

Choose one myth or section from a story. Create a one-page comic book that describes what happened.
Use vivid colors and words or quotes from the book. Be prepared to share.
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
The Adventures of Odysseus

Have an adventure as you go on a voyage with the Greek hero Odysseus as he returns from the Trojan
War to his beloved Ithaca, his faithful wife, and his loving son. Read the information on the Trojan
War, The Fall of Troy, and The Adventures of Odysseus included in Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. As
you read about each of Odysseus’ adventures, consider the trials he must face. Odysseus’ character is
portrayed in his ability to handle dangerous situations.

The trials illustrate more than just temptations that he must overcome; they show a different man at the
end of the adventures than at the beginning. His adventures in his journey humble his pride, reveal his
cleverness, and prepare him, by giving him self-control, for the task of restoring order to his household
and to Ithaca. In each of the twelve adventures listed below, Odysseus is tempted to display a negative
character trait or to choose a false identity that he must reject, and he is encouraged to demonstrate a
positive trait.

The Adventures of Odysseus

1. Island of Ismarus (The Ciconians) 7. Hades
2. Lotus-eaters 8. Sirens
3. Cyclops 9. Scylla and Charybdis
4. Aeolus 10. Island of Helios
5. Laestrygonians 11. Calypso
6. Circe 12. Phaecians (Nausicaa)

Read the information found in Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. Complete the chart of the twelve
adventures. For each of the twelve adventures, give a short description of the adventure, a negative
trait rejected, and a positive trait demonstrated. (Please use specific character traits, either nouns or
adjectives.) You will be graded on the accuracy of your descriptions and the insights you show about
each negative and positive trait. If necessary, do additional research using resources in the library or
information gathered from the Internet.
 The Adventures of Odysseus
# Adventure Short Description Negative Trait Rejected Positive Trait Demonstrated

Island of Ismarus
1
(The Ciconians)

2 Lotus-eaters

3 Cyclops

4 Aeolus

5 Laestrygonians

6 Circe
7 Hades

8 Sirens

Scylla and
9
Charybdis

10 Island of Helios

11 Calypso

Phaecians
12
(Nausicaa)
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Great Family Feud

F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Family quarrels are bitter things. They don’t go by
any rules. They’re not like aches or wounds; they’re more like splits in the
skin that won’t heal because there’s not enough material.” In a well-
constructed paragraph, discuss a significant family feud from “The Great
Families of Mythology” in relation to this quote.

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 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
My Hero

Lord FitzRoy Richard Somerset Raglan has said that it seem that all heroes fit a
pattern and have similar incidents, and the life of a hero can be divided into a
series of well-marked features and incidents. Now take your turn. Invent your
own hero and walk him/her through the patterns found by Lord Raglan. If he/she
fits, explain how it relates to your hero. If he/she doesn’t fit, explain why.

My Hero:

The hero’s mother is a royal

virgin;

His father is a king, and …

Often a near relative of his

mother, but …

The circumstances of his

conception are unusual, and …

He is also reputed to be the son of

a god.

At birth an attempt is made,

usually by his father or his
maternal grandfather, to kill him,
but …

He is spirited away, and …

Reared by foster-parents in a far

away country.

We are told nothing of his

childhood, but …

On reaching manhood he returns

or goes to his future kingdom.
After a victory over the kind
and/or a giant, dragon, or wild
beast …
He marries a princess, often the
daughter of his predecessor, and
…

Becomes king.

For a time he reigns uneventfully,

and …

Prescribes laws, but …

Later he loses favor with the gods

and/or his subjects, and …

Is driven from the throne and city,

after which …

He meets with a mysterious

death, …

Often at the top of a hill.

His children, if any, do not

succeed him.

His body is not buried, but

nevertheless …

He has one or more holy

sepulchers.
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Mythology Presentation

In order to help your classmates further understand Edith Hamilton’s Mythology,

prepare an organized 4-5 minute presentation that relates the most significant facts
about your character or myth. Your presentation must include a visual aid that is a
symbolic representation of the character or myth and your explanation of the visual
aid must be original and creative, and shows your understanding of Greek mythology.
You will be assigned one of the characters/myth listed below by your teacher.

Zeus Pandora Tantalus and Niobe

Hera Prometheus and Io Oedipus
Poseidon Europa Antigone
Hades Narcissus Midas
Athena Adonis Pan
Apollo Cupid and Psyche Triton
Artemis Pyramus and Thisbe Leda
Aphrodite Orpheus and Eurydice Castor and Pollux
Hermes Daedalus Helen
Ares Hercules Gorgon
Hephaestus Atalanta Furies
Demeter and Persephone Trojan War

Grade Sheet for Mythology Presentation

You are assigned to teach and review with the class your character/myth. This grade sheet details the
expectations.

____ / 5 Catchy beginning to your presentation to grab the audience’s attention.

Creative revealing of the character/myth. No fumbling. Be prepared and thorough. If,

____ / 5 at the end, the audience is bored, you haven’t done your job. Do not merely rattle off
details, but connect ideas and make them understandable to the audience.
Inclusion of creative visual. No glitter and glue poster boards, downloaded pictures from
the internet, movies or computer presentation, or handouts. Do use something
____ / 5 symbolic/representative that illustrates your insight and creativity, something easily seen
by everyone in the classroom from where you are standing in the front of the room,
something you can explain, something that illustrates relevance, something original.
Explanation of the character’s/myth’s importance to Greek culture and its possible
____ / 5 relevance to or effect on literature/storytelling that has come since the Greek’s.
Poise, posture, voice are all engaging and appropriate. You may have notecards, but do
____ / 5 not merely read off of them. Time frame of 4-5 minutes of class.

____ / 25 Points Total

 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Norse Gods vs Greek Gods

Using the Venn diagram below, compare and contrast the Norse Gods and Greek Gods. Be sure to
include examples to support your analysis.

Norse Gods

Greek Gods
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Tabloid Project

Anyone who has spent time in a local supermarket has seen some of the
tabloid headlines: “Rabbit-Faced Baby Born to Buck-Toothed Mom” or
“Aliens Abduct Man and Return Him to Earth 100 Years Later.” Myths also
provide bizarre stories for such journalistic license: “Three-Headed Dog
Guards Portal to Underworld,” “Flying Horse Helps Hero.”

Examine some tabloids and complete the following activities as a group:

1. List some of the ways the front page works to sell the paper.

2. Review a current tabloid article and its attention-getting headline. Read the article, discuss and
record the differences in what the headline promises and what the article actually says.

3. Discuss the style and format of the tabloids and how mythology lends itself to this kind of
journalism. Brainstorm a list of possible headlines for a particular myth and write them down.

4. Brainstorm and write down a list of characters from myths or stories who would lend
themselves to a “juicy” interview.

5. Choose one of your characters and write ten interview questions for him/her. Pretend that you
are a famous reporter and have been given an exclusive interview with your character. What
“juicy” information would your readers want to know?

6. Now, interpret what your character would say to a particular question. Write as many direct
quotes as possible for your character.

7. Create and illustrations to enhance the tabloids “effect”. You may also include obituaries,
classified ads, an advice column, or regular advertisements that relate to your character’s time
frame and setting.
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Reading Project

Reading Project #1

Mythology, particularly Greek mythology, heavily influences Western-European and American

culture; therefore, it is helpful to have some background knowledge of mythology.

1. Carefully review the lists of archetypes.

2. Select three myths from Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.
3. For each chosen myth, summarize the myth in your own words and then identify one
archetype from each of the three categories - situational, character, and symbolic - and
explain why the myth is an example of each of the archetypes.
4. Use this format: Paragraph 1 - Summary, Paragraph 2 - Situational Archetype,
Paragraph 3- Character Archetype, Paragraph 4 - Symbolic Archetype.

Reading Project #2

You will research myths from other cultures. You may go to a library or search the web for non-Greek
myths. You will turn in a copy of each of your two researched myths. These should be printed out and
the source information (where the myths came from) should be listed on a typed Works Cited page.

1. Select two myths from a culture that is other-than-Greek. (African, Egyptian, Hawaiian,
Norse, Babylonian, Scottish, English, Indian, Chinese, Native American, etc.)
2. For each chosen myth, summarize the myth in your own words and then identify one
archetype from each of the three categories - situational, character, and symbolic - and
explain why the myth is an example of each of the archetypes.
4. Use this format: Paragraph 1 - Summary, Paragraph 2 - Situational Archetype,
Paragraph 3- Character Archetype, Paragraph 4 - Symbolic Archetype.
5. You will create a Works Cited page that clearly lists in MLA style your sources of
information. This assignment involves research, so you must provide documentation.
Archetype

An image, or motif, or thematic pattern that has recurred so regularly in history, literature, religion, or
folklore as to have acquired a transcendent symbolic force.

Situational Archetypes

• The Quest - describes the search for someone or some talisman (object) which when found and
brought back, will restore balance in a community, life to the waste land, or a person’s health.
• The Task - refers to what superhuman feat must be accomplished in order to fulfill the ultimate
goal. It is the specific test of challenging actions.
• The Journey - sends the hero in search of some truth of information necessary to restore life,
justice, and/or harmony to the kingdom. The journey includes a series of trials and tribulations the
hero/heroine faces along the way. Usually, s/he descends into a real or psychological hell and is
forced to discover the blackest truths, quite often concerning his/her own faults. Once the
hero/heroine is at this lowest level, s/he must accept personal responsibility to return to the world of
the living.
• The Fall - describes a descent in action from a higher to a lower state of being, an experience
which might involve defilement, moral imperfection, and/or loss of innocence. This fall is often
accompanied by expulsion from a kind of paradise as a penalty for disobedience.
• Death and Rebirth - the most common of situational archetypes grows out of the parallel between
the cycle of nature and the cycle of life. It refers to situations in which someone or something,
concrete and/or abstract dies, yet is accompanied by some sign of birth or rebirth.
• The Battle of Good and Evil - forces that represent good and evil battle against each other.
Typically, good ultimately triumphs over evil despite the great odds.
• The Unhealable Wound - this wound, physical or psychological, cannot be fully healed. This
would indicate a loss of innocence and purity. Often these wounds’ pains drive the sufferer to
desperate measures of madness.
• The Magic Weapon - sometimes connected with the Task, refers to a skilled individual
hero’s/heroine’s ability to use a piece of technology in order to combat evil, continue a journey, or
prove his/her identity as a chosen individual.
• Supernatural Intervention - the gods often intervene on the side of the hero/heroine.
• The Initiation - refers to a moment, usually psychological, in which an individual comes into
maturity. S/He gains a new awareness into the nature of circumstances and problems and
understands his or her responsibility for trying to solve the dilemma. Typically, a hero/heroine
receives a calling, a message, or a signal that he or she must make sacrifices and become
responsible for getting involved in the problem. Often, a hero/heroine will deny and questions the
calling and ultimately, will accept responsibility.

Symbolic Archetypes

• Light vs. Darkness - light usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness
implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair.
• Water vs. Desert - Water (rain, river, etc.) is necessary to life and growth, it commonly appears as
a birth or rebirth symbol. Water is used in baptism services, which solemnizes spiritual births. The
absence of water or desert can symbolize the drying up of life or growth or the refusal to
acknowledge the spiritual.
• Heaven vs. Hell - humanity has traditionally associated parts of the universe not accessible to it
with dwelling places of evil forces that govern the world. The skies and mountain tops house its
gods; below the earth contain diabolic forces that inhabit its universe.
• Haven vs. Wilderness - places of safety contrast sharply against the dangerous wilderness. Heroes
are often sheltered for a time to regain health and resources.
• Fire vs. Ice - fire represents knowledge, light, life, and rebirth while ice represents ignorance,
darkness, sterility, and death.

Character Archetypes

• Hero/Heroine - this one character is the one ultimately who may fulfill a necessary task and who
will restore fertility, harmony, and/or justice to a community. This character is the one who
typically experiences and initiation, quest, task, etc.
• Young Person from the Provinces - this type of hero/heroine is taken away as an infant or youth
and raised by strangers. S/He later returns home as a stranger and able to recognize new problems
and new solutions.
• The Initiates - these are young heroes who, prior to the Quest, must endure some training and
ritual. They are usually innocent at this stage.
• Mentors - these individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates. Sometimes they work
as role models and often serve as mother figures. They teach by example the skills necessary to
survive the Journey and the Quest.
• Father/Son Conflict - tension often results from separation during childhood or from an external
source when the individuals meet as men and where the mentor often has a higher place in the
affections of the hero than the natural parent. Sometimes the conflict is resolved in atonement.
• Hunting Group of Companions - these loyal companions are willing to face any number of perils
in order to be together.
• Loyal Retainers - these individuals are like the noble sidekicks to the hero. Their duty is to protect
the hero. Often the retainer reflects the hero’s nobility.
• Friendly Beast - these animals assist the hero and reflect that nature is on their hero’s side.
• The Devil Figure - this character represents evil incarnate. S/He may offer worldly goods, fame,
or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure’s
main aim is to oppose the hero in his/her quest.
• The Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart - this redeemable devil figure, or servant to the
devil figure, is saved by the hero’s nobility or good heart.
• The Outcast - this figure is banished from a community for some crime, real or imagined. The
outcast is usually destined to become a wanderer.
• Earth Mother - this character is symbolic of abundance; often spiritual and emotional nourishment
to those she contacts; often depicted in earth colors.
• The Temptress - she is the one whose physical beauty may be the downfall of the hero.
• The Damsel in Distress - this woman must be rescued by the hero. She may also be used as a trap,
by the evil figure, to ensnare the hero.
• The Star-Crossed Lovers - these two are engaged in a love affair that is fated to end in tragedy for
one or both due to disapproval of society, friends, family, or the gods.
• The Creature of the Nightmare - this monster, physical or abstract, is summoned from the
deepest parts of the human psyche to threaten lives of the hero/heroine. Often it is a desecration of
the human body
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Focus Questions

1. Creation and flood stories are found in several ancient narratives of world literature. What are
some examples? Why do you believe these creation stories were written?

2. What can you infer based on the portrayal of women in the myths? Consider Pandora, Cupid,
and Psyche.

3. Which character from mythology seems to fit best with the following virtues?

• Patience
• Wit/Ingenuity
• Bravery/Perseverance
• Courage/Integrity

4. How are the concepts of family, fate, loyalty, and justice a part of these myths and stories?

5. How are the following conflicts and topics portrayed in Greek mythology?

• Good vs. Evil

• Evil-Death-Punishment

• Ages of Humanity

• Creation of Man

6. Why might hospitality have been so important to the Greeks? Think about what you know of
their world - trade, location, travel, etc. What myth do you feel best communicated this value?
Do you know of a story from another culture that teaches the value of hospitality? Why might
myths be used to teach important values?
7. What is the generally accepted pre-Greek perception of the gods?

8. What were the ethics of the gods in the beginning?

9. What character traits were most admired by the Greeks?

10. What trait is most frequently punished by the gods? Look particularly at the story of Pegasus
and Bellerophon.

11. Much of ancient mythology is meant to give a creative explanation for the natural environment.
Which myth or character do you feel best does this?

12. According to Edith Hamilton, what has science to do with mythology?

13. What purpose do these myths serve for human beings confronting the mystery of the world?

14. Hercules and Theseus were favorite heroes of Greece and Athens. Each had both flaws and
strengths. Which hero might be preferred in America? Which hero would you prefer? Why?

15. Choose one mythological character and discuss how this character is a reflection of who you are
today. Which god, or hero, or character is most like you? What characteristics do you share?
 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Review

The Gods, the Creation, and the Earliest Heroes

Know in detail the following Greek gods. Know their Greek and Roman names, their spheres of
influence, their relationships to each other, objects associated with them, and key stories about their
birth and influence.

Aphrodite Demeter Hephaestus

Apollo Dionysus Poseidon
Ares Hades Prometheus
Artemis Hera Selene
Athena Hermes Zeus
Cronus Hestia

In addition, be able to identify and relate stories associated with the following.

Atlas Gaea Pandora

Cerberus Io Persephone
Charon Olympus Rhea
Epimetheus Ouranos Titans
Europa Pan

Know in detail the myths of creation, Demeter and Persephone, Dionysus, Adonis, Narcissus, and the
flood.

Stories of Love and Adventure

Be able to identify and recognize the central element of the following love stories.

Cupid and Psyche Baucis and Philemon

Pyramis and Thisbe Endymion and Selene
Orpheus and Eurydice Daphne and Apollo
Ceyx and Alcyone Alpheus and Arethusa
Pygmalion and Galatea

Know in detail the story of The Quest of the Golden Fleece.

Be able to identify the key facts from the following adventures.

Phaëthon Daedalus and Icarus

Pegasus and Bellerophon
The Great Families of Mythology

Know key facts about the following people and the House to which they belong.

Agamemnon Orestes Tantalus

Antigone Philomela Teiresias
Iphigenia Procne Theseus
Menelaus Procris
Oedipus Socrates

The Less Important Myths

Know key facts about the following people and/or groups.

Aesculapius Chiron Orion

Amazons Hero and Leander Pleiades
Arachne Midas Sisyphus
Callisto Myrmidons

The Mythology of the Norsemen

Be able to identify the following persons, places, works, or objects from Norse Mythology including
the days of the week associated with them, objects, people, or events associated with them, and stories
about them.

Aesir Heimdall Ragnarok

Asgard Hel Sigyn
Balder Hoder Sleipnir
Bifrost Idun Surt
Bragi Jotunheim Thor
Eddas Loki Tyr
Fenris Midgard Valhalla
Freya Mjollnir Valkyries
Frigg/Frigga Muspelheim Volsung Saga
Ginnungagap Niflheim Yggdrasil
Gladsheim Odin Ymir

Know in detail the story of Sigurd the Volsung

 Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Essay Topics

As you read, consider the following questions as topics for possible essay questions.

1. How did myths get started? One literary scholar defined myths as “supernatural stories used to
explain natural phenomena.” Using specific myths, explain how this definition makes sense in
relation to things that happen in nature and in human relationships and behavior.

2. How did myths control behavior? Explain how myths might be used to control or influence
people’s behavior. Identify specific myths that might likely have been used for such purposes.

3. How do the myths portray the assumed roles of men and women? Identify and discuss ways in
which the myths shaped the culture’s view of men and women and their respective places in
society.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a culture that has a shared mythology?
Discuss how the myths could help or hurt an entire culture or its individuals.

5. How do the myths compare to other faiths or philosophies? Compare and contrast a
mythological view of life with another faith system or philosophy that you know well.

6. What do the myths teach about the nature of human life? Using specific myths, explain what
the myths teach about the origin of mankind, the value of life, the purpose of life, and the
afterlife.

7. In earlier times, “the imagination was vividly alive and not checked by reason.” But the
imagination of primitive beings differed from the imagination of the Greeks. Explain the
difference between primitive and classical mythology. How could these difference influence
the development of a culture?