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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the last command that Aphrodite has for Anchises?

2. In the story, how does Aphrodite disguise herself in order to get close to Anchises?

3. How many seeds does Demeter's daughter eat before returning?

4. Who is Athena's father?

5. Which one of Athena's attributes is the subject of the final Hymn to Athena?

Short Essay Questions

1. What powers are described in The Hymn to Poseidon?

2. How does Demeter encounter King Celeus and Metanira?

3. How is Athena's birth described in The Hymn to Athena?

4. How does Anchises respond to Aphrodite's true identity and what is the result of their affair?

5. Which lesson does The Hymn to Hephaistos illustrate?

6. What are the main characteristics of Athena?

7. What does the poet pray for at the end of The Hymn to Poseidon?

8. What is the explanation of the seasons according to the myths?

9. Who is Aphrodite attracted to and what is her plan?

10. What metaphor is used to describe the moon in The Hymn to the Moon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nature is a major element that is explored in Greek mythology.

1) Explain The Hymn to the Earth and the ways that Earth's blessings are manifested, using the hymn to provide examples of the Earth's characteristics and qualities, as well as what the poet gives her credit for and why.

2) Analyze the metaphors that are used in The Hymn to the Sun and The Hymn to the Moon along with the different powers that both the sun and moon possess.

3) Explain the origin of Castor and Pollux and what their existence means to the Greeks and nature.

Essay Topic 2

The Muses are an important part of the connection between the gods/goddesses and humanity.

1) Describe the influence of the Muses and what areas of life they affect.

2) Explain who the main people are that are influenced by the Muses and why.

3) Describe the ways that the Muses are included in hymns (besides The Hymn to the Muses) and the value of their participation.

Essay Topic 3

Dionysus is given three hymns in The Homeric Hymns.

1) Describe Dionysus's birth and how he is different than some of the other gods.

2) Explain the events surrounding his capture and how he frees himself.

3) Describe the fate of the crew after Dionysus is free.

4) Using Dionysus's story as an example, analyze the idea of transformation vs. destruction as it is included in Greek mythology.

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