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Mythology. A n Introduction to Hamilton. Sources. Homer (Iliad & Odyssey) Homeric Hymns Hesiod Greek Tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides) Apollodorus Ovid. Major Themes. AGON ( ἀγών ): Struggle / Competition . Succession (Son Replaces Father) Fate vs. Free Will
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Mythology An Introduction to Hamilton
Sources Homer (Iliad & Odyssey) Homeric Hymns Hesiod Greek Tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides) Apollodorus Ovid
Major Themes AGON (ἀγών): Struggle / Competition Succession (Son Replaces Father) Fate vs. Free Will Blood Begets Blood
Themes Metamorphosis The problem of change (a Mythological World View) A Metaphor for Man vs. the Forces of Nature?
Themes Natural Forces Balance Themis (Goddess of Necessity) Fate Justice LexTalionis / Impartial Forces of Construction vs DestructionLove / Strife Pride / Hubris
Fate One of the primary forces. Even the Gods answer to it. Acceptance or denial of this fate drives many of the myths.
Justice The Nature of Justice Many of these myths explore the nature of justice, and in particular what constitutes a just punishment. Forms of justice include, but are not limited to: • LexTalionis (revenge – blood begets blood) • Hammurabian (eye for an eye) • Poetic (punishment and crime are have a symmetry about them) • Divine • Jury-based
Other Forces Material Natural forces such as weather Emotional Love, hate, jealousy depicted as kinds of diseases
Aphrodite Aphrodite Pandemos Aphrodite Ourania The Ludovisi Throne , 460 BCE
Theme: Humanism The Nature of Man greatness = destruction Hubris Suffering Gods as unchecked humans “The Good Human” Metaphor Anthropomorphism Kouros (Statue of a Youth) 600 BCE
Greek Traits Aidos: Reverence Agon: Struggle, competition Arete: Excellence (virtue), esp. bravery Aristos: The best (or bravest) Aristeía: Display of prowess Dunamis: Strength Kalos: Beauty Metis: Cunning Xenia: Hospitality Kléos: Glory / Renoun Time: Honor (to value) Moira: Fate Hubris: Destructive Pride