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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. Later Greek writers include ______________, a lyric poet whose poems contained references to mythology, and the tragic playwrights Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.

2. Otus and Ephialtes were ___________ who wanted to prove that they were the equals of the gods.

3. On Perseus' return, he flew over _____________ where the maiden Andromeda was being sacrificed to a sea-monster to appease the anger of the sea-god and his nymphs.

4. The Romans believed in the Olympian gods, giving them different ___________.

5. The story of the Trojan War was ______________ important and popular myths of the Greeks, and one which every educated Greek and Roman would have been familiar with.

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Medea help Jason? Why did she help him? Should she have helped him? Why or why not?

2. Why were the Greek gods worshiped? How does this reason compare to the reasons one might worship a god today?

3. How was Theseus honored by the Athenians? Why was he honored in this way?

4. Overall, what were the initial roles of the Greek and Roman gods? How might this have been beneficial for mankind?

5. How were early royal Greek families able to claim lineage with the gods? How might they have benefited from this?

6. What is the lesson that is to be learned in the story of Phaeton? How is this an important lesson?

7. How did Zeus become the king of the gods?

8. Describe one of the Greek creation stories. How does this story compare to your own idea regarding the creation of the world?

9. Who won the Trojan War? How did they win? What do their successful tactics say about them?

10. What ended when Atalanta was married? What does this reinforce in Greek culture?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several myths about the royal House of Athens.

Part 1) Summarize these stories. What do these stories say about this house? How are these stories similar to those of the House of Atreus and the House of Thebes? What does this reinforce about the gods and their relationships with humans?

Part 2) How are these myths both good and bad? How is this house different from the Houses of Atreus and Thebes? Might these differences be seen today? How might this still affect Athenians today? Explain.

Part 3) What is another city or country in the world today that believes it is special because of its religious connections? How does this affect how its citizens act towards others? Do you see this religious pride as something that is good or bad? Why?

Essay Topic 2

The Trojan War lasted for many years.

Part 1) What was the cause of the Trojan War? What took place during the Trojan War? How were the Greeks and the Trojans affected by this war? How did the requirements of a hero also change because of this war?

Part 2) What ended the Trojan War? How were both the Greeks and Trojans affected by this event? What does this event say about the Greeks? What does it also say about the Trojans?

Part 3) Describe a war that has taken place since the United States has been a country. Why did it begin? What took place during this war? How long did it last? Why? How did it end? How did this war affect those involved? How are the effects of this war still seen today?

Essay Topic 3

Norse mythology is studied in the last section of this book.

Part 1) Describe Norse mythology. Who are the main gods? What are the basic beliefs regarding the gods, life on earth, and the afterlife? What does Norse mythology reveal about those who believe in it?

Part 2) Why does the author choose to analyze Norse mythology after studying Greek mythology for the rest of the book? How similar is Norse mythology to Greek mythology? How are these two mythologies different? How can these mythologies be used to compare these two different cultures?

Part 3) How do these mythologies compare to other ancient religious beliefs? Why do similarities exist? What does this say about mankind and his understanding of the universe of which he is a part?

(see the answer keys)

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