Recording: Myth

Duration: 52.816667 Minutes

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Reminders

 Importance of Reading and Preparation:

o Emphasizes the significance of doing the assigned reading before class
discussions.
 Turning In Assignments:
o Highlights that turning in assignments, like "Turnitin," is a required part of the
class.
 Encouraging Individual Reflection:
o Encourages students to reflect on the material individually before discussing it in
class for a more meaningful understanding.

LECTURE

Greek mythology or literature, possibly focused on the Iliad:

 Greek Mythology
o Origin and Nature:Greek mythology encompasses a vast collection of stories,
legends, and myths that were orally transmitted through generations. They
provide explanations for natural phenomena, human behavior, and the origins of
the world.
o Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses:Greek mythology features a diverse pantheon
of deities, with Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, and Aphrodite among the
most prominent. Each god or goddess was associated with specific domains,
such as love, war, wisdom, and the sea

o Heroes and Demigods:Greek mythology also introduces legendary figures like

Hercules, Achilles, Perseus, and Theseus. Many of these heroes were
considered demigods, born of mortal and divine parentage, and embarked on
epic quests and adventures.

o Creation Myths:The Greeks had various stories about the creation of the world,
including the Theogony, which detailed the birth of the gods and the cosmos, and
the story of Prometheus, who played a vital role in humanity's creation.

o Tragedy and Conflict:Greek myths often revolve around themes of tragedy, fate,
hubris, and moral dilemmas. Stories like the tragedies of Oedipus and Medea, as
well as the Trojan War, exemplify these themes.
 o Symbolism and Allegory:Greek myths frequently employ symbolism and allegory
to convey deeper meanings. For example, the tale of Pandora's Box symbolizes
the consequences of curiosity and disobedience.

 Greek Literature
o Epic Poetry:
 Epic poetry was a prominent genre in ancient Greece. Homer's "Iliad" and
"Odyssey" stand as monumental works, chronicling the Trojan War and
the adventures of Odysseus on his journey home
o Drama:Greek theater, which emerged in the 5th century BCE, produced
remarkable playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Their
tragedies explored human nature, morality, and the role of the gods in human
affairs.

o Philosophy and Dialogues:Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and

Aristotle made significant contributions to literature through their philosophical
dialogues and treatises. Plato's "The Republic" and Aristotle's "Nicomachean
Ethics" remain influential texts.
o Historiography:Herodotus, often called the "Father of History," wrote "Histories,"
an account of the Greco-Persian Wars. Thucydides, another notable historian,
chronicled the Peloponnesian War in his work.
o Lyric Poetry:Greek lyric poets like Sappho and Pindar composed verses that
explored themes of love, beauty, and the human experience. Sappho's lyrical
expressions of love and longing are particularly celebrated.
o Fables and Morality Tales:Aesop's fables, attributed to the ancient Greek
storyteller Aesop, are short stories featuring anthropomorphic animals and
convey moral lessons. These tales continue to be widely read and adapted.

Agamemnon is a central figure in Greek mythology, known primarily for his role in the
Trojan War.
 Leading the Greek Coalition:
o Agamemnon was the king of Mycenae and a powerful leader in ancient Greece.
He played a pivotal role in marshaling the Greek forces against the city of Troy,
which had kidnapped Helen, the wife of Agamemnon's brother Menelaus.
 Sacrifice of Iphigenia:One of the most controversial actions attributed to Agamemnon is
the sacrifice of his own daughter, Iphigenia, before the Greek fleet set sail for Troy.
According to some versions of the myth, Agamemnon did this to appease the goddess
Artemis, who had caused unfavorable winds, preventing the Greek fleet from departing
for Troy.
 Conflict with Achilles:Agamemnon's relationship with the Greek hero Achilles is a central
theme in Homer's "Iliad." The two leaders clash over a captured concubine, Briseis.
Agamemnon takes Briseis from Achilles, leading Achilles to withdraw from battle, which
has significant consequences for the Greek army.
  The Plague of Artemis:After Agamemnon's refusal to return Chryseis, the daughter of a
Trojan priest of Apollo, the god Apollo sends a plague upon the Greek army. To appease
the gods, Agamemnon eventually agrees to return Chryseis.

 Seizure of Achilles' Prize:As a result of his anger at Achilles, Agamemnon takes Achilles'
prize, the maiden Briseis. This act deeply humiliates Achilles and leads him to withdraw
from the battle, which severely hampers the Greek war effort.

 The Trojan War and Agamemnon's Role:Agamemnon led the Greek forces in the Trojan
War for ten years. He was considered the commander-in-chief of the Greek army, and
his leadership was crucial in the siege of Troy.

 The Return to Mycenae:After the fall of Troy, Agamemnon returned to Mycenae with
Cassandra, the daughter of King Priam of Troy, as his concubine. This action was a
precursor to his tragic fate.

 Tragic End:Upon his return to Mycenae, Agamemnon faced a tragic fate. He was
murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus in an act of revenge for the
sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia. His death set off a series of further tragedies in the
House of Atreus, known as the "House of Atreides Curse."

Chryseis and Chryses is a crucial episode in Homer's "Iliad."

 Chryses' Supplication:
o Chryses, the father of Chryseis, approaches Agamemnon with a plea for his
daughter's return. He offers a generous ransom in exchange for her release. This
supplication is a poignant moment, as Chryses, though a priest of Apollo, is
willing to humble himself and offer gifts to the Greeks for the sake of his
daughter.
 Agamemnon's Rejection:
o Agamemnon, displaying his hubris and arrogance, refuses Chryses' offer. He is
not moved by the priest's plea and desires to keep Chryseis for himself, valuing
her as his prized possession.
 Chryses' Prayer to Apollo:
o Frustrated and heartbroken by Agamemnon's refusal, Chryses turns to his patron
god, Apollo, for help. He prays to Apollo, invoking their past relationship and
asking for the god's intervention and vengeance against the Greeks.
 Apollo's Response:
o Apollo heeds Chryses' prayer and responds by sending a devastating plague
upon the Greek army. The plague brings suffering and death, highlighting the
god's formidable power and his protective stance towards his worshippers.
  Significance of Supplication:
o Agamemnon's rejection of Chryses' supplication is a critical event in the
narrative. It sets off a chain of consequences, demonstrating the consequences
of human arrogance and the power of divine intervention. The plague, as a result
of Apollo's response, cripples the Greek forces and sets the stage for the
unfolding of the epic.
 Apollo and how his attributes tie into his role in Greek mythology:

 Agamemnon and the Garos:

o Agamemnon is left without a garos (prize of honor) due to his rejection of
supplication.
 Importance of Supplication:
o It is emphasized that Agamemnon should have accepted supplication, as it is a
social contract supported by Zeus.
 Apollo as the Antagonist:
o The question is raised why the story portrays Apollo as the antagonist by making
Chryses a priest of Apollo. The reason is to highlight Apollo's association with
plagues and set the narrative in motion.
 Apollo's Attributes:
o Apollo is associated with clarity, prophecy, communication, music, poetry, and
plagues. These seemingly diverse attributes need to be understood as part of a
cohesive whole.
 Birth of Apollo:
o Apollo's mother, Leto, gave birth to him and his twin sister Artemis on the island
of Delos. Artemis assisted in the birth of her brother.
 Apollo's Role:
o Apollo declares that he wants to be Zeus's right-hand man and mediate between
the will of Zeus and humans. He is associated with advancing Zeus's civilizing
contracts and is closely linked with religion.
Attributes of Apollo:

 God of the Sun and Light:

o Apollo is often associated with the sun, representing the illuminating and life-
giving qualities of sunlight. This ties into his role as a god of enlightenment,
knowledge, and truth.
 God of Music and the Arts:
o Apollo is renowned for his musical abilities, particularly with the lyre, a stringed
musical instrument. He is often depicted with a lyre in hand. This connection to
music aligns him with creativity, harmony, and artistic expression.
 God of Healing and Medicine:
o Apollo is known as a god of healing and medicine, and his sanctuary at Delphi
was considered a center for therapeutic practices. This aspect of Apollo
emphasizes his role in physical and spiritual well-being.
 God of Prophecy:
o Apollo's most famous oracle was at Delphi, where a priestess known as the
Pythia would deliver prophecies in his name. This association with prophecy
highlights Apollo's connection to foresight, wisdom, and knowledge of the future.
 God of Archery:
o Apollo is often depicted as an archer, emphasizing his skill in this domain.
Archery symbolizes precision, focus, and control, attributes that reflect Apollo's
influence over order and rationality.
o Role in Greek Mythology:

 Patron of the Arts and Intellectual Pursuits

o Apollo's association with music, poetry, and the arts showcases his role as a
patron of intellectual endeavors. He inspires creativity and encourages the
pursuit of knowledge.
 Balancing Forces of Light and Dark:
o As a god of light, Apollo represents order, reason, and civilization. He
counterbalances darker forces, embodying the ideals of rationality, law, and
enlightenment.
 Bringer of Healing and Purification:
o Apollo's connection to healing is reflected in his role as a deity who cleanses and
purifies. His temples were places of sanctuary for those seeking physical and
spiritual renewal.
 Instrument of Divine Will:
o Apollo's prophecies and oracles were highly regarded in ancient Greece. People
sought his guidance for major decisions, indicating his role as a conduit between
the mortal and divine realms.
 Symbol of Moral Integrity:
o Apollo's attributes align with qualities associated with moral integrity, such as
truth, clarity, and righteousness. He upholds ethical values and encourages
virtuous behavior.
Apollo's role in maintaining proper relations between gods and humans is emphasized
through correct ritual, sacrifice, and communication. His association with healing and
medicine further highlights his multifaceted nature.
 Apollo's Association with Correct Ritual:
o Apollo is closely associated with performing correct rituals to maintain a proper
relationship with the gods.
 Animal Sacrifice:
o Animal sacrifice was a common form of ritual in ancient Greece.
o It served practical purposes such as providing meat for festivals and spreading
out the guilt of slaughter across the community.
 Symbolism of Animal Sacrifice:
o Animal sacrifice symbolized the division between gods, humans, and animals in
the natural order
o It emphasized the importance of maintaining one's place in this order through
correct ritual and behavior.
 Steps of Animal Sacrifice:

o Choosing an unblemished animal.

o Washing, adorning, and elevating the animal.
o Taking the animal to a marked-out ritual spot.
o Sprinkling participants and the animal with water.
o Cutting some of the animal's hairs.
o Slaughtering the animal quickly and humanely.
o Butchering and roasting the meat, sharing it with the community.
 Apollo's Role in Sacrifice:
o Apollo's association with sacrifice is linked to his role as a mediator between
gods and humans.
 Communication with the Gods:
o Apollo is associated with communication between mortals and gods
o He uses the bow to send messages to mortals, often in the form of plagues or
other unexplained phenomena.
 Apollo's Instruments:
o Apollo is associated with string instruments like the bow and the lyre, which
symbolize communication.
 Apollo's Association with Healing and Medicine:
o Apollo's ability to send and cure plagues is linked to his association with healing
and medicine
o He can also help cure religious pollution, providing a means of purification.
 Purification and Pollution:
o Pollution can be cured through purification, a religious ritual to cleanse
individuals or communities.
 Apollo's Role:
o Apollo is associated with planes, medicine, and religious purification. He is also
linked to prophecy and communication with the gods.
 Prophecy and Inspiration:
o Apollo's knowledge comes from Zeus, and his prophecies are communicated
through oracles, prophets, and seers.
 Liar as Symbol of Inspiration:
o The liar is a musical instrument symbolizing inspiration. It's associated with
Apollo and is a vessel for divine inspiration in music, poetry, and prophecy.
 Blindness as Symbolism:
o Priests, poets, and prophets were sometimes depicted as blind to signify that
their inspiration came from a higher power, not their own faculties.
 Achilles and Apollo:
o The conflict between Achilles and Apollo represents a larger conflict between the
mortal realm and Apollo's influence.
 LAOS (Pity or Compassion):
o LAOS is the emotional connection that binds individuals to each other. It plays a
role in maintaining social norms, and it's closely associated with Apollo.
 LAOS and Social Contract:
o LAOS encourages individuals to respect the social contract and follow societal
norms.
 Opposition to NENUS:
o LAOS operates in contrast to NENUS, which is the urge to set oneself apart and
stand above others.