2. The story of the Trojan War was ______________ important and popular myths of the Greeks, and one which every educated Greek and Roman would have been familiar with.

3. What was the fatal flaw of most Greek heroes?

4. To punish men, Zeus sent them ___________.

5. Cupid became Psyche's husband, but she was instructed that she must never _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Demeter and Dionysus. How were Demeter and Dionysus unique?

2. Why were the Greek gods worshiped? How does this reason compare to the reasons one might worship a god today?

3. Should Greek mythology be understood as a bible of sorts? Why or why not?

4. Choose one of the love stories in this section. Summarize this story. How does it reflect someone's jealousy?

5. Choose another one of the love stories. How does this story show the kindness the gods are capable of feeling?

6. How was Theseus honored by the Athenians? Why was he honored in this way?

7. How were Homeric heroes different from earlier Greek heroes? What does this say about the Greeks at the time?

8. How were early royal Greek families able to claim lineage with the gods? How might they have benefited from this?

9. What ended when Atalanta was married? What does this reinforce in Greek culture?

10. What lesson can be learned about the power of the gods from these stories? Is this lesson still relevant today? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author states that Greek mythology should not be seen as a Bible of religious belief.

Part 1) What is meant by this statement? How should Greek mythology be viewed? Why should it not be understood as a Bible of religious belief? How might this affect one's belief in the Greek gods? How does this affect the power of these gods?

Part 2) How did this give freedom to various Greek writers and thinkers throughout history? How did these writers and thinkers influence Greek mythology? Why did they influence it in this way?

Part 3) Would a religion such as what is known as Greek mythology flourish today? Why or why not? What is necessary for a religion to be successful today? How does this reflect mankind today? What does it also reveal about the ancient Greeks?

Essay Topic 2

The author states that Greek mythology should not be seen as a Bible of religious belief.

Part 2) How did this give freedom to various Greek writers and thinkers throughout history? How did these writers and thinkers influence Greek mythology? Why did they influence it in this way?

Essay Topic 3

Several heroes faced long, arduous adventures.

Part 1) Describe two heroes who faced long, arduous adventures in the myths. What were their adventures? What led to these adventures? How did they deal with the challenges they had to face? What does this reveal about them? How did this make them heroes?

Part 2) How were these men changed by their adventures? How did these adventures change others who were involved in these adventures or were a part of the hero's life?

Part 3) What adventures and challenges have you faced in your life? How did you deal with these challenges and difficulties? What did these adventures and challenges reveal about you? In general, what do challenges reveal about humans?

(see the answer keys)

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