Lesson 3.
Identity in Greek Mythology
In addition to using mythology to explain natural phenomena of the world, the Ancient Greeks used mythology as a way to learn morality lessons vicariously from other people. The ancient Greeks loved tragic heroes. Tragedy was a fate that befell many of their most beloved heroes not because they wanted to see them suffer, but because life was so hard they found inspiration in their heroes; knowing that if their heroes could overcome such impossible odds, then the common man could overcome his own. Many of ancient mythological tales we know today are about God and Demi-gods; some are even about regular people. Over the next few days, I will list a few of the most popular stories below:
Hero One: Hercules
Today we will start with the story of Hercules. Hercules was the son of Zeus and a human woman. This enraged Hera who tried repeatedly to kill Hercules. In fact, the first time Hera attempted to kill Hercules he was just a baby! Hera sent two serpents into his crib, when they found them Hercules had used his god-like strength to crush them. Hera then realized that getting rid of this mortal would be not simple task, so she decided to wait . . .
Once Hercules was old enough to get married and have children of his own, Hera sent a madness to him. Confused by Hera's spell Hercules killed his wife and children. When he recovered he realized what he had done and ran into the wilderness in anguish. Hercules then sought council from the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle informed him that if he was to ever become redeemed, Hercules would have to go to King Eurystheus and serve him as penance. What happened later is one of the most famous stories in Greek Mythology.
Hercules 12 Labors Click Here
On a separate piece of paper list the twelve labours of Hercules. What where the labours, how did he overcome them, and what lesson or benefit did he gain from these foes?
Today we will start with the story of Hercules. Hercules was the son of Zeus and a human woman. This enraged Hera who tried repeatedly to kill Hercules. In fact, the first time Hera attempted to kill Hercules he was just a baby! Hera sent two serpents into his crib, when they found them Hercules had used his god-like strength to crush them. Hera then realized that getting rid of this mortal would be not simple task, so she decided to wait . . .
Once Hercules was old enough to get married and have children of his own, Hera sent a madness to him. Confused by Hera's spell Hercules killed his wife and children. When he recovered he realized what he had done and ran into the wilderness in anguish. Hercules then sought council from the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle informed him that if he was to ever become redeemed, Hercules would have to go to King Eurystheus and serve him as penance. What happened later is one of the most famous stories in Greek Mythology.
Hercules 12 Labors Click Here
On a separate piece of paper list the twelve labours of Hercules. What where the labours, how did he overcome them, and what lesson or benefit did he gain from these foes?
For Fun:
Here are a few projects that students have made of Hercules and his labors. The facts aren't all accurate and the names are often said wrong see if you can spot the mistakes they made. What would you do differently? If this were your project, how would you do it?
For a top ten of Greek heroes look at this site:
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/heroes/tp/TopHeroes.htm
Hero 2: Achilles
When Achilles was born he was given a rather strange prophecy, he would either die old unknown and unsung, or die young at battle and forever be remembered as one of the best warriors of all time.
Homer wrote of the Greek Hero Achilles in his epic poem, " The Iliad." The Iliad takes place during the last year of the Trojan War. In this war, Greek forces fought against the vast army of Troy. Due to Troy's impenetrable walls said to be built by the Gods themselves Troy's defenses were thought to be unstoppable; but the Greeks had one edge, the warrior Achilles. It had been prophesied that the young man Achilles would be the key to Troys falling, but the prophesy was also warned that Troy could not be taken without him.
The Trojan War (how it all began).
We know that Cronus overthrew his Father Uranus to become King of the Old-Gods (Titans), Zeus overthrew his father, Cronus, to become King of the New Gods (Olypians). Well, Zeus hears a prophecy that states that one of his children (a demi-god) will overthrow him. This is a big problem for Zeus, because of his indescretions Zeus has many children throughout the Greek world. His is told that he must now become a good and faithful husband and stop having human kids. This is unacceptable to Zeus so he devises a plan to decrease the population by allowing a war, that will kill any offspring he may have left leaving him with a clean slate so he can start being a bad husband again.
Because there is another prophecy stating that the nymph Thetis would bear a son that would over take his father. Zeus who had been wooing this nymph quickly changes his mind and decideds to have her married off to an older king names Peleus. This starts the wheels of Fate turning. At the wedding Zeus invites all the gods except one Eris, the goddess of strife. She is so embarrassed and offended that she decideds to leave a gift for the wedding that will teach those who have slighted her a lesson. She leaves a golden apple engraved with the message that it belonged, "to the fairest" of the Gods. Well naturally three Goddesses claimed it as their own, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The women fight over the apple and fnally itis decided that someone should choose which of the three is fairest of them all. Zeus is the judge of the gods so they run to him and ask him to choose which of the three is the fairest.
Well, no God in his right mind would dare choose to judge between these three strong and powerful women, risking incurring their wrath in the process so Zeus quickly looked about for some poor human sap to give the job to. In comes Paris. Paris is the son of the King of Troy who has been sent out to live with Shepards because there is a prophecy that states he will be the downfall of Troy. Because of his nobility the Goddesses decide to let him be the judge. Because of his age,Paris is also boy too dumb to realize what a dilemma he is in. After a series of tests and bribes Paris decides that Aphrodite is the fairest of all the gods.
She rewards him with by granting him the love of the fairest mortal woman in all of Greece, Helen of Sparta. There is only one problem, Helen is promised to be married to King Menelaus and he doesn't like to share. As Paris grows older he is once agian accepted into the royal Trojan family. In the way that fate works, Paris and Helen cross paths, they fall madly in love, and run away together to Troy. As this has happened before in ancient times Paris, foolishly believes that nothing bad will come of stealing the betrothed of a Greek King.
Thetus's plans to make her son unkillable are thwarted when Achilles' father interuppts and sees what appears to be Thetus either trying to burn or drown their kid. He quickly intervenes and decideds that she is not to be trusted around their son Achilles is sent away to the Centaur Chiron for further instruction and training. It is here that Achilles learns the skills to become a fine warrior and great strategist. As rumors of war start to travel the land Thetus takes her son and hides him as a palace girl in the remote kingdom of Ithaca. There the ruler Odysseus notices the ruse when Achilles shows more interest in battle armour than silk finery. Discovered, achilles is pressed into service for Odysseus.
Meanwhile...
Paris and Helen are together and King Menelaus is upset, but oddly not as upset as his brother Agamemnon. He raises an army of Greek warriors. The king of Ithaca, Odysseus, and his ward Achilles join.
It has now been 9 years and the war between Greece and Troy rages on with a few heroes names quickly cited for their battle expertise. Agamemnon is respected as a great field general, but he is vain and believes that all the battle glory should be his. Odysseus is known for his wit and strategy. Achilles is hailed as the single reason the Greeks are winning. The men hold Achilles responsible for every major battle the greeks have won, this infuriates Agamemnon. Agamemnon decides to teach Achilles a lesson by taking away his war-time girlfriend for himself. Achilles quits the war. Instantly things start to change for the Greeks. Lead by the great Trojan leader Hector, the Trojan armies begin to really sweep the Greeks back into the sea.
Things would have ended poorly for the Greeks had not Achilles younger cousin Patrocles stole his big cousins armour and went into battle. He looked so much like Achilles that the men's spirits were lifted and they fought harder. It looked like the Greeks were on the verge of victory when Hector seeing who he thought was Achilles out on the field rode down and slew him. The greek men were astounded, their spirit broke and they fled. The Greeks lost again. When news reached Achilles that he had died, he realized that Hector had killed his cousin and vowed revenge. Here is a great reimagination of what the fight may have looked like:
The great Trojan prince,Hector, is now dead. For some time after things look great for the Greeks. They win battle after battle and now they are ready to sack the famous city of Troy itself until, as the legend goes, one of three things happens. Either as Achilles is scaling the wall an errant arrow hits his foot, or Paris shoots the arrow which is guided by Apollo and strikes the only weakness Achilles has, or Achilles instead of sacking troy calls for truce and asks to wed one of the Trojan kings daughters when Paris who is hidding in the bushes lets fly a poisoned arrow which strikes Achilles on the only vulnerable spot on his body, his heel. Either way Achilles dies having never been bested in battle and as such takes his rank in Ancient Greece as the Greatest Human warrior ever to battle.
Here is some more information on Achilles:
Hero 2: Achilles
When Achilles was born he was given a rather strange prophecy, he would either die old unknown and unsung, or die young at battle and forever be remembered as one of the best warriors of all time.
Homer wrote of the Greek Hero Achilles in his epic poem, " The Iliad." The Iliad takes place during the last year of the Trojan War. In this war, Greek forces fought against the vast army of Troy. Due to Troy's impenetrable walls said to be built by the Gods themselves Troy's defenses were thought to be unstoppable; but the Greeks had one edge, the warrior Achilles. It had been prophesied that the young man Achilles would be the key to Troys falling, but the prophesy was also warned that Troy could not be taken without him.
The Trojan War (how it all began).
We know that Cronus overthrew his Father Uranus to become King of the Old-Gods (Titans), Zeus overthrew his father, Cronus, to become King of the New Gods (Olypians). Well, Zeus hears a prophecy that states that one of his children (a demi-god) will overthrow him. This is a big problem for Zeus, because of his indescretions Zeus has many children throughout the Greek world. His is told that he must now become a good and faithful husband and stop having human kids. This is unacceptable to Zeus so he devises a plan to decrease the population by allowing a war, that will kill any offspring he may have left leaving him with a clean slate so he can start being a bad husband again.
Because there is another prophecy stating that the nymph Thetis would bear a son that would over take his father. Zeus who had been wooing this nymph quickly changes his mind and decideds to have her married off to an older king names Peleus. This starts the wheels of Fate turning. At the wedding Zeus invites all the gods except one Eris, the goddess of strife. She is so embarrassed and offended that she decideds to leave a gift for the wedding that will teach those who have slighted her a lesson. She leaves a golden apple engraved with the message that it belonged, "to the fairest" of the Gods. Well naturally three Goddesses claimed it as their own, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The women fight over the apple and fnally itis decided that someone should choose which of the three is fairest of them all. Zeus is the judge of the gods so they run to him and ask him to choose which of the three is the fairest.
Well, no God in his right mind would dare choose to judge between these three strong and powerful women, risking incurring their wrath in the process so Zeus quickly looked about for some poor human sap to give the job to. In comes Paris. Paris is the son of the King of Troy who has been sent out to live with Shepards because there is a prophecy that states he will be the downfall of Troy. Because of his nobility the Goddesses decide to let him be the judge. Because of his age,Paris is also boy too dumb to realize what a dilemma he is in. After a series of tests and bribes Paris decides that Aphrodite is the fairest of all the gods.
Back to Achilles
While all of this is was going on Thetus gives birth to a son named Achilles. Being a nymph (which is Immortal) Thetus fears that since Achilles is mortal he will be hurt so she decideds that she is going to take matters into her own hands and she figures out a way to protect her son. Depending on the myth, Thetus either annoints special oils and burns the weakness out of Achilles or she dips him into the river Styx which has powerful magic that hardens him to ordinary weapons. Either way one thing is clear, the heel where Thetus holds Achilles by never gets cleansed so it remains human and vulnerable. This is today still known as the Achilles tendon. The term commonly refered to as the Achilles Heel, has come to signify fatal flaw or weakness.
Thetus's plans to make her son unkillable are thwarted when Achilles' father interuppts and sees what appears to be Thetus either trying to burn or drown their kid. He quickly intervenes and decideds that she is not to be trusted around their son Achilles is sent away to the Centaur Chiron for further instruction and training. It is here that Achilles learns the skills to become a fine warrior and great strategist. As rumors of war start to travel the land Thetus takes her son and hides him as a palace girl in the remote kingdom of Ithaca. There the ruler Odysseus notices the ruse when Achilles shows more interest in battle armour than silk finery. Discovered, achilles is pressed into service for Odysseus.Meanwhile...
Paris and Helen are together and King Menelaus is upset, but oddly not as upset as his brother Agamemnon. He raises an army of Greek warriors. The king of Ithaca, Odysseus, and his ward Achilles join.
It has now been 9 years and the war between Greece and Troy rages on with a few heroes names quickly cited for their battle expertise. Agamemnon is respected as a great field general, but he is vain and believes that all the battle glory should be his. Odysseus is known for his wit and strategy. Achilles is hailed as the single reason the Greeks are winning. The men hold Achilles responsible for every major battle the greeks have won, this infuriates Agamemnon. Agamemnon decides to teach Achilles a lesson by taking away his war-time girlfriend for himself. Achilles quits the war. Instantly things start to change for the Greeks. Lead by the great Trojan leader Hector, the Trojan armies begin to really sweep the Greeks back into the sea.
Things would have ended poorly for the Greeks had not Achilles younger cousin Patrocles stole his big cousins armour and went into battle. He looked so much like Achilles that the men's spirits were lifted and they fought harder. It looked like the Greeks were on the verge of victory when Hector seeing who he thought was Achilles out on the field rode down and slew him. The greek men were astounded, their spirit broke and they fled. The Greeks lost again. When news reached Achilles that he had died, he realized that Hector had killed his cousin and vowed revenge. Here is a great reimagination of what the fight may have looked like:
The great Trojan prince,Hector, is now dead. For some time after things look great for the Greeks. They win battle after battle and now they are ready to sack the famous city of Troy itself until, as the legend goes, one of three things happens. Either as Achilles is scaling the wall an errant arrow hits his foot, or Paris shoots the arrow which is guided by Apollo and strikes the only weakness Achilles has, or Achilles instead of sacking troy calls for truce and asks to wed one of the Trojan kings daughters when Paris who is hidding in the bushes lets fly a poisoned arrow which strikes Achilles on the only vulnerable spot on his body, his heel. Either way Achilles dies having never been bested in battle and as such takes his rank in Ancient Greece as the Greatest Human warrior ever to battle.Here is some more information on Achilles:
http://wserver.scc.losrios.edu/~waxmanr/87online/student_sites/morco_luisa/myths/tale_of_achillies.html
Here is a great student project on Achilles:
Here is a great student project on Achilles:
The Prophecy stated that without Achilles battling for the Greeks the Walls of Troy would never again fall. The Greeks and Trojans have been warring for ten years, the cities of the Trojan armies have all been sacked, but Achilles is now dead, and the walls of Troy are weakend, yet they still stand. These walls will continue to stand until we meet hero Number 4, Odyssseus. How do you think Odysseus will conquer the Trojans when Achilles and his might could not do it?
Assignment 3.
Mythology biographical poem
A biographical poem, or biopoem, uses a simple but specific structure to describe the
most important facts about someone. Your assignment is to write a biopoem about one
of the gods or goddesses you have studied. You may choose any god or goddess
(except Aphrodite, because she’s the example below). The blanks on this page are for
your rough draft. When you’re done, copy your final version onto a separate sheet of
paper and decorate it, if you would like. Please attach this sheet to your final draft.
Follow this format exactly, please:
Greek Name__________________,
I am
(list four traits) ___________, ____________, __________, ___________.
I am [a relative] of
(1-3 people) ________________________________________.
Lover of
(1-3 things or people) ________________________________________.
Who feels/protects
(1-3 things) ________________________________________.
Who needs
(1-3 things) __________________________________________.
Who fears
(1-3 things) __________________________________________.
Who gives
(1-3 things) ___________________________________________.
Resident of
_____________________,
Roman Name__________________.
Example
(you may not use this goddess):
Aphrodite,
Goddess of Love, Desire, Beauty and Fertility.
A daughter of Zeus and Dione; wife of Hephaestus.
Lover of sons Aeneas and Cupid and brother Ares.
Who protects sailors.
Who needs a chariot.
Who fears War, Athena and Hera.
Who gives Helen to Paris, a magic belt to Hera, and Medea to Jason.
Resident of Mt. Olympus.
Venus.
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