The Greeks – Page 4 – Triumvir Clio’s School of Classical Civilization

Greek Tragedy XXXV: Humanism in Greek Tragedy

In today’s episode we wrap up Greek Tragedy, so I have one question for you: What does Greek Tragedy teach us about being human?

Greek Myth XXVII: Pseudo-Apollodorus’s Bibliotheca Book I, Chapter I – Theogony: Birth of Zeus, or I Just Can’t Wait to Be King

Apollodorus didn’t write the Bibliotheca, but we don’t know who did, so we’ll keep using his name. Sort of. Discussion Prompts Why do you think we see ultimogeniture in Greek mythology? AP Credit: Compare/contrast Pseudo-Apollodorus with Hesiod. What do you think of Earth’s actions? Rhea’s? Which path would you take if your partner imprisoned and/orContinue reading “Greek Myth XXVII: Pseudo-Apollodorus’s Bibliotheca Book I, Chapter I – Theogony: Birth of Zeus, or I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”

Greek Tragedy XXXIV: Euripides’s Iphigenia at Aulis, or the Mystery of Iphi Drood

Just as Charles Dickens died before he finished writing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Euripides died before he finished Iphigenia at Aulis. But unlike Dickens, Euripides had a descendant to finish the writing for him. Discussion Prompts What does this play have to say about family loyalty? Where do you think this play should end? Why? DoContinue reading “Greek Tragedy XXXIV: Euripides’s Iphigenia at Aulis, or the Mystery of Iphi Drood”

Greek Myth XXVI: Hymn to Guest Friends, or Not a Hymn

We conclude the Homeric Hymns with Hymn 34, which isn’t really a hymn after all. Discussion Prompts What is the difference between a friend and a guest friend? What do you think is the reason, if any, that this poem is directed at a specific community? We’ve now read all 34 Homeric Hymns. Which isContinue reading “Greek Myth XXVI: Hymn to Guest Friends, or Not a Hymn”

Greek Epics LIV: Humanism in Greek Epics

Today we wrap up the Greek Epics course. We covered a lot of themes over the course of the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Argonautica. They include, but aren’t limited to, honor and glory, life and death, family, coming of age, war and peace, fate, and the gods. I have one question for you today.Continue reading “Greek Epics LIV: Humanism in Greek Epics”

Greek Epics LIII: Argonautica Book 4, or Who is the Real Hero?

Medea rocks, and I finally let loose on the Homer comparisons. Discussion Prompts Medea or Jason? Why? Which translation did you read? Pros? Cons? Would you recommend it? What role does divine intervention play in this epic? Does it help or hurt the story? What do you think of where the Argonautica ends? Is anyoneContinue reading “Greek Epics LIII: Argonautica Book 4, or Who is the Real Hero?”

Greek Tragedy XXXIII: Euripides’s Bacchae, or, Dude, Dionysos Gets Dark

Whatever you do, don’t question Dionysos’s divinity! Discussion Prompts Traditionally, maenads are women. How would you cast the chorus of maenads if you were directing today? Some of the humor in this play originally derived from Pentheus being dressed up as a woman. How would you handle that scene if you were directing this playContinue reading “Greek Tragedy XXXIII: Euripides’s Bacchae, or, Dude, Dionysos Gets Dark”

Greek Myth XXV: Hymn to Selene, or That Other Moon Goddess

In today’s episode, we meet the goddess of the moon. No, not that one. No, not that one either. You know, Selene. Discussion Prompts Why do you think the poet describes Selene as having wings when there is no other place she is described or depicted this way? If you were making a new lunarContinue reading “Greek Myth XXV: Hymn to Selene, or That Other Moon Goddess”

Greek Epics LII: Argonautica Book 3, or How Medea Met Jason

Long before the events she’s most famous for, Medea was just a girl, looking at a boy, telling him she loved him. Discussion Prompts Do you think the story would turn out differently if Medea hadn’t been shot by Eros? Why/how or why not/how not? What is the importance of Chalciope’s relationship to Telamon andContinue reading “Greek Epics LII: Argonautica Book 3, or How Medea Met Jason”

Greek Epics LI: Argonautica Book 2, or I Don’t Think We’re in Greece Anymore

The Argonauts continue their journey in Book 2 of the Argonautica. Discussion Prompts AP Credit: Compare/Contrast Herodotus and Book 2 of the Argonautica. What does the character of Phineas tell us about age versus youth? In Book 1, the Argo lost three crew members. In Book 2, it gains seven new ones. Is that enoughContinue reading “Greek Epics LI: Argonautica Book 2, or I Don’t Think We’re in Greece Anymore”