Figures to know and Questions to answer, chs. 5, 6, and 7

Chapter 5: Figures

Questions:

1. How are the gods portrayed in the story of Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus?  Why are they so portrayed?
2. Describe 2 ways the story of Ganymede might be interpreted.
3. Who are the Muses?  Why do poets invoke the Muses (esp. in epic poetry)?
4. Look at the picture of Ares on p. 123.  How does one know this is Ares?

Chapter 6: Figures

Questions:

1. The story of Croesus presented in Herodotus' Histories seems very much like a Greek tragedy.  Explain how.
2. What is the only absolute difference between humans and the gods?  Why does this make the gods comic figures in much of Greek literature?
3. What does Xenophanes say about the gods?  List at least three things.
4. Who does Solon name the happiest of men?  What makes them happy, in Solon's eyes.
5. What is anthropomorphism?  In what way is Greek mythology (and perhaps religious thought) anthropomorphic?

Chapter 7: Figures

Question:

1. Look at the Bernini statue on p. 151 -- which figure is Neptune (= Poseidon), and which is Triton?