Major 06 33

Mythology and Folklore

Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
University Town, Northern Samar
Web: ; Email:

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Major 06
MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE
First Semester, School Year 2020-2021

LEAH A. DE ASIS, EdD

All photos are from www.google.com/search

Major 06 34
Mythology and Folklore

Module 2
GREEK MYTHOLOGY
 Major 06 35
Mythology and Folklore

Good Day!

You are now to unfold another beginning as this next module will bring
you to the mythical narratives of the present day Greece.

Module 2 covers the Greek mythology. Specifically, it includes the

Creation of the Titans, Gods and Goddesses, The Judgment of Paris, The
Iliad and Odyssey, Jason and the Golden Fleece, and Medea.

Each of the selections is provided with a summary and outline

discussion, important information about the literary piece, and assessment.

Aside from the assessment, you are still required to submit syntheses.
In order to comprehend the events in the story, you are advised to read the
whole text of each of the selections. These can be downloaded in the internet
or read from the references provided in the module.
 Major 06 36
Mythology and Folklore

Greek Mythology

Learning Outcomes
2
2.1 The Creation of the Titans
 Trace the origin of the Titans and
2.2 Gods and Goddesses the Olympians;
 Map up the events in each of the
2.3 The Iliad selections;
 Outline the events in the epics and
2.4 Odyssey
form critical judgment;
2.5 Jason & the Golden Fleece  Examine the turns and twists in
the epics;
2.6 Medea  Analyze the causes of the
conflicts, downfall, and victories of
the characters;
2.1 The Creation of the Titans  Relate the events in the stories to
the modern time;
 Evaluate the traits, values, and
In the beginning of the world
attitudes of the characters and
is in darkness. The only thing
connect them with their disposition
present is Chaos, then comes
and convictions;
Night, followed by Erebus, the
 Formulate sound judgment; and
bottomless place where Death
 Weigh the merit and demerit of the
lives. Night lays a silver egg which
turns of the event.
form it comes Eros or love.

Eros begets light, life, and joy. Gaia, the mother earth appears from
light and marries Uranus, the father earth. From the two, light, darkness, life,
 Major 06 37
Mythology and Folklore

and death have arrived. Rain falls from heavens which form into lakes,
oceans, and rivers afterwards plant grew.

Uranus and Gaia gave birth to a large number of children. The first
three (3) are ugly monsters with 50 heads and a hundred hand. Because of
their ugly appearance, Uranus shut them up inside the earth. He was so
disappointed to see them. Later, comes the next three (3) children, the
Cyclopes, they are not good looking either. They have only one (1) eye at the
middle of their face. They are clever and skilled in making metals. Looking at
his children, Uranus thinks that aside from their ugly faces, they are also
dangerous, so he again shuts them away.

The third group of children of Uranus and Gaia are the Titans. There
are six (6) boys and six (6) girls. They
are good looking and well-behaved.
Gaia, because of fear that they will also
be exiled or killed by Uranus, warns the
Titans of what might happen.

The Titans gathered together, plan

on what to do. Cronus, the youngest,
comes up with a secret plan. They are
going to attack Uranus by surprise.
Uranus was in too much pain to fight
back, he flees and curses Cronus of the
same treatment and betrayal from his
own children.

From the sky, the blood of Uranus fall to the earth and turn into the
Giants and the Erinyes or Furies.

Cronus takes the place of his father. He gives to Oceanus the rule of
the River-Ocean, to Hyperion, the ruler of all the light in the world and the
children of Hyperion – the Sun, the Moon, and the Dawn, rule across the sky
in their chariots once a day.

Cronus, afraid of the curse of his father, he swallowed his first five (5)
children as they were born. His wife, Rhea, asks the help of Gaia on how to
handle Cronus. She was told to hide in the island of Crete so that her
newborn child will not also be swallowed.
 Major 06 38
Mythology and Folklore

Zeus, the youngest son of Cronus and Rhea grows up in Mt. Ida. With
the help of his mother, Rhea, he poisons Cronus. The children who were
swallowed were rescued.

A war between Titans and Olympians started. Prometheus advises

Zeus to release the other children of Uranus for them to take side with Zeus.
The Titans were defeated, truce was declared.

Zeus divided the kingdom among his brothers. To Poseidon, he gives

the ocean, and for Hades, the rule of the underworld. All the gods and their
children will live in Mt. Olympus and Zeus is recognized as the King of all the
gods.

Assessment

Kindly answer the items below.

1. Trace the origin of the Titans and the Olympians.

2. Compare the Titans from the Olympians.
3. Identify the Titans and the Olympians.
4. Discuss the roles played by Gaia and Rhea in the selections and
compare them to the mothers of modern time.
5. How are the fathers in the story described? What do you think are the
reasons why they acted that way? Discuss.
6. Outline the events in the story.
7. Compare Cronus and Zeus. Write your comments in line with the
modern time.
8. Evaluate the war of the gods and relate it to the modern time issues.
 Major 06 39
Mythology and Folklore

2.2 Gods and Goddesses

In the beginning of the world is in darkness. The only thing present is

Chaos

Primordial (first) gods

Table 2.2.a. The Primordial Gods

Greek
Description
Name
Primeval Goddess of air, Chaos is believed to be one of the first
beings to exist in the universe. Chaos is not really depicted as
having a personality or physical form. Chaos is the lower
Chaos atmosphere which surrounded the earth. Her name Khaos means
the gap, or the space between heaven and Earth.  Mother or
Grandmother of Nyx (night), Erebus (Darkness), Aither (Light), and
Hemera (day).
Erebus God of darkness. Son of Chaos. Husband of Nyx.
Goddess of the Earth (Mother Earth), mother of Kronos and the
Gaia other Titans, grandmother of Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hera,
Demeter and Hestia
Goddess of night Daughter of Chaos. Wife of Erebus and mother
Nyx
of Hemera (day). Goddess of Hellhounds.
Tartarus The darkest pit in the world at the edge of the world.
God of the Sky (Father Sky), father of Kronos and the other Titans
Ouranos
(Roman name is Uranus)
 Major 06 40
Mythology and Folklore

Primordial God/Goddess of Creation. Thesis is sometimes thought

Thesis to be a child of Chaos and to have emerged with Hydros before
Gaia.
Primeval God of procreation and is referred as the primal
Phanes generator of life. Phanes is Nyx's father and was the ruler of the
universe before her.
Primeval Gods of winds. Boreas (north), Kaikias (NE), Apeliotes
The
(E), Euros (SE), Notos (S), Lips (SW), Zephyrus (W) and Skirion
Anemois
(NW)

Titans

The Original Twelve Titans

 Hyperion - God of light.
 Iapetos - God of mortal lifespan.
 Koios - also spelled Coeus. God
of intelligence, heavenly prophecy
and the axis.
 Kreios - also spelled Crius. God of
leadership, domesticated animals
and the constellations.
 Kronos - also spelled Cronus. God
of time. King of the Titans. Roman
name Saturn.
 Mnemosyne - Goddess of memory, the inventiveness of words and
language.
 Oceanus - God of salt water.
 Phoebe - Goddess of the Oracle of Delphi and intellect.
 Rhea - Goddess of fertility, the female body, and later, nature. Mother
of Zeus, Hera, Hestia, Hades, Poseidon and Demeter.
 Tethys - Goddess of Subterranean forces of fresh water and patron
goddess of nursing mothers and the young.
 Theia - Goddess of sight, gold, silver, and gems.
 Themis - Goddess of divine law and order.

Table 2.2.b. The Original Twelve Titans

Greek Name English Name Description
Titan of light. With Theia, he is the father
Ὑπερίων
Hyperion of Helios (the sun), Selene (the moon),
(Hyperíōn)
and Eos (the dawn).
Ἰαπετός Iapetus Titan of mortality and father
(Iapetós) of Prometheus, Epimetheus, 
 Major 06 41
Mythology and Folklore

Menoetius, and Atlas.
Κοῖος Titan of intellect and the axis of heaven
Coeus
(Koîos) around which the constellations revolved.
The least individualized of the Twelve Titans,
Κρεῖος
Crius he is the father of Astraeus, Pallas,
(Kreîos)
and Perses.
The leader of the Titans, who overthrew his
Κρόνος father Uranus only to be overthrown in turn
Cronus
(Crónos) by his son, Zeus. Not to be confused
withChronos, the god of time.
Mνημοσύνη Titan of memory and remembrance, and
Mnemosyne
(Mnēmosýnē) mother of the Nine Muses.
Titan of the all-encircling river Oceans
Ὠκεανός
Oceanus around the earth, the font of all the Earth's
(Ōceanós)
fresh-water.
Φοίβη Titan of the "bright" intellect and prophecy,
Phoebe
(Phoíbē) and consort of Koios.
Titan of female fertility, motherhood, and
Ῥέα generation. She is the sister and consort of
Rhea
(Rhéa) Cronus, and mother of Zeus, Hades,
Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia.
Wife of Oceanus, and the mother of the
Τηθύς
Tethys rivers, springs, streams, fountains, and
(Tēthýs)
clouds.
Titan of sight and the shining light of the clear
Θεία
Theia blue sky. She is the consort of Hyperion, and
(Theía)
mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos.
Θέμις
Themis Titan of divine law and order.
(Thémis)

Other Titans
 Atlas - God of astronomy. Holds the sky from the earth as his
punishment.
 Epimetheus - God of afterthought and
excuses.
 Menoitios - God of violent anger, rash
reactions and human morality.
 Prometheus - God of forethought and
crafty counsel. Gave humanity the gift of
Fire.
 Asteria - mother of Hecate
 Perses - father of Hecate
 Asterious - father of the Anemoi
 Dione - goddess of the oracle Dodonna
 Major 06 42
Mythology and Folklore

Table 2.2.c. Other Titans

Greek Name English Name Description
Ἀστερία
Asteria Titan of nocturnal oracles and falling stars.
(Astería)
Ἀστραῖος Titan of dusk, stars, and planets, and the art
Astraeus
(Astraîos) of astrology.
Ἄτλας Titan forced to carry the sky upon his
Atlas
(Átlas) shoulders by Zeus. Also Son of Iapetus.
Αὔρα Titan of the breeze and the fresh, cool air of
Aura
(Aúra) early morning.
Διώνη
Dione Titan of the oracle of Dodona.
(Diṓnē)
Ἠώς
Eos Titan of the dawn.
(Ēṓs)
Ἐπιμηθεύς Titan of afterthought and the father of
Epimetheus
(Epimētheús) excuses.
Εὐρυβία Titan of the mastery of the seas and consort
Eurybia
(Eurybía) of Krios.
Εὐρυνόμη Titan of water-meadows and pasturelands,
Eurynome
(Eurynómē) and mother of the three Charites by Zeus.
Ἥλιος
Helios Titan of the sun and guardian of oaths.
(Hḗlios)
Κλυμένη Clymene or Titan of renown, fame, and infamy, and wife
(Clyménē) Asia of Iapetos.
Λήλαντος Titan of air and the hunter's skill of stalking
Lelantos
(Lēlantos) prey. He is the male counterpart of Leto.
Λητώ Titan of motherhood and mother of the twin
Leto
(Lētṓ) Olympians, Artemis and Apollo.
Μενοίτιος Titan of violent anger, rash action, and
Menoetius
(Menoítios) human mortality. Killed by Zeus.
Titan of good counsel, advice, planning,
Μῆτις
Metis cunning, craftiness, and wisdom. Mother of
(Mē̂tis)
Athena.
An elder Titan, in some versions of the myth
Ὀφίων
Ophion he ruled the Earth with his consort Eurynome
(Ophíōn)
before Cronus overthrew him.
Πάλλας Titan of warcraft. He was killed by Athena
Pallas
(Pállas) during the Titanomachy.
Πέρσης
Perses Titan of destruction and peace.
(Pérsēs)
 Major 06 43
Mythology and Folklore

Προμηθεύς Titan of forethought and crafty counsel, and

Prometheus
(Promētheús) creator of mankind.
Σελήνη
Selene Titan of the moon.
(Selḗnē)
Στύξ Titan of the Underworld river Styx and
Styx
(Stýx) personification of hatred.

Just before you continue reading, enjoy a short

break with a cup of coffee and cookies, too.

Minor Gods

Table 2.2.d. Minor Gods

Greek Name Description
Eos goddess of dawn and sister of Selene and Helios
Helios god of the sun and brother of Selene and Eos
Selene goddess of the moon and sister of Helios and Eos
Ariadne goddess of passion and mazes (was a mortal princess
engaged to Theseus, but was abandoned. Married the god
Dionysus and was made immortal.)
Aeolus god of winds (mortal at birth, but became immortal)
Asclepius god of medicine and Drugs .
Bia goddess of violence.
Cratos god of strength and power.
Deimos personification of terror; brother of Phobos.
Eris goddess of discord.
Eros god of love
Psyche goddess of compassion
Geras god of old age.
Ganymede cupbearer of the Olympians.
Harmonia goddess of harmony.
Hebe goddess of youth.
Hecate goddess of magic, witchcraft, necromancy and crossroads.
Hypnos god of sleep.
Janus god of doors, gates and choices.
Khione goddess of snow (her father is Boreas, the god of the north
wind cold).
Leto mother of Artemis and Apollo.
Metis mother of Athena, titan of thought.
Enyo goddesses of war and peacekeeping.
 Major 06 44
Mythology and Folklore

Eileithyia goddesses of childbirth.

Momus god of blame.
Moros god of Doom.
Nemesis goddess of balance, consequences and revenge.
Nike goddess of victory
Persephone goddess of spring and flowers and wife of Hades, hence
queen of the Underworld.
Phobos god of phobias and fear in general; brother of Deimos.
Thanatos god of peaceful death.
The Erinyes otherwise known as The Furies. Goddesses of revenge,
commanded by Hades.
The Horae actually two groups of separate goddesses worshipped in
different periods: the first three were goddesses of the
seasons, the second generation were goddesses of law,
justice and order.
Tyche goddess of luck, destiny and fortune.
Zelus god of dedication.
The Moirae: Klotho, Lachesis and Atropos - controllers of life and destiny.
The Muses representatives of the arts, sciences and songs.
The Oneiroi: Morpheus, Phobetor and Phantasos - personifications of
dreams and sons of Hypnos.
Pan god of the Wild.
Iris (goddess) goddess of the rainbow and a messenger for the gods.
Triton god of ships, prince of Atlantis.
Paean doctor of the gods.
The Keres- goddesses of violent Death.
The Charites goddesses of charm, beauty, human creativity, and fertility.
Pallas god of warfare.
Melinoe goddess of ghosts.
Morpheus- god of dreams, Works for the Titans.

 The Twelve Olympians

Know that these gods are the most important and powerful gods. The
home of these gods was Mount Olympus, except for Hades who is only
allowed on Olympus once a year. Hades lives in the underworld the rest of the
time.

Table 2.2.e. The Twelve Olympians

Greek English Roman
Description Image
Name Name Name

Aφροδίτη Aphrodite Venus Goddess of love

(Aphroditē) and beauty. She
was married
to Hephaestus. Are
Major 06 45
Mythology and Folklore

s is her lover and

she loves him as
well. Eros is her
son. She was born
from Uranus's
blood falling in the
sea when Cronus
killed him, making
her the first and
eldest Olympian.

God of the
Sun, music,
archery, poetry,
healing, and
Aπόλλων
Apollo Apollo prophecy. He is
(Apollōn)
Artemis' twin
brother, and Son
to Zeus.

God of war, murder

and bloodshed.
Brother
Άρης to Hephaestus, and
Ares Mars
(Arēs) is the lover of
Aphrodite and son
of Zeus.

Goddess of the
hunt, wilderness,
wild animals,
especially deer and
fawns, night, and
the moon. Apollo is
her twin brother.
Άρτεμις Artemis is an
Artemis Diana
(Artemis) eternal maiden
goddess and is
also the protector
of maidens. She
has no children
and sworn to being
a virgin.

Αθηνά Athena Minerva Goddess of

(Athēna) wisdom, weaving,
the arts, warfare
 Major 06 46
Mythology and Folklore

and reason. She is

the daughter of
Zeus. She has grey
eyes.

Goddess
of fertility, grain an
d harvest. Demeter
Δήμητρα Ceres/
Demeter is a sister of Zeus.
(Dēmētra) Saturn
Her daughter is
Persephone,
Hades' forced wife.

God of wine,
parties/festivals,
Διόνυσος madness and
Dionysus Bacchus
(Dionysus) merriment. He is a
son of Zeus.

God of
the Underworld.
ᾍδης Brother of
Hades Pluto
(Hades) Poseidon and
Zeus.

God of fire and the

forge. The "ugly"
son
of Hera and Zeus i
s his father in some
Ήφαιστος accounts. Married
Hephaes-
(Hēphais- Vulcan to Aphrodite, but
tus
tos) she does not love
him because he is
deformed and as a
result is cheating
on him with Ares.

Goddess of
marriage, women
Ήρα and childbirth.
Hera Juno
(Hēra) Zeus' wife and
sister.

Ερμής Hermes Mercury God of flight,

(Hērmēs) thieves, commerce
and travellers, Jack
Major 06 47
Mythology and Folklore

of all trades.
Master of none.
Messenger of the
gods. Zeus's son
by Titanness.

- Goddess of
the hearth, fireside,
family, and home.
Was one of the
Olympians until she
Hestia Hestia Vesta
gave up her throne
for Dionysus and
occupies the fire on
Olympus.

God of the sea, . A

few of his sons are
Polyphemus,
Pegasus and
Triton, the Cyclops
and the Horse(land
creature)for
reasons of Athena.
Poseidon Poseidon Neptune
His weapon is a
trident by which he
can stir up the seas
and summon any
creature that lives
in the sea of his
choice to aid him in
battle.
Ζεύς Zeus Jupiter The father of all
(Zeus) fathers, the wisdom
and light. The king
of the gods after
killing his father,
Kronos, who ate
Zeus's siblings but
their mother
managed to save
baby Zeus. When
Zeus grew up, he
fed Kronos a
mixture of wine and
mustard to make
him vomit his
immortal siblings
 Major 06 48
Mythology and Folklore

who had grown up

in Kronos's
stomach. Zeus is
the ruler of Mount
Olympus and the
god of the sky,
thunder and
lightning. Though
he is married more
than once, his real
queen is Hera.
Zeus is the father
of Hermes,
Hephaestus,
Hercules,
Dionysus, Athena,
Ares, Apollo,
Artemis and
Persephone.

Epithets

Epithet words or phrase characterize a person or a thing.

Table 2.2.f. Examples of Epithets

Name/Group/Thing Epithet
Achilles Swift-footed, god-like
Achilles’ spear Far-shadowing
Agamemnon Wide-ruling, great son of Atreus, dog-faced
Aphrodite Laughter-loving
Apollo Far-shooting, silver-bow
Ares Curse of men
Athena Bright-eyed, owl-eyed
Calypso Cunning-goddess
Dawn (Eos) Rosy-fingered
Demeter Fair-haired
Diomedes Master of the war cry
Greeks Bronze-coated, great-hearted, long-haired
Hector Man-slaying, god-like
Hector’s spear Bronze-tipped spear
Helen Long-dressed, fair
Hera Ox-eyed
Hermes Winged sandal, master thief
Iris Wind-footed
Nestor Sweet-spoken
Menelaus War-like, war-loving king, fair-haired
Odysseus Great-tactician, modern-man, man of many
 Major 06 49
Mythology and Folklore

wiles
Priam Great-hearted
Poseidon Earth-shaker
Thetis Silver-footed
Trojans Horse-taming
Troy Well-defended
Zeus Cloud gatherer

2.3 The Iliad

Homer

Homer traditionally is visualized as blind; however, there is no real

evidence of this. Little is known about him but is considered as one of the
greatest poets in the history of Western Europe. Ancient Greek traditions, as
well as a study of language and style of the poems, indicate that the poet
probably lived and wrote sometime in the 8 th or 9th centuries.

Prelude to the Iliad

The war between the Achaeans (Greeks) and the Trojans remotely
started with the wedding of Peleus of Thessaly, a mortal king and Thetis, a
beautiful minor goddess. The banquet is
held at Mt. Olympus.

Mount Olympus is in great mood. All,

except one of the gods and goddesses, are
gathered to witness the wedding of King
Peleus and Thetis. Each has wished for the
happiness of the couple, except Eris, the
goddess of discord. She is not invited
because of fear that she will just create
trouble.

Thetis, throws a golden apple which has an inscription “to the fairest”
into the ball. The wedding party is in chaos because the goddesses screw one
another to have the golden apple until the contest for it has narrowed into the
three (3) most influential and powerful goddess – Hera, Athena, and
Aphrodite.
 Major 06 50
Mythology and Folklore

Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, king of the gods, says that she is the
rightful owner of the golden apple being the wife of Zeus. On the other hand,
Athena believes that it should be given to her since she is the goddess of
wisdom and the most skilled of all. Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty,
reasons out that she is the fairest of them all.

The three (3) goddesses ask Zeus to decide to whom the golden apple
should be given. Zeus knows he could not give it to anyone of them because
he does not want to offend any, directs them to Mount Ida for Paris to decide.

Paris or Alexandros is one of the sons of King Priam and Hecuba of

Troy. He grows up in Mt. Ida of a prophecy that he will cause the downfall of
Troy. When he was born he was ordered to be killed but the shepherd
decides to take care of him. He lives his life at Mt. Ida enjoying horses, though
he was recognized and welcomed by King Priam and Hecuba, he decides to
stay at Mt. Ida with his mistress, Oenone, a sea nymph.

The three (3) goddesses appear at Mt. Ida. Each promises Paris
something in exchange of the golden apple. Hera promises Paris wealth,
making him the lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, promises him victory over
Greeks and tactics in war; while Aphrodite says, she will give him the most
beautiful woman on earth, Helen of Sparta.

Paris has chosen the promise of Aphrodite. He desires for Helen, the
most beautiful woman on earth. Hera and Athena, though not friendly to each
other, join forces against Aphrodite and the people of Troy.

Helen is the daughter of King Tyndareus and Leda of Sparta. She is

married to Menelaus of Lacedemon. With Aphrodite’s help, Paris captures the
heart of Helen who
becomes Helen of Troy.
Menelaus declares war
against the Trojan,
claiming that his queen
was abducted. Former
suitors of Helen, were
made to vow by King
Tyndareus during the
selection of a husband
of Helen were recalled
to rescue Helen.

Outline of the Iliad

Major 06 51
Mythology and Folklore

The narrative begins nine (9) years after the start of the war.

1. Agamemnon, the brother of Menelaus becomes the commander-in-

chief of Achaeans (Greeks). To appease the fury of Arthemes, the
virgin goddess of the hunt, he sacrifices his daughter Iphegenia. He
does it to protect his reputation and ambition;
2. The Achaeans rack a Trojan allied town, capture Chryseis and Briseis.
Chryseis was given to Agamemnon as his prize of honor while Briseis
to Achilles;
3. Chryses, the priest of Apollo, father of Chryseis plead to Agamemnon
and offers ransom which Agamemnon turns down.
4. Chryses prays to Apollo to punish the Achaeans. Apollo sends plague
which cause worse sickness to the Achaeans, many died.
5. Calchas tells the Achaeans to return Chryseis to her father to stop the
plague which will lead to their defeat.
6. Agamemnon agrees to return Chryseis to her father, Chryses, but has
taken Briseis, the woman of
Achilles.
7. Achilles withdraws from the
battle which weakens the
troop. He begs his mother to
ask Zeus to punish the
Achaeans because of the
insults Agamemnon has done
to him.
8. Thetis prays to Zeus to
prolong the war so that they
will realize the importance of
Achilles. Zeus grants the
prayer.
9. Menelaus and Paris agree to fight. At first, Paris feels afraid but agrees
to do it because he was scolded by Hector, his brother, the
commander-in-chief of the Trojans.
10. The Achaeans and the Trojans agree that whoever wins in the fight
between Menelaus and Paris will take Helen and the war will end.
11. Iris, minor goddess of war disguised as Laodice, Paris’ sister, urges
Helen to watch at the balcony.
12. In the fight, Paris was wounded but Aphrodite snaps him to Helen’s
bed chamber. The disappearance of the wounded body is a non-proof
of a winner.
Major 06 52
Mythology and Folklore

13. The war worsen, the gods and goddesses join forces either to support
the Achaeans – Hera, Athena, and Poseidon and the Trojans –
Aphrodite, Ares, and Apollo.
14. Many die. Pandarus wounds Diomedes of the Achaeans. Diomedes
asks Athena’s help. He was given super-human strength and extra-
ordinary power with condition that he will not fight gods except
Aphrodite.
15. Aphrodite was attacked by Diomedes. Her arms were cut. This is the
only time that Aphrodite, the laughter-loving goddess cries.
16. Zeus orders to gods not to interfere.
17. The Achaeans were temporarily defeated because of the withdrawal of
Achilles.
18. Nestor, the oldest of the Achaean warrior, Ajax, Phoenix, and
Odysseus ask Achilles to return to the battle but failed. Agamemnon
promises many things to Achilles but Achilles was deaf to their
pleadings.
19. Agamemnon weeps and declares the war a failure. He wants to return
home but Diomedes says he will stay for Troy is fated to fall.
20. Patroclus, the bestfriend of Achilles pleads to Achilles to help them in
the fight. Achilles allows Patroclus to wear his armour and pretend to
be Achilles.
21. Patroclus was killed by Hector.
22. Achilles vows revenge. He returns to the battle with a new armour
made by Hephaestus. He kills every Trojan he meets and throws the
dead to river Xanthus which angers the river. Xanthus, the river gets
the upper hand of Achilles and drags him downstream.
23. The gods intervene. Hephaestus sent by Hera, sets the plains on fire
and boils the river until it stops.
24. Zeus allows the gods to interfere in the fight. Athena defeats Ares and
Aphrodite. Poseidon challenges Apollo but Apollo refuses. Artemes
encourages Apollo to fight but Hera paunches her.
25. Achilles challenges Hector to a one-on-one duel. Hector accepts the
challenge. He tries to convince Achilles to draw an agreement but
Achilles refuses. He says, “Do not talk me of a promise, just as lions
and men do not make pledges to one
another, nor the wolves and lambs agree
but rather continually plot evils against each
other, so it is impossible for you and me to
treat one another as friends and promise
anything at all.”
26. Achilles kills Hector without mercy. His dead
body was dragged around the walled city of
Major 06 53
Mythology and Folklore

Troy, witness by his family, King Priam, Hecuba, his wife Andromache
and son Astyanax, and Helen and Paris.
27. Achilles brought the dead body of Hector to the camp of the bronze
coated Greeks/Achaeans.
28. King Priam asks Hermes, the messenger of gods, to help him see
Achilles to ransom the dead body of his son. He kneels and said,
“Remember your father, god-like Achilles, who like me, will soon
become an old man.” He kisses the hands of Achilles, saying, “I kiss
these hands, these hands which killed the best of my sons”.
29. The story ends when the dead body of Hector was brought home.
Fifteen days and fifteen nights ceasefire was declared to give way to
the funeral.

Assessment

Kindly answer the items below.

1. How are the women in the Iliad described?

2. Compare Achilles to Hector.
3. Discuss the two (2) causes of the war in the story.
4. What are the values and issues and concerns stressed in the story?
Compare them to the present time.
5. What is the substance of the Iliad?
6. Identify the heroes and the villains and justify their behaviours.
7. Write synthesis and reaction.
8. Who are the gods who supported each opposing side? Compare them
to the interferences done by the powerful today?
9. Describe the gods and goddesses in the story.
10. Pick out other memorable lines spoken by the characters. Identify
some other epithets referring to the characters, either mortal or
immortal.
11. Analyse the theme.
 Major 06 54
Mythology and Folklore

Some Spoken Lines

From The Iliad and Odyssey

Table 2.3 Spoken Lines from The Iliad and Odyssey

Characters Spoken Line
Agamemnon to Chryses “Do not let me find you hollow ship old man, or
even Apollo will not be able to protect.”
Chryses to Apollo “Hear me god of the silver bow! If I have pleased
you, let your arrows repay the Greeks for my
sorrow.”
Calchas to Achilles “I will not speak out if you will promise to defend
me against the anger of the one who rules over all
the Greeks.”
Achilles to Calchas “Be brave Calchas, I swear by Apollo, No one will
harm you … not even Agamemnon, who states that
he is by far the greatest of the Greeks.”
Thetis to Achilles “Knowing how short your life will be, I wish that you
could have been spared with this grief.”
Zeus to Thetis “You are making my life with Hera more difficult by
asking for this of me.”
Zeus to Dream “Go harmful dream, and tell Agamemnon to rouse
the long-haired Greeks to battle since now they can
conquer the well-defended city of Troy.
Paris to the Greeks “Come forth, any of you who think you are the best
of the Greeks. I challenge you to fight me face to
face to the death!”
Hector to Paris “Evil Paris! You are so handsome that woman
cannot resist you. It would have been far better for
the Trojans had you never been born.”

“Are you the same man who crossed the salt sea to
a strange land and returned with a beautiful
 Major 06 55
Mythology and Folklore

woman, bringing sorrow upon your father, and your

city and your countrymen and shame upon
yourself?”
Paris to Hector “You are right to criticize me, do not blame me for
golden Aphrodite’s gifts.”
Hecuba to Hector “My dearest child, why have you left the dreadful
battle to return home while I bring you honey,
sweet wine?”
Helen to Hector “I wish that on the day I was born, a great storm
wind carried me away to some lonely mountain to
the shore of the loud-sounding sea.”
Andromache to Hector “Your courage and your skill in battle will destroy
you! You look any pity for your baby soon who will
become an orphan or for the woman who will soon
be your widow, for the bronze-coated Greeks will
soon kill you.”

“It would be better for me to die than to lose you.”

Hector to Andromache “I don’t like my people to look upon me with shame
if I were to shrink like a coward from battle, I was
taught to be courageous as always.”

“I wouldn’t like to hear my people slaughtered and

me, safe in your arms.”

“May I be dead and may the earth cover my body,

before the Greeks enslave you.”
Hector holding “He is better far than his father and his mother will
Astyanax be glad in her heart.”
Agamemnon to his “We need not feel ashamed to run from ruin, even
army in darkness, for it is better to escape and live than
to be captured or killed.”
Odysseus to “Son of Atreus, do you mean these words you have
Agamemnon spoken? Do you really wish to leave Troy now,
after we have fought here for nine years to destroy
it?”

“Remain quiet so that no other King will think to

follow your poor example. You must have lost your
senses to speak to us the way in the midst of
battle. Your advice would be the dearest wish of
the Trojans.”
Agamemnon to “Your words have touched my hearts. I would not
Odysseus have the bronze-coated Greeks withdraw against
their will.”
Nestor to Agamemnon “By giving your pride free reign, you dishonoured a
mighty warrior whom the deathless gods honor.”
Odysseus to Achilles “But if you hate the son of Atreus and his gifts then
at least have pity for the rest of us!”
 Major 06 56
Mythology and Folklore

Achilles to Odysseus “Odysseus, man of the many wiles, I will say

exactly what I think so you will not think you can
argue with me. I hate a man who thinks one thing
but speaks another.”

“Neither Agamemnon nor any bronze-coated Greek

will persuade me to re-join the battle, for it seems
that no one appreciates the warrior who fights
without rest.”
Achilles to Phoenix and “I would not marry any of his daughters if she were
Odysseus as beautiful as Aphrodite and as skilled as the owl-
eyed Athena.”

“What are gifts compared to life!”

Phoenix to Achilles “If you are indeed determined to return home and
will not help protect the Greek ships from Hector’s
fire, then I must return with you.”

I have loved you and reared you as I would my own

son, Achilles, I ask you now to rule your pride and
let pity enter your heart, even the deathless gods
bend even if they are far greater than you are.”

“No one could blame you for your anger, but the
time has come for you to relent.”
Ajax to Odysseus “The son of Peleus has no pity for his friends who
have honoured him above everyone else.”
Achilles to Thetis “I no longer care to live unless I slay the go-like son
of Priam who killed my friend.”

“I now realize at what price I set uselessly by my

ships, enjoying anger far sweeter than honey
against wide-ruling Agamemnon.”
Hector “How blind I was to think that we could defeat the
bronze-coated Greeks once god-like Achilles
returned to the battlefield.”
Athena “Great Achilles, dear to Zeus, now we will kill
Hector.”
Hector to Achilles “Once I have removed your splendid armour, I will
return your dead body to your countrymen and I
want you to promise to do the same.”
Achilles to Hector “Do not talk me of promise, just as lions and men
do not make pledges to one another, nor do wolves
and lamb agree but rather continually plot evil
against each other, so it is impossible for you and
me to treat one another as friends and promise
anything at all.”

“Summon all your courage, strength, and skills as a

 Major 06 57
Mythology and Folklore

spearman or you are about to die.”

Hector “My death now awaits me, I see no way to avoid it.
At least I will die with honor, so that men in times to
come will hear my valor.”
Achilles to Hector “Do not implore me, you dog! So great is my anger
of what you have done to me that if I could, I myself
would tear apart your flesh and eat it raw.”
Agamemnon to Calchas “You prophet of evil you never reveal any good
thing.”
Agamemnon to the “If it is necessary, I will return Chryseis o her father.
warrior I prefer to see the Greeks safe rather than dead.”
Achilles to Agamemnon “Oh, you shameless, cunning man! How is any
Greek willing to obey you!”
Agamemnon to Achilles “Run away if you wish! I will not ask you to stay. I
hate you most.”
Achilles to Agamemnon “You with the face of a dog but the heart of a deer!”
Nestor to both Achilles “If you attempt to seize anything else that is mine,
and Agamemnon my spear will invite your dark blood!”
Hector to Achilles “I knew that I could not persuade. Your heart is
truly made of iron! Be careful though, for I may
bring the wrath of the deathless god upon you.
Priam to Achilles “Remember your father, god-like Achilles, who like
me, will soon become an old man.”

“I kiss these hands, the hands which killed the best

of my sons.”

2.5. The Odyssey

Homer

Synopsis

Odysseus, king of Ithaca, sails with his army to take part in the mighty
Achaean expedition led by Agamemnon against the city of Troy to restore
Helen to Menelaus. After 10 years of bloody warfare, the city is sacked and
the Achaean heroes sail for home. When the Odyssey begins, an additional
decade has passed since Troy fell and Odysseus still has not returned home.
When the Odyssey begins, an additional decade has passed since Troy fell
and Odysseus still has no returned home. All the other chieftains have safely
arrived in their native lands or died, but there is no news at all of the ruler of
Ithaca. In his absence, the noblemen of Ithaca
and the surrounding states have converged upon
his palace, hoping to win the hand of Penelope,
his wife. She, ever faithful to her husband’s
memory, will not remarry and while they remain at
 Major 06 58
Mythology and Folklore

the palace, trying to change her mind, the suitors grossly waste the wealth of
Odysseus’ estate for their own pleasure and corrupt many of the servants. As
soon as he has grown old enough, Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, visits
various Achaean lords, hopefully trying to learn whether his father still lives.

During these 10 years, Odysseus has wandered throughout the world,

undergoing an unbelievable series of adventures and torments, caused by the
malice of the god, Poseidon. All his ships and men have been lost. And only
he of the whole brave army that sailed to Troy survives. Finally, with the aid of
king of Phaeacians, Odysseus returns to Ithaca. Assisted by the goddess
Athene, whose favorite he is. Odysseus punishes the suitors and re-
establishes himself as king. He is reunited with his wife, son and father, and a
potential civil war on Ithaca is averted by the intercession of the gods.

Outline of the Events

1. After the fall of Troy, Odysseus and his men sail onward to Ithaca.
They brought with them some gold and other treasures.
2. They decided to raid on the land of Cicones to loot for more treasures.
Despite an initial success, they were ultimately defeated and escaped
only after suffering numerous casualties.
3. The ships sailed on, battling a severe storm, until they reached the
country of Lotus-Eaters. The inhabitants were friendly. The men of
Odysseus who ate the lotus, a local plant, lost all memory of home an
duty.
4. Sailing on, farther westward, they came to the island of Cyclops, a wild
race of one-eyed giants. Leaving most of his men in a sheltered cove,
Odysseus, with a party of 12, went ashore to look for food.
5. The group wandered until they came across a huge cave. It was the
shelter of Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon. The entrance of the cave
was secured by the giant with a gigantic stone.
6. Polyphemus discovered the Achaean in his den,
he immediately devoured two (2) of them. Two (2)
more were eaten the next day.
7. Odysseus devised a way to escape. First, they
have to blind the giant. They sharpened and hid a
long olive pole at that night when Polyphemus was
drunk, Odysseus struck his eye. Odysseus
introduced himself as “Nobody”.
8. Polyphemus cried out in pain shouting “Nobody”
blinded him. The other giants that indeed there
were nobody.
Major 06 59
Mythology and Folklore

9. Odysseus and his men were able to escape and sailed away, laughing,
shouting, and bragging about his exploit.
10. Polyphemus called upon his father, Poseidon to punish Odysseus and
his men.
11. After a few more days of sailing, Odysseus and his men landed on the
island of Aeolus, the king of the winds. They were welcomed upon their
departure, Aeolus gifted Odysseus a large leather bag instructing them
no to open it.
12. They set sail again and in 10 days were within sight of Ithaca, however,
while Odysseus was asleep, his men open the bag thinking it contains
treasure. They were thrown away farther from Ithaca, because the bag
contained all the adverse winds.
13. Odysseus and his men went back to Aeolus, asked forgiveness for not
following his order and asking another sealed bag. Aeolus refused to
help them. He cursed them and banished them form his island.
14. Odysseus and his men struggled against the waves and several days
later landed in the island of Laestrygonians. The island inhabited by
vicious cannibals. The cannibals attacked the sailors, and all the ships,
except that of Odysseus, were sunk.
15. The survivors mourned their dead comrades, then sailed on until they
reached the island of Aeaea, the home of the goddess Circe.
16. After camping on the beach for a few days, Odysseus sent half of his
men under the command of Eurylochus to
explore the island.
17. Odysseus learned from Eurylochus that his
companions were turned into swines by a
strange and beautiful woman.
18. Odysseus, in the guise of a young nobleman
went to the villa to challenge the
enchantress. Hermes appeared and had
given Odysseus a moly, a herb which could
protect him from the enchantress.
19. Circe, the enchantress attempted to bewitch
Odysseus but failed. Odysseus threatened
Circe and Circe returned his men to human
form. For one (1) year, Odysseus and his
men stayed in that island. Odysseus and Circe became lovers.
20. Circe, after a year, fulfilled her promise to help Odysseus and his men
to return to Ithaca. However, she said that in order to have a safe
voyage, he must go to Hades, the land of the dead, to consult the spirit
of Tiresias.
21. Odysseus, following the instruction of Circe, sailed to the very edge of
the world. He and his men made libations of milk, honey, wine, and
Major 06 60
Mythology and Folklore

water to the dead. He offered prayers and sacrificed a ram and a black
ewe, pouring blood into the trench for the dead.
22. Tiresias, after drinking some of the blood, advised and warned him of
the various dangers that await him.
23. Odysseus conversed with the dead. He spoke with his mother
Anticleia, who committed suicide thinking that Odysseus was already
dead. He met Agamemnon, who was killed by his wife, Clytemnestra
and cousin Aegisthus, Jocasta of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, and
others, including Elpenor.
24. Odysseus and his men returned to the island Aeaea to bury Elpenor, in
fulfillment of his last request. Circe again provided them with supplies
and told them on what to do when they pass by the island of the Sirens
or marvelous singers.
25. Odysseus plugged the ears of his crew with wax not to hear the song.
The beautiful songs of the Sirens could lure the seamen to jump
aboard.
26. As they sailed away the island, they had an encounter with twofold
horrors of Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla was a ferocious monster with
six (6) heads while Charybdis is a fierceful whirlpool. Six (6) of
Odysseus’ men were lost to Scylla.
27. After the perilous passage, Odysseus and his remaining men landed in
the island of Hyperion, the sun of god. Despite the warnings of Tiresias
and Circe, Odysseus was unable to control his men, they slaughtered
some of the divine oxen for their meal.
28. Hyperion was mad, asked the help of Zeus to punish the voyagers.
Thunderbolts were sent by Zeus destroying the ships and killing the
entire crew of Odysseus.
29. After nine (9) more days of aimless drifting in the raging sea, Odysseus
was washed ashore in the island of Ogygia, the home of Calypso.
30. Odysseus was detained by Calypso in her island for seven (7) years,
hoping that Odysseus would finally return her love for him. He was able
to escape from Calypso’s clutches.
31. Princess Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete
found the unconscious body of Odysseus. He was brought home and
the Phaeacians took care of him, gave him many valuable gifts, and
transport him to Ithaca in one of their magic ships, disguised as a
beggar.
32. While Odysseus was wandering in the islands beyond the imagination
of mankind, Ithaca was devastated by the suitors of Penelope. The
suitors were forcing her to choose one from among them.
33. Athena outfits herself as a mighty warrior went to see Telemachus, the
son of Odysseus, who when Odysseus left for the war was only a year
Major 06 61
Mythology and Folklore

old. Athena introduced herself as Mentes, a Taphian chieftain and an

old friend of Odysseus.
34. Athena assures Telemachus that Odysseus is still alive somewhere
and that he will return home to recognize him and punish the suitors.
She advises him to sail to Pylos and Sparta to
ask from Nestor and Menelaus about his
father.
35. Telemachus calls for an assembly and
officially denounce the acts of the suitors. He
argues with Antinous, one of the most insolent
suitors of Penelope.
36. Telemachus sails to look for his father,
accompanied by Athena disguised as Mentor.
First, they went to Pylos, then to Sparta.
37. Telemachus meets Menelaus. He saw Helen, still beautiful as ever.
She was reunited with Menelaus. Menelaus tells him of the last news
he heard about Odysseus in the land of wind.
38. Telemachus returns to Ithaca upon the advice of Athena for soon
Odysseus is returning home from the land of the Phaeacians.
39. Odysseus returns to Ithaca disguised as a beggar and stays at the
house of Eumeaus, his faithful swineherd.
40. Odysseus meets his son, now a grown-up man at 20. Together with
Eumeaus and Telemachus laid his plan to get rid of the suitors. He
instructed Telemachus not to tell anyone, including Penelope that he is
backed home.
41. Odysseus, as beggar, moves around the town. He was recognized by
hid dog, Argos, which later on died. He went to the palace, was
physically bullied but he was advised to calm down. He saw the suitors
who are literally staying in the vicinity, demanding for food and
attention.
42. Antinous for his sadistic satisfaction made Odysseus, a beggar and
Irus, a beggar, fights.
43. Odysseus meets Penelope. Penelope tells Odysseus, as a beggar
about her ordeal in dealing with her suitors and the long absence of her
husband.
44. Eurycleia, the aged nurse of Odysseus, recognize Odysseus while she
was washing Odysseus’ legs because of the
youthful scar. Odysseus asks her to keep it a
secret for the moment.
45. A contest was held for the hands of Penelope.
He among them who is able to string the bow
and shoot an arrow through the 12 axes will
become Penelope’s husband.
Major 06 62
Mythology and Folklore

46. Odysseus unmasks his disguise to Philoetius and Eumaeus, tells them
to instruct the women to leave the hall, close the door, and prepare for
a fight.
47. Odysseus, after all the suitors failed to shoot the arrow, upon the
approval of Penelope and despite the protest of Antinous, effortlessly
strings the weapon.
48. Telemachus joins his father. The suitors were shocked. With a shout,
Odysseus kills first Antinous and introduces him as Odysseus. The
fight started and all the suitors were killed.
49. Odysseus and Penelope were reunited.
50. Odysseus punishes all those who were disloyal to him and rewards
those who remained faithful.
51. Odysseus visits his father, Laertes in the farm. The relatives of the
dead suitors attacked them, but they were slain by Odysseus.
52. Order in Ithaca was restored.

Assessment

Kindly answer the items below.

1. Identify the important characters in the story and describe each.

2. What makes Odysseus “the first modern man”? Discuss his traits.
3. What contradictory tendencies are there in the personality of
Odysseus? Why has he often been viewed as archetypal Faustian
hero?
4. Explain how Homer uses chronology in telling the story of Odysseus.
5. Discuss the outstanding qualities of Odysseus which enable him to
survive all obstacles in returning to Ithaca.
6. Discuss the meaning of Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, Polyphemus,
and the two women, Circe and Calypso in the life of a man/woman.
7. In a matrix form, compare the Iliad from the Odyssey using points of
comparison.
8. Discuss such aspects of Homer’s style as his objectivity, realism, and
compassion.
9. What is the relationship of folklore and fairy tale to many of the stories
told in the Odyssey? Was there ever a real man named Odysseus?
Justify.
10. Evaluate the issues and concerns presented in the story and compare
them to the issues and concerns of the modern time.
 Major 06 63
Mythology and Folklore

2.6. Jason and the Golden Fleece

Apollonius

Little is known about Apollonius of Rhodes; he was first thought of as

an imitator of Homer, but ultimately became a prized Greek poet of the
Hellenistic period. He was a scholar and keeper of the Library of Alexandria,
and it is thought that many of his texts were used to provide valuable
knowledge on Greek life and lore to the Ptolemies of Egypt. “Jason and the
Golden Fleece” is his only surviving epic – the rest of his poems survive only
in small fragments.

Summary

This is the story of Jason, the son of Aeson and grandson of the god
Hermes, as he goes on a quest for the Mythical Golden Fleece in order to win
back his father’s throne from his wicked uncle, Pelias. Jason travels with a
group of demigods and kings to various islands, battling monsters, storms,
and other obstacles in order to obtain the Golden Fleece, which no one has
been able to retrieve before.

Jason is a prince whose father, King

Aeson of Iolcus, was dethroned by his brother
Pelias. Aeson protects Jason by hiding him
away on a mountain to be raised by the
centaur Chiron; however, when Jason comes
 Major 06 64
Mythology and Folklore

of age, he learns about his father’s stolen throne and decides to when it back
from his evil uncle.

Jason goes to Pelias, who anticipates from a prophecy that Jason will
cause him problems. He tells Jason he will happily return the throne to its
rightful owner if Jason brings him the Golden Fleece from the island of
Colchis. Nobody has ever been able to retrieve this fleece, and Pelias knows
that he is sending Jason on a death trip. However, Jason agrees, confident in
his abilities. He commissions a ship from the skilled shipwright Argus. The
ship is christened The Argo, Jason asks his strongest and most skilled friends
to accompany him. They include Hercules, his lover Hylas, Orpheus, Zetes
and Calais, Theseus, Atalanta, and many other heroes of Greek lore. This
crew is referred to as the Argonauts.

The Argonauts travel first to the island of Lemnos, an island populated

with only women – the women living there rebelled with their queen and killed
every man to the island. Taking a liking to the Argonauts, the women seduce
the men, who stay the night on the island. Next, the crew travels to the island
of Doilones where the kind King Cyzicus entertains them. The crew leaves but
is held back by a group of giants who attack the next morning. After the
attack, a storm blows the ship off course at night; the Argonauts don’t realize
they have returned to the island of Doilones. The next morning, King Cyzicus
attacks the ship, not recognizing his friends from the night before. The
Argonauts kill the king before they recognize their mistake, and afterward feel
horrible – they host an elaborate funeral with games to apologize to the queen
and appease the gods.

Next, the crew lands on Cius, where

Hercule’s lover, Hylas, is seduced by water
nymphs and taken into the river. Devastated
by the loss, Hercules refuses to leave the
island. The crew is forced to go on without
him, leaving their strongest warrior behind.
They travel to other various islands, fighting
harpies and gaining wisdom from prophetic
kings to land, finally, on the island of
Colchis, where King Aeetes is not pleased
to see Jason. Believing Jason is trying to
steal his throne, he is only slightly appeased
when Jason promises he only wants the
Golden Fleece. He had learned from
Phrixus, the man who created the fleece
and whom he had met at sea, that the prize was guarded by a dragon, but
 Major 06 65
Mythology and Folklore

Aeetes makes it even more challenging for Jason to achieve his goal. He sets
three (3) tasks for Jason – he must plow a field with fire-breathing oxen, fight
dragon to sleep, and steal the fleece before departing quickly on the ship.

Luckily for Jason, the goddess Hera sends Eros down to help him.
Eros shoots an arrow through the sorceress Medea’s heart – Medea is the
daughter of Aeetes – causing her to fall madly in love with Jason, which
makes her willing to betray her family. Medea uses her sorcery and wisdom to
help Jason perform each task, ultimately using a sleeping potion to put the
dragon to sleep and steal the fleece before departing quickly on the ship.

The return journey has its own challenges, as Aeetes tails Jason in
order to get Medea back, narrowly avoiding the song of the sirens, and much
more. Ultimately, however, Jason and Medea are married by the goddess
Circe, and the crew returns, mostly intact, to Greece, where Jason recovers
the throne of Iolcus from Pelias.

2.7. Medea
Euripides

Euripides – one of the three (3) Greek tragedians. The youngest

among Aeschylus and Sophocles. His “Medea” is often considered his best
and most popular work and one of the great plays of Western canons but won
only third (3rd) prize during the Dionysea Festival in 431 BCE probably
because of its vulgar theme.

Summary

The play opens with Medea grieving over the loss of her husband’s

love. Her elderly nurse and the Chorus of Corinthian women (generally
sympathetic to her plight) fear what she might do to herself or her
children. King Creon, also fearing what Medea might do, banishes her,
declaring that she and her children must leave Corinth
immediately. Medea begs for mercy, and is granted a reprieve of one day, all
she needs to extract her revenge.

Jason arrives and attempts to explain

himself. He says that he does not
love Glauce but cannot pass up the
opportunity to marry a wealthy and royal
princess (Medea is from Colchis in the
Caucusus and is considered a barbarian
 Major 06 66
Mythology and Folklore

witch by the Greeks), and claims that he hopes one day to join the two
families and keep Medea as his mistress. Medea and the Chorus of
Corinthian women do not believe him. She reminds him that she left her own
people for him, murdering her own brother for his sake, so that she can never
now return home. She also reminds him that it was she herself who saved him
and slew the dragon which guarded the Golden Fleece, but he is unmoved,
merely offering to placate her with gifts. Medea hints darkly that he may live to
regret his decision, and secretly plans to kill both Glauce and Creon.

Medea is then visited by Aegeus, the childless king of Athens, who

asks the renowned sorceresss to help his wife conceive a child. In
return, Medea asks for his protection and, although Aegeus is not aware
of Medea‘s plans for revenge, he promises to give her refuge if she can
escape to Athens.

Medea tells the Chorus of her plans to poison a golden robe (a family

heirloom and gift from the sun god, Helios) which she believes the
vain Glauce will not be able to resist wearing. She resolves to kill her own
children as well, not because the children have done anything wrong, but as
the best way her tortured mind can think of to hurt Jason. She calls
for Jason once more, pretends to apologize to him and sends the poisoned
robe and crown as a gift to Glauce, with her children as the gift-bearers.

As Medea ponders her actions, a messenger arrives to relate the wild

success of her plan. Glauce has been killed by the poisoned robe,
and Creon has also been killed by the poison while attempting to save her,
both daughter and father dying in excruciating
pain. She wrestles with herself over whether
she can bring herself to kill her own children
too, speaking lovingly to them all the while in a
moving and chilling scene. After a moment of
hesitation, she eventually justifies it as a way of
saving them from the retribution
of Jason and Creon‘s family. As the Chorus of
women laments her decision, the children are
heard screaming. The Chorus considers
interfering, but in the end does nothing.

Jason discovers the
murder of Glauce and Creon and rushes to the scene to punish Medea, only
to learn that his children too have been killed. Medea appears in the chariot of
Artemis, with the corpses of her children, mocking and gloating over Jason‘s
pain. She prophesies a bad end for Jason too before escaping towards
 Major 06 67
Mythology and Folklore

Athens with her children’s bodies. The play ends with the Chorus lamenting

that such tragic and unexpected evils should result from the will of the gods.

Memorable Lines from Medea and Jason and the Golden Fleece

A. Spoken by Medea

A1. On meeting with Jason for the first time

 “I wish Artemis – the archer goddess had killed me before my eyes had
seen this godlike stranger, for love only floods the heart with anguish!”
 “Surely it is dreadful to choose an early death for my heart floods with
longing for life.”
 “Yes, I will save the man I love.”

A2. After the Golden Fleece was given to Jason

 “Is it not enough for you to have the Golden Fleece? I have forsaken
my family, my home, and my homeland. I am a traitor. Thanatos can
wait for my brother to grow old.”
 “Jason, where is your heart? Your gratitude? Your loyalty? Now that
you have the Golden Fleece.”
 “How quickly your success makes your forget your secret promises to
me! how lightly you regard the sacred vows you made before the
deathless gods!”
 “I have given true gold and received its glittering fake.”
 “Why did you allow a foolish heart to rule you?”
 “And if my sons must die? Then I, the mother who gave them life must
be the one who kills them.”
 “I would rather fight three battles than to give birth to a child.”
 “And I must not spare our sons – for surely life without love of family is
worse than death.”

B. Spoken by Jason

B1. Before the Golden Fleece was in his possession

 “Lovely maiden, you hold my life and my death in your hands.”
 “Come with me to Helios, lovely maiden, for I will make you my
wedded lady.”
 “I will let nothing destroy our love!”
 “I will love Medea, as long as a shining Helios drives his golden-yoked
chariots across the heavens – I will love you even at the end.”
 “I will love you Medea as long as Poseidon causes the salt sea to send
forth its waves upon the shores.”
 Major 06 68
Mythology and Folklore

 “Medea, I give you my sacred promise in front of the deathless gods. I

will love you until Thanatos embrace me!”

B2. After Jason’s victory

 “We will only be truly safe if we kill your brother.”
 “What a prize I have won!”
 “I have given you more than I received.”
 “I have brought you to civilization, emancipated you from barbaric life.”
 “I could not understand why women think of sex only in marriage.”
 “The deathless gods are not to blame, for there are no gods.”

C. Line of Aeetes after Medea’s Betrayal

 “Surely Medea knows the ways of heart.”
 “She knows that she has always flooded my heart with waves of pride
and delight and love!”
 “Dread that day, Medea! For I kill you! I will push you into the grasping
hands of Thanatos.”

Assessment

Kindly answer the items below.

1. Write your comment on the attitude of the characters.

2. Justify the acts of the characters in the selection.
3. How did Jason win the heart of Medea?
4. Why did Medea choose to betray her father and her people? Discuss
similar events in modern time.
5. How does Jason view love? What about Medea?
6. What is the theme of the story? Discuss.
7. How far are you going to give in the name of love?
8. Who are the victims in the story? Why?
9. What are the paradoxes in the story? Discuss.
10. Evaluate the roles played by the gods.
11. What can you say about revenge? Discuss.
 Major 06 69
Mythology and Folklore

References:

 "Chaos". Who's Who in Classical Mythology, Routledge.

2002.  http://www.credoreference.com/entry/routwwcm/chaos.
Retrieved 16 June 2011.

Coleridge, E.P. Medea English translation (Internet Classics Archive): 

http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/medea.html

Greek Drama: A Pocket Book

Greek version with word-by-word translation - Medea (Perseus Project):

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text.jsp?
doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0113

Hamilton, Edith. Greek Mythology

Iliad: A Pocket Book

Medea – Euripides – Play Summary – Medea Greek Mythology

(Tragedy, Greek, 431 BCE, 1,419 lines) https://www.ancient-
literature.com/greece_euripides_medea.html

Odyssey: A Pocket Book

 "Primeval Gods of Greek Mythology". theoi.com. 2011 [last update]. 

http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/primeval-gods.html. Retrieved
16 June 2011.
 Major 06 70
Mythology and Folklore

Rosenburg, Donna. Gems of World Literature.

The Odyssey – A Cliff Note

It’s coffee time again. Its aroma will remind you of the
characters and their values of what you have just read – the
Greek Mythology.