Tasks for
Mythology vade mecum (reference book)
Tasks are due Monday February 3rd. Tasks must be typed in MLA format, with a title for each task in bold. Include the
following formatting: double-spaced, size 12 font-Times New Roman or other legible font, 1 inch margins, header. See
Purdue’s writing lab for more information on MLA: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ . The reference book (all your tasks)
is worth 100 points.
Chapter
1
The Gods, The
Creation, and
the Earliest
Heroes
Name
Chapter
Task 1
Chart of gods/goddesses that includes:
Other names (Roman, etc.)
Characteristics- personality/traits
Associated Emblem/symbols/items
Roman, etc. name
Characteristics
Symbol/item
Task 2
TASK 2
The Two Great
Gods of Earth
\
Explain the importance of Demeter (her reaction when her daughter is kidnapped) and Dionysus
(what made him the most important god of Greece). How did they benefit humans? Write a
paragraph (multiple sentences) for each one.
Add/amend them on your character chart, elaborating on their good and bad characteristics.
Chapter
3
How the World
and Mankind
were Created
Task 3
Write a paragraph explaining all the references/allusions/similarities you can find in relation to
your own religion’s or culture’s creation story as compared to the chapter.
Be specific: Don’t just write “flood.”
Chapter
4
The Earliest
Heroes
Task 4
Write a paragraph (at least a ½ page) explaining which of the stories in the chapter is your favorite and
why. Explain the lesson/moral of the story and why you think it is important. Also, explain what it
reveals about ancient Greek culture.
Chapter
5 Cupid and
Psyche
Task 5
Write a paragraph (at least a ½ page) explaining why the gods show wrath to humans repeatedly in
Greek myths. Give specific examples from the chapter and relate to the idea of fate versus free will.
Then, make a comparison of the idea of a higher being punishing humans to a similar concept/story in
your faith/culture
Chapter
6
Eight Brief
Tales of Lovers
Task 6
Write a paragraph (1/2 page) explaining your favorite love story from the chapter. Include a comparison
of that story to another story you have read, noting the similarities and differences.
Chapter
7
The Quest of the
Golden Fleece
Task 7
In a paragraph (1/2 page), explain the elements of this story that make it a true quest story (think of
literature professor). Give specific examples as to what makes it a quest, especially in terms of selfknowledge.
Chapter
8
Four Great
Adventures
Task 8
In a paragraph (1/2 page), explain your favorite adventure. Explain the elements of the story which made
it a great adventure as compared to the other stories.
Chapter
9 and 10
Perseus and
Theseus
Tasks 9 and 10
In a paragraph (1/2 page), compare the two chapters and make an argument for who the greater hero is,
explaining why through providing specific examples from the text.
Chapter
11
Hercules
Task 11
In a paragraph (1/2 page), explain the ideals of Greek culture that Hercules exemplifies, giving specific
examples. Also, explain his faults and attributes, giving specific examples.
Chapter
12, 13
Atalanta,
The Trojan War
Task 12 and 13
For each chapter explain the role of women and what this role reveals about Greek culture, providing
specific examples. Also explain what the story of the Trojan War reveals about the gods’ attitudes and
personalities. (1/2 page)
Chapter
14
The Fall of Troy
Task 14
What does the violence of the chapter reveal about Greek and Roman culture? Explain why Odysseus’
plan was so effective. (1/2 page)
Chapter
15
The Adventures
of Odysseus
Task 15
Explain the character of Odysseus, including all aspects of his personality. Give specific examples to
show the myriad traits he possesses and explain how they make him a worthwhile hero. (1/2 page)
Chapter
16
The Adventures
of Aeneas
Task 16
Compare Aeneas to one of your favorite heroes from another Greek tale. Compare and contrast the two,
explaining what makes Aeneas such a great and important hero. (1/2 page)
Chapter
17
The House of
Atreus
Task 17
Explain what actions Orestes took that set him apart from the rest of his family, and what motivated him
to do so. What happened in regards to his family (The House of Atreus) as a result of his actions? (1/2
page)
Chapter
18
The Royal
House of Thebes
Task 18
Explain the symbolism and significance of what happens to Oedipus. Explain why Antigone’s final
actions are justified. What is the final fate of Thebes? How was this foreshadowed? (1/2 page)
EXTRA CREDIT ; Each task worth 5 points
Chapter
19
The Royal
House of Athens
Task 19
Explain what each of the stories have in common. Include at least one detail from each story (5 total) (1/2
page).
Chapter
20
Midas-and
Others
Task 20
What is the significance or moral of each tale (6 total)? Contemplate and explain what the characters
learn or what is revealed about the gods in each tale (1/2 page).