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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a tribute, which Greek historian attributes the "Hymn to Apollo" to Homer?

2. In The Hymn to the Earth, what does the poet refer to the Earth as?

3. What is the judgment that Hermes receives?

4. How does Hermes's mother discover that he has been up to no good?

5. In what way does Hermes's mother respond to Hermes' stealing activities?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do some historians think that Homer did not actually write his poems?

2. What interesting request does the poet have for Ares?

3. How is Artemis's beauty portrayed in The Second Hymn to Artemis.

4. What happens during and after the "trial" of Hermes?

5. What is Artemis's skill and how is it described?

6. Who assists the poet in The Hymn to the Mother of the Gods, and what does it refer to?

7. What is Herakles known for and what prayer does the poet make at the conclusion of The Hymn to Herakles?

8. Where is Dionysus captured in The Hymn to Dionysus?

9. What does Hermes steal from Apollo and how does he do it?

10. What leads historians to believe that Homer either wrote or was influential in the writing of the hymns?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nature is a major element that is explored in Greek mythology.

1) Explain The Hymn to the Earth and the ways that Earth's blessings are manifested, using the hymn to provide examples of the Earth's characteristics and qualities, as well as what the poet gives her credit for and why.

2) Analyze the metaphors that are used in The Hymn to the Sun and The Hymn to the Moon along with the different powers that both the sun and moon possess.

3) Explain the origin of Castor and Pollux and what their existence means to the Greeks and nature.

Essay Topic 2

The Muses are an important part of the connection between the gods/goddesses and humanity.

1) Describe the influence of the Muses and what areas of life they affect.

2) Explain who the main people are that are influenced by the Muses and why.

3) Describe the ways that the Muses are included in hymns (besides The Hymn to the Muses) and the value of their participation.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the description of Hera in The Hymn to Hera with her involvement in various hymns throughout the collection. Include examples and your analysis of why the poet chose to only portray her positive qualities in The Hymn to Hera.

(see the answer keys)

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