Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
Chapter 3 study questions
1. Describe the creation of Earth and Heaven.
2. Who were the first creatures on Earth before humans?
3. Describe the conflict between Gaea and Ouranos. How did Cronus get involved in it, and what was the
outcome?
4. How were the giants and the Erinyes created?
5. How was Cronus’ rule threatened? What did he do to try to keep his throne, and how was his plan
spoiled?
6. What steps did Zeus take to become ruler of heaven and pave the way for humans to live on earth?
7. Describe the world as the Greeks saw it.
8. In one creation story, Prometheus and Epimetheus created humans. How? What gifts did Prometheus
give humans? Why?
9. In the second creation story, the gods created five ages of humans. Name the ages, describe the
people who lived in each, and tell their fate.
10. Who was the first woman and why was she created? What harm did she bring to earth?
11. What did Prometheus do that led to his being chained to a rock in the Caucasus and punished?
12. Because of his suffering, what does Prometheus symbolize today? Why?
13. Another creation story begins with a flood. Who survived the flood and what were they directed to
do? Why?