1. BY: ASIA PONDS JUNE 16, 2009 Bulfinch’s Greek and Roman Mythology Myth and Knowing

2. Phaeton Son of Apollo and the nymph Clymene Sought evidence of his heavenly birth He did not heed Phoebus’ warning and drove the chariot of the sun. His poor driving leads to chaos Many beliefs today are attributed to his chariot’s destruction: the Nile concealing itself, the complexion of Ethiopians, dolphins and fish swimming at low depths in the ocean Question: Would you consider Phaeton a hero based on the stages of the hero’s journey? Why/Why not?

3. Cadmus Son of Agenor He failed at finding his sister Europa Married Harmonia, daughter of Venus He and his wife become serpents Question: How is the representation of the serpent in this myth similar to the one in Quetzalcoatl? How do these portrayals differ from other myths? Question: How was Cadmus’ fate related to his journey as a hero?

4. The Golden Fleece—Medea and Eson Pelias, Jason’s uncle, sends him on a journey to recover the Golden Fleece. Pelias has wicked intentions regarding Jason, and he does not want to give up his throne. The fleece is not a family heirloom. Jason promises Medea, the king’s daughter, marriage if she helps him defeat (with magic) these terrible beasts. One is a dragon, a popular motif in these myths. Jason obtains the fleece and returns home.

5. Medea and Eson Medea uses her sorcery to heal Jason’s father and kill Pelias. Jason wants to marry Creusa, and Medea becomes enraged. She kills her with a poisoned robe, slays her own children, and rides away in a “serpent-drawn” chariot. Question: How are marriage and divorce viewed in these myths?

6. Meleager and Atalanta Son of Eneus and Althea, king and queen of Calydon His fate was spun in a fatal thread (similar to “Wanted”) His mother protects him by preserving the brand. Meleager falls hard for Atalanta and gives her the rewards of battle, which enrages his uncles. They disrespect her, and he kills them. His mother kills him by casting the “fatal wood” onto the fire, which destroys him. Question: How are Medea and Meleager similar and different? Question: Are men still the driving force behind women’s actions? Why/Why not? How does this belief counter or support gender roles?

7. Atalanta Characterized as having a face boyish for a girl, yet too girlish for a boy Her fortune was revealed to her: “Atalanta, do not marry; marriage will be your ruin.” Feared men because of this foretelling and devoted her life to the sport of chase; no man could outrun her. Any man that tried and failed must die, but many still attempted to win her. Hippomenes (young and handsome) used magic (three golden apples) to beat her in a race. Atalanta and Hippomenes were so enamored with each other that they forgot to thank Venus. She caused them to offend Cybele, who turned them into lions to reflect their character. Question: What role does love play in destruction for Medea and Jason; Meleager and Althea; Hippomenes and Atalanta?

8. Hercules Son of Jupiter and Alcmena Juno had a problem with him and any child conceived by her husband and mortal women; she put obstacles in his way He had to obey all commands of Eurystheus Destroyed evil-doers and monsters that opressed the country; people were grateful for his feats Became “completely” immortal and took his place in heaven

9. Hebe and Ganymede The daughter of Juno and goddess of youth; cupbearer to the gods Two stories: she resigned from her office to marry Hercules; she was dismissed from office in consequence of a fall Her successor was Ganymede, a Trojan boy, who was kidnapped by Jupiter and taken off to heaven to fill her place.

10. Theseus Son of Egeus, king of Athens, and Ethra, daughter of the king of Troezen. Had to remove a sword and shoes from under a stone in order to meet his father Proved to be a courageous man capable of defeating many foes on his journey to see his father; admired Hercules and aspired to be like him Rescued his father’s people from the Minotaur and later became the king of Athens He married Helen, later known for the cause of the Trojan War Developed a close friendship with Pirithous, which caused him trouble in the underworld. He was rescued by Hercules. Compare/Contrast Orunmila and Eshu’s friendship with Pirithous and Theseus.