Classical Mythology Final Examination Fall 08: Study Guide

Part I: 50 multiple choice questions covering material from the entire course. Use the lists of terms to study. Sample questions:
_____1. The term “succession myth” refers to:
A. The Titans beating the Olympians
B. Creation as separation
C. The sequence of Uranus, Cronus, Zeus
D. The son’s fear of castration by the father
_____2. The Eleusinian Mysteries were celebrated in honor of:
A. Demeter and Persephone
B. Dionysus
C. the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera
D. Orpheus
_____3. Which was NOT among the children of Leda?
A. Helen
B. Castor
C. Clytemnestra
D. Priam
_____4. Phrixus and Helle belong to the saga of:
A. the Trojan War
B. the Argonauts
C. the Seven Against Thebes
D. the Calydonian Boar Hunt

Part II: Essays. choose TWO out of FOUR. (50) Support your arguments with specific examples.

1. What folklore motifs recur in the myths (examples: the impossible quest, the scorned woman cries rape, magical objects, violated taboos)? Why do these motifs keep being repeated?

2. What is the “life cycle” of the hero? What recurrent patterns do you see in heroes’ stories from birth to death and how do they compare with stories of heroines?

3. Discuss the heroic concepts of revenge and honor with reference to Achilles, Orestes, and Medea. Include at least one other hero or heroine of your own choice.

4. What are the differences and similarities between the Greek and Roman systems? Are the Roman gods just Greek gods with different names?