Example:



Mythological AllusionsACHILLES and PATROCLUS Summary: Achilles is tender and compassionate towards his comrade, Patroclus, but is callous and arrogant towards others. They fight together against the Trojans, but Achilles refuses to fight after losing his honor. Patroclus volunteers to fight in Achilles' armor, and succeeds in pushing back the enemy, but is killed by Hector. This causes Achilles to seethe with rage and sadness after the loss of his close friend, and vows to take revenge on Hector. Example: Shakespeare's Troilus and CressidaPurpose: The characters' relationship is an example of an archetypal male bond that was common throughout Greek culture. Many also interpret the pair to be in a sexual relationship as well, but theories vary. Male bonding and homosexuality were an intricate part of Greek culture, and Homer likely drew upon those themes when creating The Iliad, and the themes of male comradeship are universal and are still used today.Adonis Summary: Aphrodite fell in love with the beautiful baby Adonis and sheltered him. She entrusted him to Persephone, but she wanted Adonis for herself, also in love with the baby's beauty. Zeus determined that Adonis would spend a third of the year with Aphrodite and another third with Persephone, and with the last third he would decide who to spend his time with. He chose to spend two-thirds of the year with Aphrodite. Another myth says that Artemis sent a wild boar to kill him to avenge the death of her favorite, Hippolytus. After his death, Aphrodite sprinkled his blood with nectar, and anemone (a short-lived flower) sprang from it. After his death, it was allowed by Zeus to have Adonis spend half a year with Aphrodite and half in the underworld.Example: Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare Purpose: The poem depicts the amount of love that Aphrodite had for Adonis, specifically at the time of his death. The poem has a very mournful tone and clearly shows all the feelings she had for him, even stating that he was better that her. The myth of Adonis can also be referenced for the way that he died or how he chose to spend his time with Aphrodite, the goddess of love.Agamemnon Summary: Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, commanded the Greek armed forces in the Trojan War after Alexandros, Prince of Troy, took Helen. Agamemnon was forced to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigeneia, to appease the wrath of Artemis because Agamemnon had offended Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, in some way. The only way for Agamemnon's troops to advance on Troy was to appease the goddess, otherwise their ships would be destroyed by the aggravated seas and brutal winds. During the Trojan War, Cassandra, Priam's daughter, was captured by Agamemnon's men. Upon his return from Troy Agamemnon was murdered by Aegisthus, his wife's lover. Agamemnon's comrades and Cassandra were also murdered. Agamemnon's death is described as an ambush and the deaths of Agamemnon's followers. Example: Harry Potter and the Goblet of FirePurpose: This tale depicts a hero who is sent on a quest and achieves his goal. However, when the hero returns home, something horribly tragic happens to the hero.Ambrosia Summary: the food, or sometimes the drink(nectar), of the Greek gods; the literal meaning of Ambrosia is immortal. It is said to have been made of honey, water, fruit, cheese, olive oil and barley.Example: In the Odyssey Menelaus and his men are disguised as seals in untanned seal skins, “and the deadly smell of the seal skins vexed [them] sore; but the goddess saved [them]; she brought ambrosia and put it under [their] nostrils.”Purpose: It is often depicted as conferring longevity or immortality upon whoever consumed it.ANTIGONE Summary: Antigone was the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. Antigone's two brothers named Eteocles and Polynices. Her brothers quarreled for rule, and both ended up dying in a conflict called the Seven Against Thebes. The next King Creos declares that Polynices cannot be buried or mourned, and anyone to do so would be stoned to death. Antigone wanted to bury and mourn her brother, so she went against the king's orders and did so. She puts the will of the gods before man-made-laws. Antigone gets locked up in a tomb, so Creon's son Haemon kills himself because he is engaged to Antigone. The wife of Creon, Queen Eurydice kills herself because her son kills himself. Creon goes to let Antigone out, but she has hanged herself inside the tomb. Example: Romeo and JulietPurpose: Each tale is there to show their passion for what they believe in. Romeo and Juliette were so passionate about their love that they would rather kill themselves than be apart, just as Antigone would rather die than be a prisoner for an immoral crime. aphrodite (venus) Summary: Aphrodite/Venus is the goddess of beauty and love. One day, while spending time with her companion Cupid, she is inadvertently pierced by his arrow, and while under its influence she sees the hunter Adonis. She falls in love, and after an ominous dream, she implores him to not hunt. Too proud to heed her warnings, he hunts anyways, and is killed by a boar.Example: The Myth of Venus and Adonis, most well-known version by Thomas BulfinchPurpose: This tale is cautionary, but Venus' role is also demonstrative of her vulnerability with respect to love. Cupid's arrow even affected the goddess of love herself, and she maintains the archetype of the easily enchanted woman.Apollo Summary: Apollo is the son of Zeus and twin brother of Artemis. He is the god of music, poetry, and the arts. Apollo had a temple in his honor with an oracle in it in Delphi, where a young woman who could tell the future stayed at. There was a temple built in his honor in Troy and he went to go visit it. There he met Cassandra in the temple and made a deal with her to give her a prophecy of seeing the future if she would be with him. She immediately took the deal and saw into the future that Apollo was destroying the city of Troy and she hated him. Example: The "Apollo Theater" in New York City. Apollo is the god of art, and inside of this theater art is displayed in the form of acts and plays.Purpose: The fact that Cassandra readily took the deal could represent how people are always ready and willing to take what they want regardless of what they must give in return. Arachne Summary: Arachne was a weaver who was so confident in her abilities she challenged Athena, the goddess of war and handicraft, to a weaving contest. Athena was so jealous that she tore Arachne's work to pieces and in despair, Arachne hung herself. Athena felt bad so she untangled the rope that Arachne used, turning it into a cobweb, and turning Arachne into a spider. Example: referenced in Spider ManPurpose: In today's literature most, references to Arachne are about spiders or punishment. In popular culture movies like Percy Jackson and Spider-Man, the name is given to characters who possess skills like weaving or crafting. In other literature she is used to represent punishment, what could happen if you commit a forbidden act. Ararat Summary: Mount Ararat is associated with the myth of Noah's Ark, where Noah bought animals in pairs on his ark to save them from a great flood sent by God. It is a real mountain it is believed to be the place where Noah's ark landed after it set sail. There are several alleged eyewitnesses who believe they saw remains of the ark or an abandoned ship-like structure.Example: Housekeeping, by Marilyn RobinsonPurpose: Mt. Ararat was a safe haven for the animals of Noah's Ark, so any reference to Ararat refers to protection. Noah's Ark had to be built because of a great flood, so water could be the cause of a group needing a safe place, like Ararat. It represents safety and freedom from destruction. ares (mars) Summary: Ares was the god of war and was known for his quick temper and aggressiveness. He was the son of Zeus and Hera, making him one of the twelve Olympians. He was ruthless in wars and in most myths shamed by other gods.Example: Iliad by HomerPurpose: In some stories like the Iliad, Ares is represented as a "man killer" and weak compared to the other gods. But to the Romans, Ares(Mars) is more of a hero that protects their city and isn't the ruthless god that he is perceived as to the Greeks. He alludes to the dark aspects of war, other than Athena who represents the wisdom and craft of war.Ariel Summary: The name of an angel primarily found in Jewish and Christian mysticism. "Lion or lioness of God" her purpose is focused around the environment. She protects the earth, natural resources, all wildlife, as well as healing and maintaining our environment. She is believed to also look over all the planets and stars in the universe.Example: The Little Mermaid (Ariel)Purpose: Using Ariel as an allusion brings the ideas of protecting the environment and gives an "angelic" and Godly trait to the character. It also refers to nature and wildlife. The mermaid Ariel saves Prince Eric from the ocean and helps him back to shore.athena (minerva) Summary: Athena was the goddess of wisdom and military victory, the patron of the city of Athens, and Hercules’ half- sister. Her parents were Zeus and Metis. A prophecy was told to Zeus that the boy metis bore after the birth of Athena and would become the lord of heaven. To prevent this, he swallowed metis while she was still pregnant with Athena. When Athena was born, the smith god opened Zeus’s head with an axe and Athena stepped out. When Hurcules went mad and killed his children, she stopped it from getting worse. She also provided him with krotala to scare the Stymphalian birds. Example: The Raven by Edgar Allan PoePurpose: Any allusion made to Athena is in reference to wisdom. In Poe’s The Raven, he mentions Athena when he says, “Perched upon a bust of Pallas.” Poe used the head for the Raven to sit on since Athena is associated with wisdom. Atlas Summary: Atlas was a legendary Titan. He led a battle of Titans against Zeus which lasted for ten years. Eventually Atlas was singled out by Zeus and forced to hold up the heavens as a special punishment. Atlas became the god who turns the heaven on their axis, causing the stars to revolve. Example: My father carries the weight of the world. Purpose: Atlas is usually referred to show the taking on of a tremendous amount of metaphorical weight on ones shoulders or as a reference to parchment that aids in navigation on land. Atlas carries connotations of strength and nobility as well. aurora (eos) Summary: Aurora, or Eos, was the goddess of dawn in Roman and Greek Mythology. Not to be confused with her father, Helios, the god of the sun, Aurora carried the sun into the sky on either her chariot or aloft on her own wings each morning. A young girl, she had rosy cheeks and fingers like the pink sunrise she created. She was said to have had an affair with Ares, which angered his lover, Aphrodite. Aphrodite cursed the young girl with an insatiable penchant for handsome young men. Example: Romeo and Juliet Purpose: In literature, Aurora is often used to represent young lovers. The dawn of a new day is very similar to the beginning of a new relationship. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo's father alludes to Aurora, comparing his son's young love affair to the "draw [of] the shady curtains from Aurora's bed..." Shakespeare refers to Aurora in order to signify the ignorance of the young lovers as well as their inability to stay away from each other. bacchus / bachanal Summary: Bacchus was the child of Jupiter/Zeus and Semele, a human whom Juno/Hera had tricked into asking to see Jupiter/Zeus as he really was. Since she was a mortal, she was burned up by the sight of Jupiter/Zeus in his divine form. So Jupiter/Zeus sewed the infant Bacchus into his thigh, and gave birth to him nine months later. Bacchus was the god of agriculture, wine, and fertility and was the last god to join the Twelve Olympians (Hestia gave up her seat for him).Example: Fantasia (disney movie)Purpose: Bacchus is alluded to mainly for his love of win. In Disney Movies, Hercules and Fantasia, Bacchus is known as the god of parties and is also a rambunctious, aloof God. He was the God of wine and agriculture but it transformed into this stereotype when referenced. Calypso Summary: Calypso was a nymph in Greek mythology. She lived on the island of Ogygia and detained Odysseus for seven years in order to make him her immortal husband. After seven years of Odysseus being her husband, Zeus orders Calypso to set Odysseus free, letting him return to his wife.Example: The Epic of GilgameshPurpose: Calypso is often mentioned in works of literature when speaking of an enchanting woman or encounter, since Calypso was the minor goddess/nymph of love and power.Centaur Summary: Centaurs were half-men and half-horses and lived in a region called Pelion in Magnesia, a coastal region in Central Greece.The Centaurs in Greek Mythology were a particular tribe that stood out from anything else known in history. The Centaurs were a usual theme in the arts, and were usually depicted to have the head torso and arms of a man, and the rest of their body belonged to the horse species. The Centaurs were so popular because they were totally unpredictable and wild. There were the good and the bad ones; some of them would often be drunk and violent.Example: Narnia by CS LewisPurpose: The main focus is that, it is possible for the weak and foolish to have a noble calling in a dark world; that our deepest intuitions point us to the true meaning of things; that there is indeed something beautiful and wonderful at the heart of the universe, and that this may be found, embraced and adored.Cerberus Summary: Cerberus is a three headed dog monster that guards the entrance to the underworld, allowing no one out. Some say his three heads represent he's ability to see into eternity and that the three heads represent the past, the present and the future. Others say that the three heads represent birth, youth and old age.Example: “Dante’s Inferno" by Dante AlighieriPurpose: Demonstrates the Greeks had a deep respect as well as fear of wild dogs. The mythical dog Cerberus is an example of what the Greeks feared most in a dog. It also shows the respect they had for the abilities of dogs to be guardians. Chaos Summary: The start of everything in the universe. The source of which everything was created from including gods. The home of the Titans. Example: Quantum Gods: Creation, Chaos, and the Search for Cosmic Consciousness Purpose: Charon Summary: Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. A coin to pay Charon for passage was sometimes placed in or on the mouth of a dead person. Some authors say that those who could not pay the fee, or those whose bodies were left unburied, had to wander the shores for one hundred years.Example: Hades and the Underworld – Blake HoenaPurpose: Charon is also sometimes used as a reference for death. Brings a sense of fear as Charon is the seperation of life and death. Charon also brings the idea of the living dead with the idea of souls wandering unburied.Chimera Summary: The Chimera, from Greek mythology, is a creature made up of many other animal parts such as lions, dragons, and goats. Commonly used in reference when speaking of an obstacle or something of great power, protagonists often are taught to do whatever to stay away from engagement.Example: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. RowlingPurpose: Spoken of like a myth, throughout the series, the chimera shares many qualities with the main antagonist, Voldemort. Known for taking lives of many, the chimera only had one known loss in combat and represented a barrier, stopping characters from going to certain locations like Greece.Circe Summary: Circe is a Greek goddess known to be magical. She had a lot of knowledge on potions and herbs and is known for turning people into animals. She is the daughter of Helios and Perse. She was exiled from her country and some think it's because she killed her husband. She is known for her encounters with Odysseus and when she turned her men to pigs.Example: Silverlock by John MyersPurpose: Alluding to Circe can create a sense of fantasy into literature because she is known for turning people into pigs and is known to be magical. Circe also can bring a sense of craziness into the allusion because she was rumored to have killed her husband and exiled from her own country. clytemnestraSummary:Example: Purpose: cupid (eros) and Psyche Summary: Psyche is considered the most beautiful woman in history. So beautiful that no mortal man can marry her. But Cupid, the god of love, falls in love with her himself. Immense obstacles are placed between them, but in the end love triumphs and they marry in a sacred ceremony.Example: Beauty and the BeastPurpose: The theme of true love conquering obstacles is common in all cultures from all time periods, it is one of the true universal stories/themes. It shows how much relationships matter to human societies and individuals, and is a common theme in literature. Cupid and Psyche is just one of countless examples.Cyclops Summary: The cyclops is a mythical giant that looks like a human but only has a singular eye in the center of their head. They are builders and blacksmiths, and are credited with creating Zeus's thunderbolt, Poseidon's trident and Hades's helmet of invisibility. Some of the cyclops are also said to be the sons of Poseidon.Example: Homer's The OdysseyPurpose: The man-eating cyclops Polyphemus lives on an island that Odysseus and his men land on. They become trapped in the cave and only get out when Odysseus stabs Polyphemus in the eye and escape on the underbellies of the cyclops's sheep. Polyphemus calls on his father Poseidon to help his capture Odysseus, but Odysseus barely gets away. The story shows how cyclops can be referred to as Poseidon's sons or as creatures with violent tendencies. They can also be referenced as blacksmiths and builders. daedalus and icarus Summary: Daedalus and Icarus were father and son. Daedalus worked with King Minos to build Minos's Minoan Palace of Knossos. King Minos and Daedalus' relationship deteriorated, and Minos imprisoned Daedalus and Icarus in the Labyrinth, which was invented by Daedalus. Daedalus, in desperate need of escape, created two enormous pairs of wings made of osier branches and connected by wax. Daedalus warned Icarus to not fly too closely to the sun or the wax would melt, and Icarus would fall to his death. Icarus, being a young man and too enthusiastic about flying, inevitably flew too near the sun, destroying his wings and causing him to plummet to his death.Example: Fahrenheit 451Purpose: The story of Daedalus and Icarus depicts two possible purposes. The first purpose is to illuminate a relationship between father and son where the father attempts to teach his child a valuable lesson/rule/moral, but the son refuses to listen and must endure the consequences. The second purpose is to show a young man who is confined by something, such as a society, and attempts to break free from such confinement. damon and pythias Summary: Pythias is sentenced to death by Dionysius I, tyrant of Syracuse, he asks that he be given time to sort affairs under the condition that he leaves his friend Damon as hostage. When Pythias returns at the appointed time, Dionysius is so touched by this testament of true love and friendship that he releases both men.Example: An allusion to Damon and Pythias could be made by saying “Jack served as the Damon to Michael’s Pythias”.Purpose: Damon and Pythias exemplify a strong, devoted relationship between two friends. oracle at delphi Summary: Also known as Pythia, the Oracle at Delphi was a high priestess at The Temple of Apollo. It is claimed that she delivered oracles in a frenzied state after she inhaled the vapor from a crack in a rock. Her prophecies sounded like gibberish, but were turned into poetic dactylic hexameters preserved in Greek literature.Example: The MatrixPurpose: The Oracle in the Matrix is there to give a prophesy and also to guide the hero on his journey. She is meant for guidance. demeter (ceres) Summary: Demeter is the goddess of the harvest. One day, Persphone (Ceres' daughter) was kidnapped by Hades to the underworld. Ceres, in her quest to get her daughter back, searches all over the world. Grieving, she refuses to fulfill her duties as goddess of the harvest (which includes bringing fertility to the land and changing the seasons) and winter happens. Realizing this isn't sustainable, Zeus (king of the gods) strikes a deal with Zeus: Persephone will remain with Ceres part of the year, and for the remainder, live with Zeus. During this time, Ceres is depressed and the land is infertile, bringing about the change of seasons.Example: The Metamorphoses by OvidPurpose: Ceres is symbolic with fertility, and fluctuations in her mood correspond with the changes in the land and harvest. She is seen as a motherly figure and rescuer.Diana Summary: Diana had two sides to her personality - a boyish side that liked to hunt and a free spirit. She didn’t care for the companionship of men. Her maidens felt the same way she did. Everyone knew not to trespass in Diana's house because she would get very mean. One day, Actaeon (King Cadmus's grandson) trespassed through Diana's house where she was bathing with her nymphs. They spot him intruding but he doesnt turn back and they splash his eyes with water and then he realized they had made him into someone with antlers on his forehead. Example: "Old Greek Folk Stories" by Josephine Preston Peabody"Purpose: Actaeon not following the rules to stay away from Diana's house represents determination and courageousness. But it could also represent a good example for children not to disobey rules because there are consequences.Dionysus Summary: Dionysus is the god of the vine, grape harvest, winemaking, wine, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, and theatre. He is said to be very attractive. He was able to bring people back from the underworld, associating him with rebirth after death. When he drank wine, he would be possessed by a greater power, having supernatural powers he wouldn't have had before. Example: Walt Disney movie FantasiaPurpose: In modern literature, an allusion to Dionysus would represent something chaotic or irrational because of his personality. He can also be alluded to if someone were to have liquid courage, because of his feeling of superiority when drinking wine. echo and narcissus Summary: Echo was a beautiful nymph who was only able to speak the last words of the person who had spoken before her. When she messed with Hera. She fell in love with Narcissus, a young man. When Narcissus actually saw Echo, he rejected her, and she slowly turned to a stone that echoed back what anyway said. As punishment for Narcissus, he was made to fall in love with his own reflection in a pond, which he thought was a beautiful water creature. He lost all of his beauty since he stared so long and eventually died. Example: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- Narcissa Malfoy's characterPurpose: Narcissus' fate shows the dangers of being self-absorbed and narcissistic, while Echo's fate demonstrates that people must be careful of who they cross. This story could be used as a cautionary for others to discourage self-absorbed behavior. electra and orestes Summary: Electra and Orestes were the children of King Agamennon and Queen Clytemnesta. The queen was planning on killing the king and her son and when Electra heard, she sent her brother away to keep him safe. Later when the king returned from the Trojan war, the Queen or her lover Aegisthus murdered the King. When Orestes was 20, the Oracle of Delphi told him to return home and avenge his father's death. Him and Electra went back to their town, Mycenae, and Orestes killed his mother and Aegisthus.Example: Odyssey by HomerPurpose: This story represents internal struggle that exists in humans. Orestes has to decide if its worth it to avenge his father because if he does, that means killing the only parent he has left. Humans and characters have to make impossible decisions sometimes and both options always have consequences. elysian fields Summary: Also referred to as Elysium, it's the final resting place of the heroic in Greek mythology and religion. It's separate from the land of Hades is reserved for the afterlife of the mortals related to the Gods and heroes which later expanded to those who were chosen by the Gods. It's located in the Western Ocean at the edge of the world.Example: William Shakespeare's Twelfth NightPurpose: Alludes to the idea of forever being happy and in "paradise" after death. It can also tell you that the character was a hero of some sort and did something to deserve being there. In Twelfth Night Viola's brother "is in Elysium, paradise."the fates (3) Summary: The Fates (English for the Moirai) were white- robed incarnations of destiny. There were 3 fates: Clotho (spinner), Lachesis (allotter), and Atropos (unturnable). They controlled the life of every mortal for their whole life. The Fates were even more powerful than gods, although that did not stop the gods from trying to defy their power. The Fates were depicted as unmerciful and cold, but the Fates weren’t always deaf to helping others. They would spare lives if reasonable. Example: Sandra Cisnero's The House on Mango Street Purpose: Allusions to the Fates could be in reference to fate or telling the future. The fates also could allude to control or controlling/taking one's life. The three aunts in The House on Mango Street are an allusion to the Three Fates because of their ability to tell Esperanza's future and tell her she can't forget where she comes from. This is an allusion to the three fates because the three fates are able to see the future too and metaphorically "control the strings of life" in the mortal world. the furies (3) Summary: The Furies were three goddesses of vengeance and retribution who punished men for crimes against the natural order. They were particularly concerned with homicide, unfilial conduct, offenses against the gods, and perjury. A victim seeking justice could call down the curse of the Furies upon the criminal. The most powerful of these was the curse of the parent upon the child – for the Furies were born of just such a crime, being sprung from the blood of Uranus, when he was castrated by his son Cronus. Example: Dementors in the Harry Potter SeriesPurpose: The Furies are seen as frightening justice dealers that no one wants to be on the bad side of. In essence, just because they are protecting the law it does not always mean that they are good people because they go about punishment in a torturous and almost unlawful way. gorgans (3) Summary: The Gorgan sisters were three hideous winged creatures with snakes for hair, named Sthenno, Euryale, and Medusa. They had the power to turn anyone who looked into their eyes to stone. King Polydectes of Seriphus sent Perseus, the hero, on a mission to bring him the head of Medusa. King Polydectes thought Perseus would die in his attempt, and thus, he would be able to marry Perseus' mother. However, Perseus had the aid of the Gods on his side. He received several gifts from the Gods that would help him with this task, such as a reflective shield from Athena and a sword from Hephaestus. Using the reflective shield, Perseus was able to look at the deadly Gorgans and slice Medusa's head clean off with his sword. Example: MacbethPurpose: The Gorgans were often used to symbolize protection. Their image would be mounted on castle walls to keep intruders away. Warriors would have their image emblazoned upon their chest plate in order to keep attackers at bay. In Macbeth, the three witches offer protection in the form of prophecies that tell and warn of what is to come. the graces (3) Summary: Mythological three charites, daughters of Zeus who were said to represent youth/beauty (Thalia), mirth (Euphrosyne), and elegance (Aglaea).Example: Antonio Canova’s statue The Three Graces Purpose: They were depicted in classical art as naked women, holding hands and dancing in a circle. When alluded to, seen as "stereotypical women" being pretty, elegant, and youthful, not having many responsibilities. A female being compared to the 3 graces would not give the character much depth and leave them to be just a good-looking woman with not much other purpose, as the graces were only relevant because they were the daughters of Zeus.hades and persephone Summary: The myth of Hades, the God of the Underworld, and Persephone, the daughter of the God of Nature, is a very well-known one. Hades fell in love with Persephone and left the underworld to abduct her. Hades concocted a plan with his brother, Zeus, to steal her off of the earth and trap her in the underworld. Once she was taken, she lived very unhappily, but she eventually came to love Hades.Example: God of War moviePurpose: Since Persephone was abducted while picking flowers with friends, allusions to her usually imply a loss of innocence. Also, her 'fall' to the underworld can also be referenced when speaking of Lucifer's fall from heaven into hell, since he becomes the Devil and she becomes the Queen of the Underworld. harpiesSummary:Example: Purpose: Hecate Summary: Hecate is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She appeared in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and Theogony, where she is represented as a goddess. Today people see her as a Goddess of crossroads and many offerings were made to her on the night of the new moon. she is also a goddess of the night as she is linked to the darkest night.Example Macbeth - weird sistersPurpose: In the Crone archetype Hecate is divided into three versions to show the different stages of a woman's life. Theses stages are mother, maiden and Crone. She embodies womanhood. The witch archetype involves universal laws of nature, the conscious mind and powers that manifest to the their desires.Hector Summary: The eldest son of the Trojan King Priam and Queen Hecuba. He was a man who was said to be perfect. The best husband, a great father, a great brother, and friend. As the greatest fighter in Troy Hector lead the Trojan troops in the battle against the Achaeans. He killed Achilles best friend who he mistook for Achilles. Achilles came back and killed Hector in revenge. This war which was started from his brothers mistake when he fell in love with a beautiful woman named Helen of Troy who was married with Menelaus the brother of the King of Agamenmon the Achaean King.Example: Purpose: Even the most perfect man/person can fall.hecuba (also paris and priam) Summary: Hecuba was a queen in mythology. The wife of King Priam of Troy during the Trojan war, with whom she had 19 kids. Hecuba was believed to have a cursed son, so she was told to kill him. She was unable to do so, so she sent him away to the mountains to die. He eventually came back and destroyed the city of Troy. He began the trojan war and captured Helen. Hecuba was enslaved by odysseus.Example: The Three Stooges Meet HerculesPurpose: this shows that when she was told to kill her own son, she was unable to do so, but she would torture others who wouldn’t do her doings. She was a lady who gave birth to the biggest threat to the city of troy in its history and she was punished for that. She had done a great sin by not killing the child.helen of troy and leda Summary: Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus in swan form and Leda. Zeus came to Leda for protection when he was in swan form being chased by an eagle. Eventually, Leda and Zeus became intimate and Helen, the most beautiful woman to ever walk the Earth, was born. Because of her beauty, the Trojan War was started after she was kidnapped by Paris whilst being married to Menelaus by Paris whilst being married to Menelaus.Example: Romeo and Juliet by ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet by ShakespearePurpose: On the surface, On the surface, when Juliet is compared to Helen, it’s a testament to her true beauty - in a league with the most beautiful woman to ever exist. It is also a foreshadow to the conflict that will arise for her and her looks. The families' war and the violent engagement with Paris in the novel are hinted at, just like the Trojan War. hephaestus (vulcan) Summary: Hephaestus is the Greek god of metal working, craftsmen and volcanoes. He was the son of Zeus and Hera. In other versions, he was Hera's parthenogeneous son who was rejected for his deformity and he was thrown from Mount Olympus down to Earth. He made all the weapons for the gods. The cult of Hephaestus was based in Lemnos. Example: Hephaestus Alone By Linda GreggPurpose: Hephaestus was loved by all of the gods since he made their weapons. By alluding to him it could create a sense of popularity, reliance, but also, rejection. Since there was a version of the story where Hephaestus was rejected by his mother, by alluding to him it could show brokenness and loneliness.hera (juna)Summary:Example: Purpose: heracles (hercules, also the 12 labors) Summary: Divine hero in Greek mythology, considered the greatest of the Greek heroes, a paragon of masculinity. He carried out 12 Labors as a penance for the crime of killing his children while he was driven mad by Hera. He possessed extraordinary strength, wits, sexual prowess, and compassion and heroism.Example: God of War video game seriesPurpose: Hercales represented the masculine ideal in Greek culture, and his personality was larger than life. Universal themes of heroism, sacrifice, sin and redemption, and the classic underdog story are all present in Hercales mythology, and can be found in stories from all different kinds of cultures.hermes (mercury) Summary: Hermes is best known as the speedy messenger of the gods. He is also known as the trickster and the god of thieves, as well as being the god that helps guide souls to the afterlife. The caduceus (two snakes wrapped around a winged staff) and his winged helmet and sandals are some of his most recognized symbols.Example: The planet Mercury and the element mercuryPurpose: The planet was named after Hermes (known as Mercury in Roman mythology) due to it being the planet with the smallest and therefore, the quickest orbit. The element mercury (Hg) is also known as quicksilver because of its silver-like shine and liquid form. Hermes is often referenced as a trickster and being the quick messenger. Hermes's caduceus is also often mistakenly used as a symbol for medicine and health, confusing it with Asclepius's (the god of medicine) staff.Hydra Summary: The Hydra is a mythical monster who had a number of heads (the number varies), one of which was immortal. Anyone who tried to behead the Hydra discovered that chopping one head off caused two more heads to emerge from the fresh wound. The destruction of the Hydra became one of the 12 Labors of Heracles. Heracles and Iolaus, his nephew, managed to kill the Hydra by cauterizing the wounds caused by decapitation, preventing 2 new heads from emerging. The immortal head was finally revealed, decapitated, and buried under a heavy rock. Example: Percy Jackson and the Lightning ThiefPurpose: Any problem that has more than one core issue, if not dealt with effectively and immediately, will come back even worse.Hymen Summary: Hymenaios or Hymen is the god of the wedding; it is said that he had to be present at every wedding or the wedding would be disastrous.Example: He is often referenced as being a winged child carrying a torch in the bridal train.Purpose: Hymen not being present at a wedding may foreshadow tragedy.Hypnos (somnos) Summary: Hypnos is the personification of sleep. The Roman equivalent is known as Somnus. Hypnos lives in the underworld with his brother Thanatos ("death"). Hypnos is rumored to live in a cave where night and day meet, and the Lethe river (rvr of forgetfulness) is. His bed is made of ebony and different plants that induce sleep and hypnosis surround the entrance. He is known to be a calm and gentle God that helps humans in need. He owns half of humans lives because of sleep. Example: Sleeping BeautyPurpose: Sleeping Beauty is originally supposed to prick her finger and die, but one of the fairies lessens the curse by putting her and the town into a sleep instead. The purpose is to show the gentler side of sleep similar to how Hypnos was supposed to be gentler and kind. It also shows the relationship between sleep and death.jupiter (zeus) Summary: Prometheus, chained by Zeus' helpers and the blacksmith god Hephaestus to a boulder as punishment for giving fire and knowledge to mankind, converses with the Oceanids (sea nymphs), the chorus, and Io (a former lover of Zeus who he turned into a cow). He tells Io her fortune and foretells that Zeus will be overthrown. Aggravated, Zeus sends Hermes, the messenger god, down to find out who this future usurper is. When Prometheus does not tell who it is, he is struck into the abyss by Zeus.Example: Prometheus Bound by AeschylusPurpose: Zeus is angry that Prometheus foiled his plans to obliterate man. He is angered the most that there still exists a threat to his power, because man now has knowledge. Zeus wants to be (and arguably is) the most powerful being in existence. He may be portrayed in a more flattering light other times, but he is famed for his wrath. Labrynth Summary: King of Crete, Minos, instructed the well-known architect named "Daedalus" to build a labyrinth. Its purpose was to house a monstrous creature named Minotaur. King Minos conquered the Athens and requires King Aegeus to send maidens and young people to be sacrificed to the monster. Theseus, King Aegeus' son, was sacrificed until he met and fell in love with Adriadne, the daughter of King Aegeus. She offers to help him kill Minotaur successfully in exchange for marriage. Theseus conquers the labyrinth and kills the creature, but doesn’t marry Adriadne. Example: Robert Morris built a transparent triangular labyrinth in 2014. It relates to the Labyrinth because his transparent labyrinth has the same pattern design that the Labyrinth has in the story.Purpose: Conquering is a constant element seen in this story. King Minos has recently conquered the Athens, which makes him demand King Aegeus to send maidens and young people to be killed by the monster. This represents a feeling of being in power. Also, when Theseus made his way through the labyrinth and killed the creature, that represents a feeling of accomplishment because usually in stories, the monster is hiding a treasure in a secret place and they must be conquered in order to get the treasure. So, this could represent a sense of accomplishment.Lethe Summary: Lethe is one of the five rivers in the underworld, Hades. The river is called the river of forgetfulness because those who drank from it experienced complete forgetfulness. Many people believed souls had to drink from the river before being reincarnated so they would not remember their past life. Example: The Heroes of Olympus Percy Jackson series bookPurpose: Often in literature the river is referenced to imply that someone has forgotten something very important in their life. There was also a goddess Lethe, the goddess of forgetfulness, which artists and authors also make references to. For example, "looking like Lethe", insinuating that the character is unable to remember something. medea (also jason and the golden fleece) Summary: Jason came to claim his inheritance by retrieving the Golden Fleece, and Medea fell in love with him. She promised to help him get the Golden Fleece, but only if he would marry her. Jason had to complete a series of tasks to finally obtain the Golden Fleece, with Medea's help because she sedated the dragon guarding the fleece. Both of them eventually killed their fathers and it was found that a goddess had convinced Medea to get Jason to fall in love with her. However, they went on to have several kids.Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. RowlingPurpose: Can be represented by a series of tasks needed to obtain a status or item by a person, like in the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter. It can also have an ominous tone, though, since the Triwizard Tournament ended in Cedric Diggory's death. There can also be deception, since Jason was deceived by Meda and Harry was deceived by Voldemort. Overall, references to a series of challenges to obtain some sort of wealth or status could be filled with deception and death.Medusa Summary: Medusa was the daughter of Gaea(Earth) and Oceanus (Ocean). She was originally a blonde-haired, beautiful woman that devoted her life to celibacy as a priestess under Athena. But she fell in love with Poseidon and married him, which led to a terrible punishment by Athena. She turned each lock of hair into a snake, made her eyes blood shot, and made her skin a green tone. If she looked at anyone, they would turn into stone. She fled her home and turned into the monster she looked like. Later, Perseus cut the head off of her which killed her and her power over men.Example: Percy Jackson by Rick RiordanPurpose: Medusa's ability to turn men into stone shows her feminine power and her ability to return life back to the Earth. She was a symbol of a threat to the male race because of the control she had over them. So, in the end of the story her head is cut off, restoring man's power. Even though she is portrayed as a monster in stories, such as the "Percey Jackson" series, she symbolizes the power of women.menelaus (see also helen) Summary: He was the husband of Helen of Troy and the leader of the Spartans in the Greek Army during the Trojan war, in which he killed 8 men. Menelaus fought, and won the battle to marry Helen of Troy. Paris was promised the most beautiful woman in the world (Helen) by Aphrodite to marry which resulted in Menelaus killing Paris. He was one of the soldiers hidden in the Trojan Horse. He later dies and is reunited with Helen in the Isle of the Blessed.Example: Troilus and Cressida by William ShakespearePurpose: A leading figure in war or some position of high power. There are a lot of allusions to the Trojan Horse more specifically which was a strong part of Menelaus's history.mercury (hermes) Summary: Like Hermes, Mercury is the god of messages and trade. He wears winged shoes and a winged hat. He leads newly deceased souls to the afterlife and carries Morpheus' dreams to sleeping humans. He is said to be one of the most popular of the Gods. Example: DC comic book character FlashPurpose: References to Mercury could be allusions to being quick with messages or being swift. It also could allude to anything that has to do with mail. The comic book character Flash is depicted like Mercury. The author of the series made the connection to Mercury in order to show his god-like speed and his swift way of getting jobs done like a messenger. Midas Summary: Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus because Midas takes in Silenus, a good friend of Dionysus, and honors him with a ten day feast. Midas wished that everything he touches would turn to gold. Example: Midas Touch by Ellie Goulding Purpose: The story of Midas alludes to the idea of consequences that that may lead us to become slaves to our own desires. Any allusion to Midas may signify the idea of being careful for what you wish for. Minotaur Summary: The Minotaur was a monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull. He was the child of Queen Pasiphae and a majestic bull, gifted to Queen Pasiphae's husband, King Minos of Crete, by Poseidon. King Minos angered Poseidon by not sacrificing the bull to Poseidon, so Poseidon cursed Pasiphae with a passionate lust for the majestic bull. After the Minotaur was born, he was sent away into the Labyrinth after being declared too violent and hideous by his father. Afflicted with a hunger for humans, the Minotaur demanded a sacrifice of seven young virgins to feast on each year. Theseus, the future founder of Athens, volunteered to kill the Minotaur, and travelled to Crete. Ariadne, King Minos' daughter, fell madly in love with the young hero, and gave him a ball of string in order to help him find his out of the twisty labyrinth after slaying the beast. The minotaur was confronted by Theseus in the Labyrinth and was killed in a fist fight with him. Example: In Crete with the Minotaur Purpose: In literature, the Minotaur is viewed as a symbol of the struggle with one's animal nature. He can also more broadly represent internal conflict. In Jorge de Sena's short story, the Minotaur is described as being, "half bull and half man, as all men are." This quote exemplifies the animalistic tendencies in humanity that the Minotaur represents. muses (calliope, erato…) Summary: The Nine Muses were Greek goddesses who ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects. They were the daughters of Zeus, lord of all gods, and Mnemosyne, who represented memory. Memory was important for the Muses because in ancient times, when there were no books, poets had to carry their work in their memories. Calliope was the muse of epic poetry, Clio was the muse of history, Erato was the muse of love poetry, Euterpe was the muse of music, Melpomene was the muse of tragedy, Polyhymnia was the muse of sacred poetry, Terpsichore was the muse of dance, Thalia was the muse of comedy, and Urania was the muse of astronomy.Example: Daniel Quinn's My IshmaelPurpose: Allusions to a specific one of the muses normally references what they were the muse of. So, for example in My Ishmael, their the fictional planet Terpsichore is a land ravished by dancing, with dancing paralleling the rise of agriculture on Earth. Dancing (in an unspecified manner) speeds up the growth of the natives' "favorite foods.nemean Lion Summary: The Nemean Lion was a ferocious creature in Greek mythology that was immortal. Mortal weapons had no effect on it because its golden fur was impenetrable. The Nemean Lion was also said to be a henchman of Hades, the God of the Underworld. Eventually, Hercules killed the lion by strangulation.Example: Hamlet by William ShakespearePurpose: Due to the Nemean Lion's immense strength, the allusions mentioning it are usually in reference to strength, or a lack thereof for irony. Also, when someone who is expected win fails, they can be compared to the Nemean Lion.Nemesis Summary: the goddess of divine retribution and revenge, who would show her wrath to any human being that would commit hubris, i.e. arrogance before the gods. She was considered a remorseless goddess.Example: The Iliad by HomerPurpose: Achilles is the central character and greatest hero of Homer’s Iliad. His most important feat in the narrative is slaying the Trojan hero Hector. The two men are almost equal in strength and power on the battlefield, but it is when Hector kills Achilles’s beloved Patroclus that Achilles decides to destroy Hector at all costs. In the above excerpt, Achilles reveals his wrath just before killing Hector.NepetheneSummary:Example: Purpose: Neptune (Poseidon) Summary: The God of the sea and protector of all aquatic life, brother of Zeus and Hades, Poseidon or Neptune became the God of the sea after the three brothers overthrew their father Cronos. He married Amphitrite. He is also the god of horses, which he created to try and impress Demeter when he had a passion for her before. But by the time, through many miscreation, he had lost his passion for her. Example: Purpose: The plant was named after the god Poseidon due to its deep blue color. Odysseus (Ulysses) and PenelopeSummary: he was a legendary Greek king of Ithaca. He came up with the idea of a Trojan Horse to win the war. He spent most of his life travelling the seas. His wife Penelope would wait for him while suitors expecting Odysseus not to return would try and get her. He was faced with many daunting challenges through his adventures, but was able to defy them. He was able to come back home. Example: Odyssey- HomerPurpose: Odysseus showed many traits of a hero. Strength, courage, nobility, a thirst for glory, and confidence in his authority. Odysseus was able to use his wit and bravery to get him and his crew out of difficult situations and when faced with adversity overcame it.Orion Summary: Orion was a famed hunter in Greek mythology, known as a hero and immortalized in the stars, he met his fate when his head became too large. After countless hunts without failure, he claimed that he would slay every beast on Earth, but after Mother Earth heard his threat, she had to stop him. She sent a giant scorpion to kill him and when it did, both he and the creature were placed in the night sky.Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. RowlingPurpose: Harry Potter's father's best friend, Sirius was a protector of Harry and also had the ability to shape shift into an animal, of which his preferred form was a dog. Orion was placed in the stars among his dog Sirius who also was a faithful companion and protector. This links Harry to Orion, the great hero and slayer of creatures.pan (faunus) and Pan’s Pipes Summary: Pan is the god of the wild, Shepherd flocks, rustic music, and is known to be associated with sexuality. He has the hindquarters, legs, and horns like a goat. He's one of the very few gods to die. He supposedly died because Christ was born. He is symbolized by a pan flute. He fell in love with the nymph Syrinx and she was pleading to Zeus to save her. She then was captured by Pan and Zeus turned her into reeds. Pan found out the reeds had musical ability and turned them into an instrument, the pan pipe. Example: The Man Who Went Too Far by E.F. BensonPurpose: Pan was known for loving someone so much he made her into a musical instrument. Alluding to Pan could create feelings of intense love. Pandora and Pandora’s BoxSummary:Example: Purpose: Pegasus Summary: One of the most famous figures of Greek mythology, Pegasus was a divine winged stallion, often white in color. Pegasus was sired by Poseidon, god of the sea and horse riding. He aided the hero Bellerophon in his fight against the Chimera.Example: Many logos (ex. Mobil Oil Company)Purpose: Horses are often portrayed as free spirits, wild and incomprehensible unless they are tamed. But once they are tamed, they are loyal and heroic, just as Pegasus was. The iconic image of a winged horse can be found everywhere, since it represents the desire to be free and independent.Phoenix Summary: The Phoenix is depicted as a bird that bursts into flames when it dies and is reborn from its ashes. It is also commonly associated with the sun.Example: Harry Potter Series by JK RowlingPurpose: The phoenix in Harry Potter was shown to be reborn and also had powers to carry immense loads and its tears had healing powers. In the Chamber of Secrets, the phoenix's tears stopped Harry from dying and the tears were the onlyknown cure for the venom. This mirrors the phoenix being reborn, as Harry would have not been able to live without the bird. The phoenix mainly symbolizes rebirth, but also symbolizes the sun.Prometheus Summary: Prometheus is a Greek Titan who invented the human race. Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave the gift of fire to man. Although man was overjoyed to now have the gift of fire, which previously was seen as a gift from the gods, Zeus was furious with Prometheus and decided to punish Prometheus for his theft. Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where an eagle would feast on Prometheus's liver for eternity. Example: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Purpose: The purpose is to exhibit that there are consequences for crimes, no matter how good one's intentions were. Crimes deserve punishment, and Zeus believed that Prometheus deserved just that - a punishment. the river styx Summary: The River Styx or Hades is a river that represents the boundary between Earth and the Underworld. In ancient times, it was believed that placing a gold coin under the tongue upon death would facilitate the crossing of the Styx. Example: “The valley of ashes is bounded on one side by a small foul river, and when the drawbridge is up to let barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene or long as half an hour.” (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) Purpose: If a character were to enter the Styx and survive then it is said that they would become invulnerable.Satyrs Summary: The Satyrs were mythical creatures that roamed the woodlands. They commonly appear with the legs of goats. They are known to have big appetites and lust for women. This has earned them a reputation of being naughty. They are often dypicted holding wine glasssExample: HamletPurpose: Hamlet uses it as a comparison to show how his uncle Claudice was good with women. Hamlet also uses it to show his distaste for him by camparing him to a half animal. The Sirens Summary: The sirens are known for their enchanting song that lures men to their deaths. Odysseus, wanting to hear their song but unwilling to steer his ship astray, has his men tie him to the mast and plug their ears so they cannot hear the song nor Odysseus' pleas to be untied. This is successful, and Odysseus hears their song without consequence.Example: The Odessey by HomerPurpose: The sirens represent anything that is alluring and enchanting with deadly consequences. To be fooled by someone's "siren song" is to be led astray by something like empty promises only to pay for it in the end.Sisyphus Summary: Sisyphus found and was king of Ephyra (Corinth). He's the son of King Aeolus, and has a wife named Merope. In Ephyra, there was a concept of hospitality called the Xenia. Xenia was to be shown to all guests and travelers that came to the city. Sisyphus broke this rule by killing the guests and travelers. He did this to prove that he was a ruthless king. As a result of this, he was looked down upon by Zeus, who promoted the Xenia concept. Example: Albert Camus's "Myth of Sisyphus" philosophical writing.Purpose: The fact that Sisyphus acted out by not following the Xenia just to look good as a king represents how ego is a powerful and terrible thing. He went as far as actually killing the innocent travelers and guests just to please his ego. Zeus looking down upon him after his actions represents the higher power always having authority and that their rules should be followed at the end of the day.Tantalus Summary: Tantalus was the son of Zeus. He was admitted to Zeus's table in Olympus but was soon punished because he abused his rights as a god. He told mortals secrets he had learned in heaven, he killed his son Pelops and served it to the gods as dinner in order to test their observations, and he stole nectar and ambrosia (food of the gods) and gave it to the mortals to eat. Zeus punished him by making him stand in water up to his neck, which when he tried to drink it flowed away from him. There were also branches with fruit hanging from above the river which would sway away when Tantalus tried to eat. Example: novel American TantalusPurpose: Using a Tantalus allusion would most effectively be done when referring to someone who is facing punishment for abusing power. Another use of the allusion is to describe something useless, like Tantalus was when he stood in the river and was unable to do anything, including eat and drink. Thanatos Summary: Thanatos was the personification of death and was said to be indiscriminate and merciless and hated by both gods and mortals. He slayed a hero in Homer's epic Illiad. However, he could occasionally be outsmarted and was also said to give a peaceful death. Typically, gods were the only ones who could outsmart him. Zeus once assisted another god in cheating death by having someone switch places with him.Example: The Book Thief, by Markus ZusakPurpose: Most likely portrayed as death taking on life-like qualities, like when death is the narrator in Zusak's book. It can also show the dangers of cheating death, since death will always win in the end, even if it can be evaded once. It could serve as a warning for those who try and cheat death.Thor Summary: Thor was one of the most powerful Norse gods there were. He controlled lighting and thunder, the fertility of Earth, and protected the gods and humans from evil. Many religions looked up to him and respected his power and him as a god.Example: Marvel Comics by Stan LeePurpose: Thor symbolizes power and a hero that helps people and saves lives. In the Marvel Comics, Thor is a hero to the people of Earth and people feel safe when he's around. In the Viking Age when Christianization was occurring, Thor's hammer was almost like a symbol of rebellion against the religion. Titans Summary: In Greek mythology they are the second generation of divine beings. They ruled during the Golden Age and had incredible strength and power.Example: Movie- HerculesPurpose: In Hercules there are 5 titans who all have different strengths. They are usually alluded to represent a group with power and usually they have a higher status than others in the story. Trojan Horse Summary: The Trojan horse was used by the Greeks to hide a force of soldiers in and win the Trojan war. The Greeks pretended to sail away but left the horse for the Trojans as their "victory trophy." That night the Greek army force snuck out of the horse and destroyed the city of Troy so they were able to end the war. Example: Disney's Peter Pan Purpose: Any allusion to the Trojan horse could be in reference to a trick or strategy used to win something. In Peter Pan, the Trojan horse was alluded to when Captain Hook gave Peter the "present" from "Wendy" that was really a bomb. TROJAN WAR Summary: Helen fled to Troy with Paris because Aphrodite promised Paris he would get Helen. Menelaus organized the Greek war against Troy to get Helen back. The Greeks battled for ten years but could not defeat Troy. The fall of Troy occurred when the Greeks built the Trojan horse and placed it outside the walls of Troy. The Greeks stormed from the horse and opened the gates to allow their fellow warriors in and the Greeks conquered the City of Troy. Example: Monster's INCPurpose: The Trojan War can be alluded to show the dangers of pride. Meaning that all selfish actions lead to problems. Unicorn Summary: The unicorn was a mythological creature that has been described as a white horse-like beast with a single pointed horn in the center of its forehead. This horn was said to have the ability to turn tainted water pure and to heal sickness and disease. Although they were beautiful creatures, they were also ferocious and wild and known to maim and kill hunters. The only people who could tame these wild beats were young virgin girls. Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Purpose: Due to the fact that only virgin girls could tame them as well as the skill they had of being able to turn tainted water clean, unicorns were seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. In literature, unicorns are often used to highlight something morally good and sound. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, unicorn blood is said to be extremely powerful due to its purity and was the thing that kept Voldemort alive. Utopia Summary: Utopia/Arcadia is a vision of pastoralism and harmony with nature, derived from the Greek province of the same name which dates to antiquity. The province's mountainous topography and sparse population of pastoralists later caused the word Arcadia to develop into a poetic byword for an idyllic vision of unspoiled wilderness. Arcadia is a poetic shaped space associated with bountiful natural splendor and harmony.Example: The Giver by Lois LowryPurpose: The idea of a Utopian society derives from this greek mythology place of perfect harmony and peace. Endless pieces of literature install this allusion to create a setting of perfect order, with the purpose of getting the idea across that the place has nothing wrong with it. Almost all of the time, the seemingly Utopian society is revealed to be dystopian because in trying to be perfect, an incredible amount of issues arise. In The Giver, Jonas' town is, on the surface, perfect with everyone having equal opportunity for jobs, not seeing color, living in perfect family units, and constant government surveillance.Vulcan Summary:The Vulcan is the roman God of Fire. He controls volcanoes, metalworking and the forge. With his metalworking skills, he made gods like Achilles invincible withh armor. He is usually associated with both the destructive and fertilizing powers of fire.Example: The novel God of WarPurpose: Since he was a skilled metalworker, Vulcan ids often mentioned when someone is skilled at making something. There is also the Festival of Vulcan, which is celebrated on August 23rd when the heat caused granaries and fields to be more at risk for burning. Mythological AllusionsACHILLES and PATROCLUS Summary: Achilles and Patroclus are lovers both fighting against the Trojans in the Trojan war. Achilles, refusing to fight for Agamemnon, refuses to come out of his tent and won't fight. Lacking their greatest warrior, the Greeks suffer and the war turns in favor of the Trojans. Patroclus makes a compromise: Achilles doesn't have to fight, but Patroclus will wear Achilles's armor and pretend to be him so the Trojans will be intimidated. Patroclus is slain by Hector in battle. Furious and grief stricken over the loss of his companion, Achilles kills Hector and drags his body behind a chariot and throws him into the garbage.Example: The relationship between Bucky Barnes and Steve Rodgers in "Captain America: The First Avenger."Purpose: In the movie Bucky and Steve were close friends since childhood like Achilles and Patroclus. Bucky (representing Patroclus) seemingly dies in the middle of the movie. Also like A&P, some argue that Bucky and Steve are lovers as opposed to close friends. This was alluded to in order to illustrate the close bond between Bucky and Steve.Adonis Summary: In Greek mythology, Adonis was born from a myrrh tree. His mother, Smyrna, prayed to the gods to be refused life and death after she had sex with her father, so the gods turned her into a tree. In time, the tree cracked and Adonis was born. Because of his beauty, even in his infancy, Aphrodite hid Adonis away in a chest and entrusted it with Persophone. But after Persephone held him, she would not give him back. To settle the dispute, Zeus divided each year into three parts, one third for Aphrodite, one third for Persephone and one third for Adonis to be by himself. However, Adonis chose to spend his own third with Aphrodite and they became lovers. Aphrodite warned Adonis to only hunt safely, but one day, Adonis met with a wild boar. The boar attacked him and Adonis died in Aphrodite's arms. When he died, she sprinkled his blood with nectar and the anemone (wind flower) was made. Many believe that it was either Ares, Artemis or Apollo who sent the boar to kill Adonis for revenge. Example: Death of a Salesman by Arthur MillerWilly to his sons: "That's why I think Almighty Gods you're both built like Adonises. Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead."Purpose: The reference to Adonis is made to express Willy's superficial view that anyone can get through life by being attractive and well-liked. It also shows that Willy has a delusional, god-like view of his sons that's similar to the American dream. Since Adonis was eventually killed/murdered even though he was considered so beautiful, this could also foreshadow how his sons won't become the god-like beings he saw them as. Agamemnon Summary: In Greek Legend Agamemnon was the King of Mycenae who was give the King's Scepter by Zeus himself. He led the army in the Trojan War in the book Homer's Iliad. He was said to be a fantastic warrior but far too greedy to be a good leader. He was the sole reason the Greeks fought so poorly for so long because he pissed of Achilles so much that he refused to fight for the army. He married Clytemnestra and had three daughters in is time as King and War hero. Example: Leda and the Swan By William Butler YatesPurpose: The poem was written about how Zeus turned himself into a swan to rape Leda. After the rape Leda was impregnated with her daughter Helen of Troy who was the cause of the Trojan war which was fought by Agamemnon. Ambrosia Summary: In Greek myths, ambrosia is the food or drink of the gods, and it is believed that whoever consumes it will live longer or become immortal. It was sometimes used for celebration purposes, as when Heracles achieved immortality and was given ambrosia by Athena. It could also be used to revive someone's beauty or consciousness. Ambrosia is typically associated with nectar; ambrosia is thought to be food, while nectar is a drink. Example: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront?Purpose: In Chapter 8, Bront? writes, "We feasted that night as on nectar and ambrosia". This suggests that the characters consumed a delicious meal and ate as much as they desired. Bront? uses this simile to compare the characters to gods and the food to a meal fit only for gods, implying that the dinner exceeded all expectations.ANTIGONE Summary: Antigone was the daughter or Oedipus and his mother Jocasta. In the year after her father’s banishment and death, she returned to Thebes to prevent a prophecy that her brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, will kill each other, but upon her return she finds out that they are both already dead. Eteocles has had a proper burial but Polyneices has not because the new king Creon has issued an edict forbidding it since he views Polyneices as a traitor. Antigone breaks this edict and buries her brother but is caught and for her punishment she is locked in a tomb and kills herself. Her fiancé, Creon’s son Haemon, pleads to get her released, and his father finally agrees, but it is too late and Haemon kills himself out of despair. Unable to deal with the death of her son Creon’s wife Eurydice also kills herself, leaving Creon alone in his sorrow. Example: Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Purpose: The ending of Romeo and Juliet has many parallels to the story of Antigone. Both have someone who breaks a ruler’s orders, lovers who kill themselves, and they both scenes in a tomb. The results of the suicides are also similar in both stories. In Antigone, Creon realizes that his petty edict was not worth the cost of his family, and in Romeo and Juliet the Montagues and Capulets realize that their feud was not worth the lives of their children aphrodite (venus) Summary: Aphrodite was the goddess of beauty, love, and sex. Aphrodite was born from Uranus's castration by his son Cronus and the tossing of the genitals in the sea. After this act Aphrodite then rose from sea foam walked to the shore of Cyprus. Zeus made Aphrodite marry his son, Hephaestus, but Aphrodite was not happy with this match and cheated on her husband with Ares the war god. Eros, the god of love, is Aphrodite's most famous child. Aphrodite won the title of goddess of beauty by being chosen as the most beautiful by Paris.Example: The Winter's Tale by William ShakespearePurpose: In the play the character Hermione is often times referred to as Harmonia, which is an epithet for Aphrodite. This allusion serves to emphasize Hermione's beauty and how the issues of the play center around it.Apollo Summary: Apollo is the Greek god of the sun, archery, music, poetry, prophecy, knowledge, plague, and medicine. He is the son of Zeus and Leto and twin brother of Artemis. A known symbol of Apollo is the lyre, an instrument he plays, or a bow and arrow. Apollos temple is the Oracle at Delphi. This site was designated as Apollos when Zeus decided it was the center of importance on earth and gave it to his son. At first no one lived there because of a giant python. Apollo slayed the python but still had the issue of convincing people to move there. Because people couldn’t bear seeing Apollo in his natural form, he came in the shape of a dolphin. As a dolphin, he convinced a group of Crete’s to move there by promising there would be plenty of resources and people passing through there. The site became quite populated and resourceful because of the oracle there so the people named the site after Apollo-Delphi, which is Greek for dolphin.Example: The Apollo spacecraftsPurpose: There are many reasons to allude to Apollo. An obvious allusion would be in reference to the sun or light because he is the god of the sun or something to do with archery because he is also the god of archery. On a deeper level, it can be used to show great knowledge or wisdom. The Apollo space crafts were named because they were created for the pursuit of knowledge. Although, being that Greek mythology and astronomy are closely related, the fact that the Apollos were meant to explore space could have had an influence on its name. arachneSummary:Example: Purpose: Ararat Summary: Ararat is known as the "holy mountain" of the Armenian people and the traditional resting place of Noah's Ark. Over many years, people have explored the sacred mountain looking for the remains of Noah's Ark. Example: Dormacy Through the Strife, a poem by BJ FardPurpose: The poem reads, "For the tribulation/I receive little glory/that's not the moral/but the principal of the story/a foundation for tales/taller than mount Ararat". Writers compare things to the mountain because it is one of the mountains with the largest volume in the world, famous for being difficult to climb. Using a hyperbole saying that tales are "taller than mount Ararat" emphasizes the poet's point. ares (mars) Summary: Son of Zeus and Hera, Ares is the Greek god of war. He represents the untamed and violent nature of war while his sister, Athena, represents generalship and strategy. He was known by Greeks and his father, Zeus, to be the most hateful of gods. Ares is most often portrayed as having many affairs and is often subject to humiliation. Both Aphrodite (the goddess of love) and Eos were his lovers.Example: Greek sports club, Aris (Ares)Purpose: Many sports clubs in modern-day Greece dub themselves "Ares" to show their ruthlessness against other teams. Not only is Ares often incorporated into their names, but also as their emblem.Ariel Summary: The daughter of Triton and the granddaughter of the sea god Poseidon Example: The Little MermaidPurpose: athena (minerva)ynea HutchinsonSummary: Athena is the daughter of Zuse. She sprang from his forehead. She is known for her intelligence, great art and literature. She is a ferocious battler, however she only fight to defend the state against enemiesExample: Taming of the Shrew William Shakespeare. “Hear Minerva speak.” — Lucentio (1.1.84)Purpose: When Minerva is referenced it could be a reference to great intelligence as it is used in Lucentio's reference.Atlas Summary: In Greek mythology Atlas was a Titan condemned to hold up the sky for eternity after the Titanomachy. Commonly associated with the Atlas Mountains located in North West Africa. Atlas was the son of Lapetus (another titan). Atlas and his brother Menoetius sided with the Titans in the war against the Olympians. After the Titans defeat many of them were condemned to Tartarus yet Atlas was set to stand at the western edge of Gaia and hold up the sky on his shoulders making him Atlas Telemon, "enduring Atlas".Example: Reference books. Atlas of the World. Purpose: Atlas' punishment for going against the Olympians was to hold up the sky thus keeping the world in harmony. Rather ironic as he (Atlas) wanted to ruin the harmony now keeping harmony together. His representation is to reflect cause and effect. aurora (eos) Summary: Aurora, meaning "dawn" in Latin, is the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn. Aurora renews herself every morning and flies across the sky in her chariot announcing the beginning of a new day. Example: Purpose: bacchus / bachanalBurke HARMANSummary: A crazed party with alcohol, drugs, and ecstatic sexual experimentation, along with wild music Example: Animal House (movie)Purpose: Calypso( ) Summary: Calypso is a figure in Greek mythology who lives by herself on the island Ogygia. She is the daughter of the Titan, Atlas. She fought alongside the Titans when they fought the gods of Olympus. After the war, the Olympians cursed her to the Island of Ogygia. The fates made sure that heroes would land on her island and that she would fall in love with them. Example: The Odyssey by HomerPurpose: Within The Odyssey, Calypso represents temptation for Odysseus. She offers him a new life which he could have easily accepted. He could have chosen to leave his wife in his past but he chooses to continue his journey home. He resists the temptation (Calypso) and carries on home. Centaur( )Summary: Centaurs, which are popular in Greek Mythology are half-horse, half-man. Centaurs were generally depicted exhibiting wild behavior and were known to be beast like. An exception to this was Chiron, a centaur who became a teacher and archer. He taught many of the popular Greek heroes including Jason, Achilles, and Hercules.Example: The Centaur by May SwensonPurpose: The Centaur, depicts a girl riding a horse. Throughout the poem the girl begins to feel as though she has become a part of the horse as a centaur would be. Cerberus Summary: Cerberus also known as the hound of hades is a multi-headed beast who guards the doors of the underworld to prevent the dead from escaping. Cerberus is the child of the beasts Echidna and Typhon. Example: The devil from the movie, "Insidious."Purpose: Cerberus represents evil and fear. His purpose was to keep the dead from leaving the underworld. He brought fear to all people, from his looks and his harsh personality. Just like the Devil from the movie Insidious, who keeps the boy locked up in his special room for months. Chaos Summary: Chaos was the origin of everything, and the first thing to ever exist. Chaos was the primordial void, which created everything from the universe, to the Gods themselves. Chaos was also a place, just like the Underworld and the Heavens, where the Titans live. Example: The Courts of Chaos by Roger ZelaznyPurpose: Chaos represents uncertainty and lack of order. The origin of Chaos is unknown along with how it works. In the story, the main character, Corwin, must travel into the Chaos and discover the lack of order that Chaos holds.charonSummary:Example: Purpose: Chimera Summary: The Chimera is a female monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake. She is an omen of natural disasters.Example: The Beast from "Beauty and the Beast"Purpose: The Beast, like the Chimera is a combination of several creatures (buffalo horns, lion face, boar tusks, hyena body, legs and tail of wolf). This is done to make the Beast scarier and illustrate the conflicts within himself.Circe Summary: She is the daughter of Helios and Perse and is the goddess of magic and sorcery. She is known for being sexual, deceitful, greedy and for turning her enemies into animals with the use of witchcraft. And her home resides on the island of Aeaea. Example: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway "He calls her [Brett", he said. "He claims she turns men into swine." Purpose: Brett being compared to Circe makes sense because her character is known for seducing men who like her to a kind of animal-like state of worship and abjection. Clytemnestra Summary: Clytemnestra was the wife of Agamemnon King of Argos she had three children with him. She was the daughter of Tynderus and Leda. Clytemnestra hated her husband for killing their daughter and her 1st husband and forcing her to marry him. So, she had an affair and eventually killed her husband due to her hatred.Example: Agatha Christie's NemesisPurpose: She is used in the story in comparison by the character Clotilde Bradbury-Scott who also said she could see the girl killing her husband like Clytemnestra. cupid (eros) and Psyche Summary: Psyche, one of the king's three daughters, is extremely beautiful. Some say that she is even more lovely than Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, which upsets Venus tremendously. Venus sends her son Cupid to make sure that Psyche falls in love with something hideous, but Cupid ends up falling for Psyche. Psyche is summoned to a castle to be with Cupid, but Cupid conceals his identity by always coming at night in the dark. One night, to see her husband, Psyche lights a lamp over him but spills oil on him, so Cupid leaves her. Venus then makes Psyche complete impossible tasks to win Cupid's love, but Cupid helps her each time and they finally end up together.Example: Beauty and the Beast storyPurpose: The love story in Beauty and the Beast carries many parallels to the Cupid and Psyche story, but one such parallel stands out; the male lover's identity is hidden in some way. In Cupid and Psyche, Cupid never shows his face, while in Beauty and the Beast, the beast used to be a man, but Belle falls in love with him nonetheless. Additionally, the way in which Belle is taken into the beast's castle is a clear allusion to the Cupid and Psyche myth. cyclops Summary: On his journey home, Odysseus and his men stop on an island and chance upon a cave full of food and begin to eat but Polyphemus the cyclops traps them. Polyphemus then begins to kill and eat two of Odysseus’s men every day until Odysseus comes up with a plan. One-night Odysseus offers Polyphemus some wine and while he is disoriented he stabs him in the eye, blinding him. Odysseues and his men then escape on the underside of Polyphemus’s sheep. Example: Hansel and Gretel Purpose: Like Odysseus and his men, Hansel and Gretel were lured into the witch’s house by the fact that it was made of candy and where then captured by the witch. Also, just like Odysseus, they outsmarted the witch and knocked her into the oven, then escaped. daedalus and icarus Summary: Daedalus was a famous inventor that was ordered by King Minos to make a labyrinth in which a minotaur was trapped. Daedalus helped Theseus slay the minotaur and because of the King Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus, in the labyrinth. To escape Daedalus crafted wings out of twine, wax and feathers. Before the two flew off Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too close the sun because the wax would melt and he would fall and not to fly too close to the sea because the wings would become damp and useless. As they flew the Icarus followed the instructions at first, but soon became too proud and flew too close to the sun. The wax melted and he fell to his death. Daedalus was forced to continue on and when he landed he made a temple for Apollo.Example: Farenheight 451 by Ray BradburyPurpose: The purpose of the allusion to Daedalus and Icarus in the book is too demonstrate how Montag had become too proud. This pride like Icarus's pride brought Montag close to death and flames. The reason this reference was included was to warn the reader of the negative effects of too much pride.damon and pythias Summary: Damon and Pythias were best friends that loved each other more than themselves. One day, Pythias angered a tyrant and was sentenced to death by crucifixion. His only wish was that he could see his mother one last time and ensure his sister was safely married. Damon, try as he might, was unable to convince the tyrant or Dionysius to repeal the sentence. Instead, Damon offered to take Pythias place in prison so he could see his mother and find a husband for his sister. Dionysius allowed this with the condition that if Pythias were to not make it back in time, Damon would take his place on the cross. On the way back from his mothers, Pythias ran into many troubles that slowed his progress leading to him at the last moment when Damon was about to be nailed to the cross. The entire time Pythias was on his journey, Dionysius taunted Damon saying Pythias wasn’t coming back now that he was safe. Damon never lost hope in his friend but Dionysius was shocked when Pythias returned. Moved by this act of dedication and devotion to his friend, Dionysius and the tyrant allowed both men to live.Example: Shakespeare's Hamlet"O Damon dear" -Hamlet to HoratioPurpose: An allusion to Damon and Pythias would be to show the great bond of friendship and a willingness to make huge sacrifices for someone you care deeply about. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet and Horatio have a strong friendship which is compared to that of Damon and Pythias when Hamlet says, “O Damon dear.” Horatio supports Hamlet wholeheartedly and only questions him once the entire play. His devotion is truly revealed when he chooses to impale himself rather than live on without Hamlet. Hamlet adored Horatio just as much which is seen by the fact that he entrusts Horatio to tell his story.oracle at delphiSummary:Example: Purpose: demeter (ceres) Summary: Demeter was the goddess of corn, grain, and harvest. She made the crops grow each year and was also associated with the seasons. With anger and grief, she laid a curse on the earth killing all the plants while taking away all the gifts she gave it and created winter. The phrase "Mother Earth" is based on this goddess.Example: Demeter Fragrance LibraryPurpose: This is a company named after the Greek goddess, Demeter. It sells fragrances that capture the smell of gardens and nature, reflecting earth's natural essences that Demeter created. Diana Summary: Diana is the Greek goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature and has the power to talk to and control animals. She was one of few maiden goddesses, meaning she swore to never marry. She was also known as the virgin goddess of women and childbirth. Oak groves and deer were considered very sacred to her.Example: William Shakespeare's Romeo and JulietPurpose: When describing Rosaline, Romeo says that "she hath Dian's wit," showing that Rosaline, like Diana, is independent and confident as well as intelligent.Dionysus Summary: Dionysus is the Greek God of fertility, art and wine. He was one of the only Gods who could bring people back from the underworld. He never met his mother because she was killed before birth and went down to the underworld to save her. He was known to be a dual natured God. You would never know if he would bring joy and ecstasy or brutality and rage.Example: Her temper was that of DionysusPurpose: The reference to Dionysus can be used to display a very unpredictable temper. It could also be in reference to the way a child is brought into the world because his mother died during his fetal stage.echo and narcissus Summary:Echo: She was a nymph who was a lover of Zeus who was used by Zeus to distract his jealous wife. When Hera (Zeus's wife) found out she was being decieved she cursed echo to only be able to speak when someone spoke to her then seeing that this wasn't enough Hera made it so Echo could only repeat the last sentence of the person talking to her.Narcissus: He was a handsome man who rejected Echo for only being able to repeat what he said. IN one version of the myth Echo cursed him so when Narcissus would look into the water he wouldn’t be able to look away. He then withered away and died at the side of the water. Another version states that when Narcissus looked at the water he wasn't able to look away but out of pity Echo turned him into a flower. Example: Personal Helicon, a poem by Seamus Heaney. Purpose: Arrogance and pride. Echo's pride to be talkative resulted in her being cursed and Narcissus was too arrogant to love anyone as much as he loved himself thus in the end remaining alone forever.electra and orestes Summary: Electra and Orestes are two siblings who plot to kill their mother Clytemnestra, and step father Aegisthus as revenge for the murder of their father Agamemnon, the king of Argos. Clytemnestra held a grudge against Agamemnon for sacrificing their first-born daughter and returning home from the Trojan war with another woman as a prize. Clytemnestra cursed Orestes before he killed her, and the Furies haunted him and urged him to kill himself for his violation of family ties.Example: Purpose: elysian fieldsBurke HarmanSummary: a plane of existence reserved for the souls of the most heroic and virtuous individuals. All other souls resided in the Underworld, with the exception that the most vile were sent to Tartarus.Example: Avenue des Champs-?lysées in ParisPurpose: An Oasis of sorts for those deemed worthy enough the fates (3) Summary: The Fates are the three goddesses who determine human destiny in Greek mythology. Clotho spun the "thread" of human life, Lachesis dispensed the thread, and Atropos cut the thread (signifying death). Example: Harry Potter by J.K Rowling Purpose: The Fates provide mortals with destiny and determine their purpose in life. In many cases, they are thought to be one whole entity. In Harry Potter, Harry receives a prophecy that holds his fate and destiny similar to those that the fates in greek mythology dealt out. the furies (3) Summary: The Furies were the 3 goddesses of vengeance. They punished those who broke any rules or laws without any mercy. Mortals came to them with complaints about others.Example: Purpose: gorgans (3) Summary: the Gorgans are three sisters who are all monsters. Their names are Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa. They are the three daughters of Phorcys and Ceto. They are known to turn anyone who looks at them right to stone, and have snakes as their hair. Example: The movie, "Hocus Pocus"Purpose: The three witches in this movie are kind of representing modern day Gorgan sisters. They are witches who bring trouble and fear to everyone. Just like the Gorgan sisters in the underworld. the graces (3) Summary: The Graces are three sisters who are descendants of Zeus. The Graces are the attendants of Aphrodite, the Godess of beauty, and love. They are well known for their grace and beauty.Example: A dancer is often referred to as a Grace because of their beauty and finesse.Purpose: Graces are used to describe something of great beauty, and elegance. In mythology, the Graces were beautiful sisters that served under the Godess of beauty.hades and persephoneSummary:Example: Purpose: Harpies Summary: Harpies are creatures that are half woman and half bird. They are the personification of storm winds and work under Zeus. They are said to be ugly and generally unpleasantExample: The Taming of the ShrewPurpose: Katherine is similar to a harpy, being unpleasant and undesirable. This was to highlight her unlikability. Hecate Summary: Hecate is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She is the only child of the Titans Perses and Asteria from whom she received her power over heaven, earth and sea. Because of this, she is usually depicted with three faces. She had also guided the goddess Demeter through the night with her torches in search of Persephone. Her animal familiars are the black she-dog and the polecat. The dog was the Trojan Queen Hecuba who leapt into the sea after the fall of Troy and was transformed by Hecate. The polecat is either the witch, Gale, who was transformed as a punishment or Galinthias, the midwife of Alkmene, who was transformed by the goddess, Eileithyia, and then adopted by Hecate. Example: Shakespeare's Hamlet"Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected, with Hecate's ban thrice blasted, thrice infected, thy natural magic and dire property on wholesome life usurp immediately."Purpose: Hecate is referred to as the source of the poison being poured into the king's ear because she is the powerful goddess of magic and necromancy. Hector Summary: Hector was the Price of Troy who was thought to be the greatest fighter/ warrior in the Trojan War. He deiced that in order to end the war they must have the best warriors from both side duel and so he and the Greek warrior Ajax fought to a stalemate which neither of them could with and admired both for their talents. He finally was murdered by Achilles. Example: Inferno by DantePurpose: When Dante wakes up in Limbo which is the place where virtuous non-Christians go he finds Hector most likely because Hector was a virtuous man and great warrior but because he was not christian he didn't fit anywhere else. hecuba (also paris and priam) Summary: Hecuba was the queen of Troy as Priam's second wife. She had a vision when she was pregnant with her son Paris that he would eventually destroy the city of Troy, so she ordered him to be killed after he was born. He was saved by a shepherd, however, and years later did ruin the city. She became a slave to Odysseus, and upon learning that the new king Polymestor had killed her son, she tore out his eyes and murdered his sons. For this, she was turned into a dog. Example: Shakespeare's HamletPurpose: Hamlet asks a player to recite Hecuba's speech when Priam dies in order to highlight a contrast between Hecuba and Gertrude, his mother. Hamlet believes that Hecuba acted appropriately in regards to her husband's death, and he wants Gertrude to see the difference between her actions and Hecuba's. helen of troy and leda Summary: Leda was desired by Zeus, who came down to earth in the form of a swan and raped her. That same day she slept with her husband Tyndareus which resulted in her becoming pregnant with both of their children. She later gave birth to two sets of eggs each one containing a set of twins. One with Helen and Clytemnestra and the other with Castor and Pollux. Helen was considered the most beautiful woman in the world and went on to marry Menelaus, but attracted the attention of the prince of Troy, Paris. Paris then kidnapped Helen, which was said to be the cause of the Trojan War. Example: The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher MarlowePurpose: In the play, when Faustus summons Helen he asks her if she was the “face that launched a thousand ships” which is an allusion to the fact that Helen was the main cause of the Trojan War and that her beauty was so great that it was worth a 10 year battle. hephaestus (vulcan) Summary: Vulcan was the god of fire, volcanos, smiths, and metal working. When he was born his parents, Hera and Zeus, threw him off Mount Olympus because he was so deformed. This made him stand out among the other gods because all other gods were divinely perfect were as Vulcan was ugly. He was married to Aphrodite by order of his father in order to cease the gods fighting of her hand in marriage. He played an important role on Mount Olympus by being the weapon maker of the gods.Example: None specificPurpose: An allusion to the Greek god Vulcan is included in literature in order to illustrate a common archetype. This archetype would apply to a character that faces physical disabilities yet still excels at a task at a higher level than anyone else. Another purpose of an allusion to Vulcan would be to demonstrate that a character is talented with mechanical or crafting tasks. hera (juna) Summary: Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth as well as rules over Olympus with her husband and brother, Zeus. Before their marriage, Zeus attempted to seduce Hera many times but failed. He then turned himself into an injured bird which Hera picked up and held tightly to her chest, unaware that the bird was her brother Zeus. Zeus then turned back into himself, raped her, and she married him to hide her shame. After they were married they had three children: Hephaestus, Ares, and Eris. Hera is a very jealous goddess because Zeus often has affairs with other goddesses and mortal women. Hera often gets revenge on Zeus’ mistresses and their children. One of the more famous stories of Hera’s revenge is the story of Hercules.Example: "Juno" 2007 film Hera Womens Cancer FoundationPurpose: Alluding to Hera can have many meanings. Referencing her could be a form of empowerment because she took matters into her own hands whenever Zeus cheated on her. This can be seen in the Hera Women’s Cancer Foundation because it empowers and supports women who have fallen victim, in this case to cancer. An allusion to Hera can also be seen in the movie “Juno.” Hera’s Roman name is Juno. This is an appropriate name for the main character and title of the movie because it is about a pregnant girl and Hera/Juno is the goddess of childbirth.heracles (hercules, also the 12 labors)Summary:Example: Purpose: hermes (mercury) Summary: Hermes is an Greek Olympian god and is the son of Zeus and Pleiad Maia. He was the messenger of the gods as well as the god of trade, thieves, boundaries and transitions. He was known to be quick, deceptive and cunning as he moved between the mortal and divine worlds. Example: Mercury Car CompanyPurpose: This automobile company was named for the Greek messenger, Hermes. The idea was that since Hermes never failed to deliver messages, one was sure to arrive quickly and safely in a Mercury car just like Hermes' messages. Hydra Summary: A serpent-like monster in Greek mythology. Hydra has nine heads, but if you cut of one of its heads, two grow back. However, the monster does have one immortal head. As one of his Labors, Heracles (Hercules) kills the Hydra.Example: William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of OthelloPurpose: In The Tragedy of Othello, Cassio states "He shall tell/ me I am a drunkard... Had I as many mouths as/ Hydra, such an answer would stop them all." Cassio alludes to Hydra because the monster has nine heads and, therefore, nine mouths. The purpose is that if he had nine mouths, he could tell everyone what they wanted to hear. Hymen Summary: Hymen is the god of marriage. He is either the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite or Apollo and Muses depending on who you ask. The story goes that he falls in love with a girl who he was unable to talk to, so he dressed up as a girl to befriend her. He used this to capture pirates and teach women how to do so themselves. Example: Hamlet Purpose: Hymen is used to symbolize someone giving their blessing to a marriage about to happen.Hypnos (somnos) Summary: Hypnos is a primordial God he is the Greek personification on sleep. He lived in a cave in the underword with his twin brother Thanatos. He is the son of night and darkness. Hypnos work made a deal with Hera to trick Zeus into deep sleep in order for her get revenge on Hercules once he awoke Zeus was enraged. He refused to in exchange for Pasithea as a wife. Example: The hypnos endused sleepPurpose: When Hypnos is referred to in a text it is usually to represent a deep sleepjupiter (zeus) Summary: Jupiter was the God of the Sky and Lightning. The romans thought Zeus to be Jupiter's equivalent. Jupiter was the brother of Neptune and Pluto, the roman equivalent being Poseidon and Hades. The childhood of Zeus is an important theme in Greek religion, art and literature. Example: "By Jove!" Saying representing Oh Jupiter! Purpose: Witness to oaths and loyalty. labrynthSummary: The Labyrinth is an elaborate maze built by the architect Daedalus with the purpose of containing the Minotaur, a beast that is half man half bull. Example: Purpose: 0LetheBurke HarmanSummary: Lethe was the name of the Greek spirit of forgetfulness and oblivion, with whom the river was often identifiedExample: Purpose: Some ancient Greeks believed that souls were made to drink from the river before being reincarnated, so they would not remember their past lives.medea (also jason and the golden fleece) Summary: Medea is the daughter of King Aeetes and husband of hero Jason in Greek mythology. Medea meets Jason when he comes to claim the golden fleece of King Aeetes. The Golden Fleece was said to represent royal power and kingship. The King agrees to give the golden fleece if he completed three tasks. Jason agreed to let Medea help him in completing the three tasks. Jason completed the first two tasks and moved on to the third task of slaying the sleepless dragon that guarded the fleece. Medea helped by giving the dragon sleeping herbs. Jason was then able to slay the dragon and claim the golden fleece. Example: King ArthurPurpose: In King Arthur, the sword excalibur is a symbol of leadership and kingship. The sword plays the same role the golden fleece as they both represent a symbol of royalty and authority.Medusa Summary: Medusa was one of the 3 Sisters known as Gorgons. Her sisters were both immortal but she was mortal. Medusa however, was the only one with snake hair and a hideous appearance as she was cursed with these by Athena. Her look would turn those who looked into her eyes to stone forever. The most famous story involving Medusa is her beheading by the Greek hero Perseus. He then gave the head to Athena as a gift, which she put on her shield. Example: Blood TiesPurpose: The Gorgon is a villain in the television show Blood Ties. Her transformation into Medusa is the result of her being raped in a Temple. She turns men to stone when they get too close to her emotionally. menelaus (see also helen) Summary: Menelaus was the king of Sparta and the husband of Helen. When he was younger his father fought for the throne. When his father lost, Menelaus and his brother were forced to leave the city. Eventually, Menelaus and his brother went back and took over the city. He also got drawn to marry Helen. Example: the movie, "The Little Giants"Purpose: throughout the movie there are two brothers, one is very athletic while the other is not. Of course, the athletic brother makes the famous football team and the other brother gets denied after the unathletic brother gets denied he creates his own team and beats his brothers former team! Just like Menelaus and his brother did to their dad's brother. mercury (hermes) Summary: Mercury is the God of trade, profit and commerce. He is also known as the messenger of the Gods. Mercury is known to wear winged sandals, and holding a staff with two snakes on it. Mercury had incredibly quick and swift movement.Example: Final Fantasy video game- Hermes' SandalsPurpose: Hermes' Sandals gives the player increased movement speed, with quick dashes and movements. Mercury was known to have these incredible speeds while delivering the messages to the Gods.midasSummary:Example: Purpose: Minotaur Summary: The Minotaur is a creature with the head of a bull and body of a man. Daedalus constructed a labyrinth to contain the Minotaur since, being an unnatural offspring of a woman and bull, could only eat humans for sustenance and posed a danger. Theseus encounters him in the labyrinth and is able to slay him.Example: "The God Complex" (Doctor Who episode)Purpose: In this episode, the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory arrive in an endless changing maze taking the appearance of a 1980s hotel. Throughout the episode they are pursued by a Minotaur-like alien who feeds off of specific faiths. This is a clear allusion to the Greek Minotaur and Daedalus's labyrinth. The purpose of this allusion is to raise the stakes for the characters by not giving them a clear exit to the situation.muses (calliope, erato…) Summary: The Muses are the goddesses of inspiration in literature, science and the arts. They are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne and they were considered water nymphs. The arts of the Muses included music, science, geography, math, art and drama. They were usually used in the beginning of lyrical poems to speak the poet's words or for the poet to ask for inspiration. There are nine Muses and each one represents a specific art. Example: My Ishmael by Daniel QuinnPurpose: In the novel, the character Ishmael explains to Julie that industrialized culture is based on locking necessary resources away so that other people will start to work more for those resources. He explains this by telling her a story about inhabitants on the planet Terpischore, named after the Muse of dancing. A few of the inhabitants started "dancing" (farming) to get food they wanted and encouraged others to "dance" for their own food by locking away the food that was grown. nemean Lion Summary: The Neaman Lion was a monstrous lion that lived in Nemea whose golden fur warded off attacks and its claws were sharper than human swords. The creature would lure women into its cave so that heroes would try to save her, but when they got close to the women the lion would eat then and give their bones to the god of the underworld, Hades. In the end the creature was killed by Hercules. Example: Hamlet by William Shakespeare Purpose: In one scene in Hamlet the Ghost beckons Hamlet to follow him. Hamlets friends beg him not to go but then he says "?My fate cries outAnd makes each petty artery in this bodyAs hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve.Still am I called.—Unhand me, gentlemen.(draws his sword)By heaven, I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me.I say, away!—Go on. I’ll follow thee." Meaning that the Nemean lion is very courageous because he knows he is strong and invincible do he is not scared. To assure his friends that he is not afraid to follow the ghost Hamlet compares himself to the Nemean LionhaNemesis Summary: Nemesis was the goddess who enacted revenge against those who committed hubris (were arrogant before the gods). She was often the one to give to the protagonist what they deserved. For example, in the story of Narcissus, Nemesis was the one who took Narcissus to the pond, where he fell in love with his own reflection.Example: Sophocles' Oedipus RexPurpose: King Oedipus' nemesis happens to be his excessive pride, or hubris. He believes that he can defy the prophecies of the gods that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Of course, both of these things happen in the end, because Oedipus' hubris made him try to deny them. Sophocles uses the story of Nemesis to enact justice on his title character.Nepethene Summary: Nepethene is a fictional medicine that can remove all sorrow. Example: Odyssey by Homer Purpose: When Paris captures Helen and brings her back to troy he drugs her with Nepethene in order to stop her longing for her old home. Neptune (Poseidon) Summary: Neptune is the god of the sea, floods, earthquakes, droughts, and horses. He is often depicted with a Trident. His Parents were the titans Kronos and Rhea. Right after he was born his father swallowed him whole and he was not released until Zeus slayed Kronos. Neptune is married to Amphitrite, a nereid, and they had a merman son named Tritian. Even though he was married; Neptune had many children with other women. Some of his more notable children are Polyphemus and Theseus.Example: Macbeth by William ShakespearePurpose: After Macbeth has killed Duncan he is greatly traumatized and says, "Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red". The allusion to Neptune is included in order to illustrate that in Macbeth's eyes he will never be cleansed of his sin. That no matter how large the ocean the blood sin will never be washed away.Odysseus (Ulysses) and Penelope Summary: Odysseus and Penelope were the king and queen of Ithica. For 20 years Penelope awaited Odysseus’ return. Eventually, most people assumed Odysseus to be dead and many suitors wanted to marry Penelope and take the crown for themselves. Penelope resisted for a long time, however, when her son left in search of her father the suitors grew very impatient and she needed to do something. She decided to tell the men once she finishes weaving a traditional web she will choose a husband. Every day she would weave and every night she would undo much of her days work so the web was never finished. She did this with the hope Odysseus would one-day return. When her secret was exposed to the suitors they lived in the palace and enjoyed the king’s wealth. Again, she made a deal with the men. This time, whoever was able to shoot an arrow through twelve rings using Odysseus’ bow would be her new husband. None of the suitors were able. At this point her son had returned and he gave the bow to what everyone though was a poor beggar. This beggar was actually Odysseus and he shot the arrow through the rings, fought off some suitors alongside his son and was reunited with his Penelope. Example: The Time Travelers Wife by Bruce Joel Rubin “Now from his breast into his eyes the ache of longing mounted, and he wept at last. His dear wife, clear and faithful, in his arms, longed for as the sunwarmed earth is longed for by a swimmer. Spent in rough water where his ship went down.”Purpose: The purpose of alluding to the story of Odysseus and Penelope would be to show the unending love and faith in one’s partner and steadfast hope. In The Time Travelers Wife Henry and Clare are separated much like Odysseus and Penelope, however, they don’t get the happy ending of returning to each other forever. Even though they have a complicated relationship and don’t get to be together the way they want to be they still stay faithful to one another. Rubin emphasizes their relationship by quoting Odysseus, saying “Now from his breast into his eyes the ache of longing mounted, and he wept at last. His dear wife, clear and faithful, in his arms, longed for as the sunwarmed earth is longed for by a swimmer. Spent in rough water where his ship went down.”orionSummary:Example: Purpose: pan (faunus) and Pan’s Pipes Summary: Pan is the god of the wild and resembles a faun or satyr w ith the legs and horns of a goat. He was also considered a symbol of fertility and springtime. The word "panic" is derived from him because of his angry voice that caused panic to anyone that heard it.Example: J.M. Barrie's Peter PanPurpose: The character of Peter Pan is based on Pan, the Greek god. The Peter Pan in the 1911 novel has pipes and resembles a goat, like Pan. However, there is a twist because Peter Pan refuses sexuality, very much in contrast to Pan's excessive sexuality. Pandora and Pandora’s Box Summary: In Greek mythology, Pandora (the first woman on Earth) is given a box with all the evils in the world trapped within it. She was told not to open the box but did anyway, releasing all the evils but leaving hope in the box. Pandora opening the box was an act of innocence that had detrimental results.Example: Pandora, the internet music servicePurpose: The internet music service is called this because it streams constant music according to the listener's interests. This shows that once you give the service one song you like, an endless amount of other songs are streamed to you, just like all the evils in the world were released after Pandora opened the box.Pegasus Summary: Pegasus is a white stallion with wings that was born from the blood of Medusa's head when Perseus beheaded her. He was the creator of the fountain Mt. HeliconExample: The Blood of OlympusPurpose: There are multiple purposes for Pegasus including, it representing a person's memory, harmony in life, a new world, etc.Phoenix Summary: Pheonix was a bird that was known to be continuously regenerated and reborn after its predecessor died. The bird was the personification of the Sun/fire and time. Example: Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix Purpose: There are bird-like creatures in the film that can ignite themselves on fire and then a new bird if born from their ashes just like that of a Phoenix. An allusion to Pheonix primarily intense light and fire, or regeneration and rebirth.Prometheus Summary: Prometheus gave man the skills of metal work and fire which he was punished for by Zeus. His punishment was to be chained to a rock then an eagle would eat his liver.Example: Prometheus the moviePurpose: The idea that mischief will always meet with punishment. the river styx Summary: The River Styx serves as a boundary between Earth and the Underworld. The waters are believed to hold great power and make men invincible; Achilles was dipped into The River Styx and was invincible except for the portion of his heel by which his mother held him. Souls pass through the river on their way to the Underworld, and the damned are drowned in iuts waters for eternity. Example: Purpose: SatyrsBurke HarmanSummary: is one of a troop of ithyphallic male companions of Dionysus with goat-like features and often permanent erection.Example: The talented Mr. Ripley Purpose: To act as a satire of sorts in greek mythology The Sirens Summary: A siren was a creature in Greek mythology that was half bird and half woman. Sirens lured sailors to shipwreck by enchanting them with their songs. Example: Pirates of the Carribean Purpose: The sirens represent human temptation as well as the cost of lust. The mermaids in Pirates of Carribean lure sailors into their trap by singing and distracting them with their beauty. They emulate the sirens with their seductive yet punishing behavior. Sisyphus Summary: Sisyphus was the king of Ephyra. He was punished for being deceitful and killing tourists by being forced to push a massive boulder up a hill eternally. Zeus gave him this punishment because Sisyphus thought he was so smart he could outsmart Zeus. Sisyphus was frustrated forever by this punishment, being unable to outsmart it. Example: The Hill Purpose: The movie, The Hill, depicts the life of British military prisoners in the Libyan desert who have been punished for service offenses. They have to repeat a drill over and over in the hot desert sun. Tantalus Summary: Tantalus was the son of Zeus and is well known for his punishment after he died. He was punished because he sacrificed his son up to the gods. His punishment was eternal. He would be stuck under a tree with fruit dangling, whenever he would reach up for food, the food would move just out of reach. Whenever he bent down to drink water, the water would recede just out of his reach. Example: The movie, "This is the End "Purpose: Purpose of Tantalus was to teach him a lesson, and to show people to not make mistakes in life because you will have to pay for them. If you do bad enough things in life then you will have trouble in your afterlife. Which is shown in This is the End. Many of the actors and actresses go to the underground, but the ones who are good in life and have good morals go up to heaven. Thanatos Summary: Thanatos is the personification of death. He was the son of Nyx, the goddess of night, and the brother of Hypnos, the God of sleep. His job would be to carry humans to the Underworld when their lifetime was up.Example: Final Destination moviesPurpose: The Final Destination movies are all about escaping death, however death is inevitable. Due to this inevitability, Thanatos is always chasing, trying to bring you to death. Sometimes, however, it is not time to die, and Thanatos has to be fought off, like in the movies.ThorSummary:Example: Purpose: Titans Summary: The Titans are the first twelve descendants of Gaia (Mother Earth) and Uranus (Father Sky). The Titans were overthrown when Cronus's children (whom he had swallowed except for Zeus) were thrown up and fought against him.Example: Ford Atlas (car)Purpose: A model of a Ford car is called Atlas, named after the titan who held up the sky. Presumably this allusion conveys the strength/reliability of the car.Trojan Horse Summary: The Trojan horse was built so Greek soldiers could enter Troy during the Trojan war. Some Greek soldiers hid inside the horse and was left outside Troy. The citizens were told that it was a gift for Athena. A section of the wall surrounding Troy was destroyed to bring the gift inside. When everyone went to sleep, the Greek soldiers inside came out and attacked as the remaining soldiers from the outside came in. Example: Alca-Luftal advertisementPurpose: Alca-Luftal, a heart burn medication, uses a Trojan horse in one of its advertisments and says that one should "watch for the unpleasant surprises". This refers to how eating certain foods can bring unpleasant surprises in your chest just as how the Trojan horse brought unpleasant surprises to the people of Troy. TROJAN WARSummary: Example: Purpose: Unicorn Summary: In mythology, a unicorn is a great beast with one horn sprouting from his forehead. It was known as a symbol of purity and grace, and its horn was even thought to make poisoned water potable. It was very rare and had a white body, purple head and blue eyes. Example: Harry Potter series by J.K. RowlingPurpose: In the series, it is well known that Voldemort, the Dark Lord, drank unicorn's blood in order to keep himself alive. The blood is said to be used to keep someone alive, but whoever slays a unicorn could be put to death. These rules are an allusion to the unicorn's healing powers and its sacred significance. Utopia Summary: utopia is a term used to describe a community of society that is perfect. It is unachievable. Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell Purpose: In the novel the animals revolt against the farmer to form their own perfect society with Napoleon as their leader. However, they soon realize that their lives under napoleon are no better than they were under Farmer Jones. This example shows how many people may make an attempt at a utopic society but they will always fails because utopia is unachievable. VulcanSummary:Example: Purpose: Mythological AllusionsACHILLES and PATROCLUS Summary: The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus (both war heroes) is an important part of stories involving the Trojan War, and a key aspect in the stories written by Homer. Achilles and Patroclus grew up together after Patroclus killed Clysonymus and him and his father fled to the palace where Achilles lived. They had a very deep, caring relationship and while Homer never explicitly states that they are romantically involved, many later authors believed that they were. One reason was because while Achilles was described as arrogant and treated most people as such, Homer describes Achilles as always treating Patroclus affectionately. After Patroclus is killed by Hector on the battlefield, Achilles becomes so enraged that he immediately goes back into battle (Achiles had opted out of fighting because he was angry about being dishonored by Agamemnon) and gets revenge by killing Hector. He doesn’t stop at killing him however, and drags his dead body around the battlefield tied to the back of his chariot.Example: Batman and RobinPurpose: Achilles and Patroclus have an archetypal male bond that appears in many other works of literature. The whole idea of a hero and his sidekick is an allusion to Achilles and Patroclus. Another part of the archetype happens when Patroclus dies and revenge for his friend becomes Achilles primary motive. This loss of friendship and grief that follows transforms Achilles as a character and enlightens him to his flaws, something that commonly happens when a character loses their most important companion. Adonis Summary: Adonis is a young, handsome male who is portrayed as a beautiful youth and his cult was associated with fertility. Adonis spent much of his time with Aphrodite, who raised him since he was just a baby. When Adonis was killed by a wild boar, Aphrodite was distraught and set out to sprinkle his blood in various areas to spread his beauty which is said to ensure lovely spring time flowers and landscapes. Adonis represents beauty and desire and passion in Greek mythologyExample: The Odyssey by HomerPurpose: Homer uses Adonis as a symbol of great masculinity or beauty and youth. He does this to portray Odysseus as a powerful man whom is loved by a goddess (Aphrodite) who is Penelope in his case. By giving Odysseus this powerful image, he is able to show his capabilities and his desire for love through Penelope. Agamemnon Summary: The play begins with Agamemnon off fighting in the Battle of Troy and his wife, Clytemnestra, waiting for him back at their palace. The war is soon over and Agamemnon returns with Cassandra, who was taken as his prisoner. Agamemnon joins his wife in the palace but Cassandra refuses Clytemnestra’s pleas to join them. When the chorus asks her why, she reveals that she is a prophet and she senses that she is about to be killed. She reveals that Agamemnon’s father killed his brother’s children which has cursed their household. Cassandra then accepts her fate and enters the palace. Clytemnestra later opens the door to reveal that she has killed both Cassandra and Agamemnon although she doesn’t claim fault because of the curse. The play ends with Agamemnon’s son and daughter, Electra, seeking vengeance.Example: Excerpt of the Libation Bearers (second play) used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Purpose: On the surface, the story clearly has the theme of justice. Because of Agamemnon's father wrongdoing, Clytemnestra believes that she must seek vengeance on Agamemnon. This brings about the question of fate and familial ties. Agamemnon is killed for the curse that his father put on his family, not him. The story explores whether that is justified, ending with his own children seeking vengeance, emphasizing that fate often maps out an individual's life. An allusion to this story could be used to show the balance between free will and fate. Ambrosia Summary: Ambrosia is the food/ drink of the Olympian gods. In some stories it is referred to as a food, drink or honey-like substance. It is said to bring long life and immortality to anyone that ate it, including mortals. Example: "We feasted that evening as on nectar and ambrosia; and gratification with which our hostess regarded us, as we satisfied our famished appetites on the delicate fare she liberally supplied." (Jane Eyre)Purpose: Ambrosia is associated to a sweet, restorative substance. When it is used in literature, it is normally used to describe food as being sweet (so sweet that it tastes like it is from heaven) and powerful in some way. For example, in this example from Jane Eyre, she said the ambrosia satisfied their appetites. ANTIGONE Summary: Example:Purpose: aphrodite (venus) Summary: Aphrodite was the Olympian Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation.She was born of sea foam, and had affairs with Ares, the war God. She loved Adonis of Cyrus who was killed by a boar. She loved Ankhises, the sheperd price. She played a part in starting the Trojan war by promising Paris Helene in marriage.Aphrodite herself had an unhappy marriage with Hephestus.She is associated with doves, a golden apple, scallop shells, and mirrors.Example: A prayer for my Daughter by YeatsYeats called Aphrodite "the Queen who rose out of the spray," and compared her life to the one he prays his daughter will have. As Aphrodite ended up with a Husband she did not love, Yeats used Aphrodite as a symbol for misery.Purpose: Sea foam can be used to represent consummation as Aphrodite was born from it. Sea foam may also represent fertility and love. Doves and shells can represent love. Mirrors can represent narcissism. Fatherlessness can be used to as a trait of a strong beautiful woman.All of these symbols can represent love, but they can also represent a loveless marriage such as the one Aphrodite herself had.Apollo Summary: Apollo is the son of Zeus and the titan Leto and is considered one of the most important gods. He is said to govern music, poetry, art, archery, oracles, plague, medicine, sun, light, and knowledge. He represents the idea of the kouros, meaning he has a young, beardless, and athletic appearance. He is best known for killing a Pythia (a huge snake that looks like a dragon) in the city of Delphi, which made the city his temple. This converted the majority of the people in Delphi to the Greek monotheistic religion and reinforces Apollo's image of overpowering strength and wisdom.Example: Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer's Night Dream: "The wildest hath not such a heart as you./Run when you will, the story shall be changed/Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase;/The dove pursues the griffin; the mild hind/Makes speed to catch the tiger; bootless speed,/When cowardice pursues and valour flies." - Helena (II.i)Purpose: In one way, Apollo represents the beauty and strength of youth. A character, when compared with the young, athletic appearance of Apollo, will seem to the reader to be young, strong, and healthy person. Similar to how it was used in Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Apollo can also be alluded to in addition to Daphne (a woman with which Apollo once fell in love), to portray young, flirty love. However, Apollo is also said to be wise as he is also the god of logic, reason, self-control, and calm. So, a character compared with Apollo can also be described as wise and composed. Arachne Summary: Arachne was a mortal woman who challenged Athena, the goddess of wisdom and crafting, to a contest of weaving. There are several versions of the myth. Each Athena and Arachne win the contest in several versions of the myth, but they share a common ending in which Athena turns Arachne into a spider. In versions where Arachne wins, Athena causes her to hang herself but turns her into a spider out of pity.Example: Charlotte's Web by E. B. WhitePurpose: Charlotte is a talented spider who weaves messages into webs to help save a piglet from slaughter. The talent of the spider is attributed to divine intervention by humans in the story, just as Arachne's ability was attributed to the god Athena.araratSummary:Example: Purpose: ares (mars) Summary: Ares is the Greek god of war, the son of Zeus and Hera, and one of the twelve Olympian Gods. Ares represents the violent and physical untamed acts that occurred in wartime. Although he represents the physical valor necessary for success in war, the Greeks where uncertain about him as Areas was a dangerous force that was overwhelming and destructive. Mars was the Roman counterpart to Ares, who was known as a father to the Roman people. Because of this important place in Roman religion, Mars was seen as more of a guardian god and was less aggressive with a calmer and more understanding demeanor compared to Ares.Example: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting ThiefPurpose: In Percy Jackson its more of a direct allusion as it directly refers to Ares as a god. In the novel Ares is a major antagonist and a supporting character in the rest of the series. In other pieces of literature Ares is usually alluded to when someone is short tempered, or unnecessarily violent. Mars might also allude to power and strength as he was more respected and less uncertain.Ariel Summary: The mythology behind Ariel is complex. On one hand, she does not exist in any actual mythological context other than that she is the offspring of Triton. She has no ancient or greco-roman story to her. On the other hand, Hans Christian Anderson's 1837 story of "The Little Mermaid" later inspired a 1989 Disney adaptation which featured a character named Ariel in a "mythologically-inspired" setting. Therefore, the earliest somewhat mythological story of Ariel dates back to 1989. Though Hans Anderson's "The Little Mermaid" did not feature an Ariel, I will focus on his story as the inspiration for the Disney adaptation. As the story goes, the little mermaid is the daughter of a sea king. On her 15th birthday she is allowed to rise up to the surface of the ocean and view the humans. When she surfaces, a violent storm hits and sinks a nearby boat of humans, including a prince. The little mermaid saves the prince and places him in a temple, where a young temple woman wakes him up and leads him to believe that she saved him. The little mermaid wants to have a soul like a human so that she may live eternally in the afterlife with the prince. A witch gives the little mermaid legs in exchange for her voice, and the fact that her feet will sting with sword cuts for every step she takes. The little mermaid gets the legs, goes to the surface, and the prince falls in love with her, especially her dancing that he doesn't know hurts her so. The prince wants to marry on one but her unless he finds the temple girl that he thinks saved him. He ends up getting into an arranged marriage with the temple girl and the little mermaid is heartbroken. The witch offers the little mermaid her old life back if she kills the prince, but the little mermaid, unable to bring herself to it, jumps into the sea, where she promptly turns into sea foam and becomes an earthbound spirit. Again, this story is not a true mythological fable. Additionally, Ariel can be biblically related to an angel whose name means "Lion of God" or a character in Shakespeare's "The Tempest."Example: The main character is mute and has blistered feet. The character wants nothing more in the world than to live forever, so he/she adopts a life of piety hoping it will assure them a chance for heaven. The character, however, is lead to sin through temptation, and finally falls in a pit of acid "turning to foam,"Purpose: The closest mythological interpretation of Ariel as the little mermaid has its uses relating to allusions of a desire for immortality or, in the case of the little mermaid, a human soul that can transcend to the eternal afterlife. This hints as to mankind's innate fear of death, such that an allusion of "turning into foam" can be indicated as mankind's inability to live forever as the little mermaid once realized. The witch can be a symbol of temptation, and the littler mermaids regret of her decision to become human can be a deeper indication of a cycle of temptation and regret that plagues humans. The loss of the little mermaid's voice can be seen similarly to the loss of innocence archetype. As the little mermaid want eternal life she gave up her voice, similar to the story of Adam and Eve involving the forsaking of pure innocence for knowledge.athena (minerva) Summary: Athena is the goddess of wisdom, craft, and war. She is the daughter of Zeus, and is one of the twelve Olympian Gods. She takes her name from Athens, which is her patron Greek city. Throughout the Greek world, Athena was known as the protectress of the city. She is often portrayed as a companion of heroes and is the patron goddess of heroic endeavor. Being the goddess of war, her male god counterpart is Ares. Minerva is the Roman counterpart to Athena and both goddesses share the same characteristics.Example: Homer's OdysseyPurpose: Athena represents wisdom and wartime struggle. The allusion could be useful while incorporating symbols such as the owl representing Athena, and subsequently her wisdom. As used by Homer in the Odyssey, Athena was depicted as a guardian/companion to Odysseus because he represented many characteristics that she valued.Atlas Summary: Atlas is the titan with weight of the universe on his shoulders. During the war of the TITANS, ATLAS stormed Mount OLYMPUS and threatened the rival Olympian Gods. As punishment for this war crime, ZEUS sentenced him to hold up the heavens and bear their weight on his shoulders forever.Example: As Atlas holds the earth on his shoulders it is a fitting name for the book known as an atlas full of pictures, maps and charts. Purpose: A person/thing with the weight of the world on their shoulders carries an enormous weight and thus they are important for the story. Without these people to hold up the sky the world would crumble.aurora (eos) Summary: Aurora is the rosy-fingered goddess of the dawn. Eos rose from the river Okeanos at the beginning of each day, dispersing the mists of night with her rays of light. Aside from this, Aurora had a vast desire for handsome young men. Some blame this on a curse laid upon her by Aphrodite. She banished four of her lovers, Orion, Phaethon, and Kephalos to distant lands. Her official consort was Trojan prince, Tithonos. She requested his immortality from Zeus, however she forgot to request eternal youth. This being said, he eventually shriveled up and turned into a grasshopper. Example: Romeo and JulietPurpose: The purpose seems to be to allude, in the beginning of the play, to what the tragedy will be. Montague says the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet comes from "The shady curtains from Aurora's bed." From this we know that the tragedy will involve love, considering Aurora always chases after attractive people. Rosaline was not good enough for him, just as Orion wasn't for Aurora. Basically, the purpose is to show what inadequate love will cause, and provide a layout for the play.bacchus / bachanal Summary: Bacchus is the Roman version of the Greek Olympian Dionysus, the god of wine often associated with madness. He is associated with satyrs, panthers, and leopards, and carries a thyrsus tipped with a pinecone. There are two stories about his birth; both agree that Zeus is his father, and that he was born twice. He was either the son of a mortal Semele or Persephone, the god-queen of the Underworld. In the Semele version, Zeus' wife Hera learns of Zeus' affair and, appearing as a mortal, befriends Semele, who tells Hera that Zeus was her (Semele's) husband. Hera pretends not to believe Semele, and Semele begins to doubt her husband's identity, so she demanded that Zeus appear to her in his god-form. Zeus didn't want to, because mortals would die if they saw a god in his/her true form, but Semele insisted and died. Zeus rescued Dionysus by sewing him into his thigh, until he was ready to be born again. Alternately, Hera was jealous of Zeus' affair with Persephone, and sent Titans to kill baby Dionysus, but Zeus drove them away with his lightning bolts. However, the Titans had eaten everything except Dionysus' heart, which Zeus used to recreate Dionysus. Dionysus was implanted into Persephone's womb, and so he was born again. After he discovered the cultivation of grapes and wine-making, Hera plagued Dionysus with madness, and he wandered until Rhea cured him. Then he set out teaching people how to farm grapes and make wine from them. His tutor and foster father was Silenus, a satyr. The Maenads worshipped Dionysus, and were known as violent, wild women. The Maenads murdered King (of Thebes) Pentheus when he grew angry at them for worshipping Dionysus against his will (described in Euripedes' The Bacchae). Example: Lord of the FliesPurpose: The death of Simon parallels the death of Pentheus. Both Simon and Pentheus had roles as order restorers, but both met violent and chaotic deaths as a result of revolt against order. Since Pentheus' pride in thinking he could control the god Dionysus leads to his death, Simon's death might represent a similar pride in trying to control evil and chaos innate to human beings. Ralph's regret and guilt at participating unconsciously in Simon's murder is similar to Pentheus' mother Agave's guilt at participating in Pentheus' murder, so, like Agave, Ralph must live with the knowledge and experience of humankind's blind depravity. The Maenads' madness can also serve to comment on the schoolboys' confusion as to what is right and wrong upon being removed from society's dictate. -Mostly from "Lord of the Flies"Calypso Summary: In Homer's Odyssey, Calypso enchants Odysseus and holds him captive on her island. He remained prisoner on Calypso's island for years, and eventually cannot bear to be away from his wife any longer. Athena asks Zeus to order for Odysseus to be released, and Hermes delivers the message. Calypso becomes angry, but ultimately aides Odysseus in his departure. Example: Calypso is a siren. Sirens are seen tempting others in many works, such as the Pirates of the Caribbean. Eventually, one of the sirens in Pirates, becomes good and helps the pirates.Purpose: The fact that Calypso is a siren can be used to show how others can give into temptation. Calypso herself can also represent greed, in how she just wanted Odysseus for herself. Centaur Summary: A Centaur is a half man, half horse being. Most of them live in tribes in the mountainous forests of Thessalian Magnesia. They are said to be the children of Lxion (ancient Lapith king) and Nephele (Cloud nymph). They are usually considered savages for their tendency to act gluttonous. They are famous for their fight with Lapiths after they attempted to drunkenly carry off Hippodamia and the rest of the Lapith women on the wedding day of Hippodamia and Pirithous (King of Lapithae). Most were driven off or destroyed after the fight.Example: Zoomorphism (half man, half animal) dreamsPurpose: When a person has a dream where they are part human and part animal or being carried by a creature of that sort, like a centaur, it is often the subconscious id bursting through to represent a desire to pursue one's animalistic qualities like lust. Being carried off by a centaur, like the Lapith women, can convey the message that one is being consumed or controlled by his sexual desires. The centaurs in the myth are driven out or destroyed, meaning that this imbalance of desire can vanquish a person unless they confront their problem. Cerberus Summary: Cerberus was the three-headed hound of Hades that allowed the dead to enter the Underworld but prevented them from ever leaving. Cerberus had tails like snakes and claws like lions that made him undefeatable. Except, he wasn't undefeatable. Hercules', the son of Zeus and Alcmene, had to complete twelve labors, but that's a whole other story. Cerberus, unluckily for him, was one Hercules' twelve labors. Hercules' job was to kill Cerberus and he did this through the help of Persephone (the Queen of the Underworld). Cerberus, an undeniable beast was killed and his death was celebrated by many.Example: Frankenstein by Mary ShelleyPurpose: Cerberus is viewed as a demon because he is basically undefeatable. The purpose of Cerberus is to represent that somethings are difficult to defeat, but not impossible. Hercules, a man of great strength is more than determined to kill Cerberus. With great diligence, Hercules achieves that goal. Frankenstein, like Cerberus, is a creature that is made to be used for inhuman and unnatural purposes.Chaos Summary: Chaos was essentially the first of the primordial gods, emerging at the dawn of creation. Chaos was an empty void in the universe that gave birth to the rest of the first primordial deities (gods), including Earth (Gaea), the region below the Earth – Hell – (Tartarus), and love and attraction (Eros). Later darkness (Erebus), and night (Nyx) emerged. Example: Lyric Poet Pindar's Pythian Ode IPurpose: Pindar's Pythian Ode I is historically based, recounting major victories in Greek history such as that of the defeat of Etruscans at Camae by Hieron, as well as the many victories of the Greeks over the Persians. He alludes to the monsters Zeus had to fight in order to defend the world from chaos, when comparing the contemporary victories within the lyrical poem. Remember, Chaos was the origin of all gods, including Zeus and all monsters.charonSummary:Example: Purpose: Chimera Summary: Chimera was the daughter of Typhon and Echidna- they were the parents of all monsters. She was a fire breathing, lion headed, snake tailed monster with a goat torso. She would kill and terrorize people in Lycia. Bellerophon defeated her by putting lead on a spear and putting it to her throat. When she tried to breathe fire, the lead melted and suffocated her. Example: In James Patterson's novel, 2nd Chance.Purpose: In 2nd Chance, there was a jail hate gang in which they would kill and terrorize people in jail just like Chimera would do to the people in Lycia.circeSummary:Example: Purpose: Clytemnestra Summary: Clytemnestra was the daughter of the king and queen of Sparta, and was in exile with her brother for her early life. She eventually married Tantalus and had a son. However, Agamemnon then murdered both Tantalus and their son and took Clytemnestra as his wife. While Agamemnon was away at war, Clytemnestra began an affair with her husband's cousin, Aegisthus, and began plotting with him to kill Agamemnon. Once Agamemnon returned from war, Clytemnestra killed him while he is in the bath by entangling him in a cloth net and stabbing him. After Agamemnon's death, Aegisthus replaced him as the king and ruled for seven years. Example: John Steinbeck’s novel, East of EdenPurpose: While the rage Clytemnestra felt toward Agamemnon was justified as Agamemnon killed her previous wife and child, the story of Clytemnestra is still often seen as a story of betrayal. In East of Eden a character named Charles Trask drugged his brother and sleeps with his wife. The story of Clytemnestra can also be seen as a story about having to make hard decisions.cupid (eros) and PsycheSummary: The story of Cupid and Psyche is about their endless battle to unite in a loving marriage. The story starts by Cupid shooting psyche with his arrow which her to fall in love with him and disregard her mother's orders to marry someone else. This story can relate to any type of forbidden love in which parents of the protagonists do not approve the marriage.Example: Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespearePurpose: William Shakespeare uses the allusion of Cupid and Pysche to portray and tell a story of forbidden love. Pysche's parents are alluded through the Montigue's and Capulet's who do not approve of the marriage even though they end up together despite this due to true love. This allusion is powerful in describing love in a way that has ties of negative consequences.Cyclops Summary: The Cyclops that Odysseus faced was a one eyed giant who lived on an island which Odysseus and his men got shipwrecked on. On their arrival, the Cyclops terrorized the men and ate two of Odysseus's crew after refusing Odysseus's act of hospitality. The Cyclops blocks the men into the cave with a giant boulder, rendering Odysseus's plans to kill the beast ineffective. When the Cyclops has to leave to tend the sheep, Odysseus hatches a plan to confuse the beast. Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is Nobody and when the beast is passed out drunk, the men stab him in the eye. When he wakes up, he runs around wailing that "nobody" hurt him. The men escape but not before Odysseus taunts the beast more, causing the Cyclops to ask the gods to curse his journey. Example: "Project Cyclops" from NASAPurpose: This program was intended to detect extraterrestrial intelligence. The Cyclops in Greek mythology was a particularly ferocious, unattractive beast. The use of this name for a scientific research project shows the fear that many people had about alien life forms; many believing that could be men eating beasts like the Cyclops. daedalus and icarus Summary: Daedalus was hired to build a labyrinth for King Minos. King Minos wanted the labyrinth so that he put the mythical creature Minotaur in it along with prisoners so that they would be killed by the monster. One of the prisoners, Theseus, was able to escape. This caused King Minos to imprison Daedalus and Icarus (Daedalus' son) in the labyrinth. Daedalus built wings for Icarus and himself to fly out. He told his son to not fly to high near the sun or too low near the ocean. Even though his father warned him, Icarus flew too close to the sun and the wings were destroyed. Icarus plummeted to the sea below and died. Example: Fahrenheit 451: "Old Montag wanted to fly near the sun and now that he’s burnt his damn wings, he wonders why."Purpose: The story of Daedalus and Icarus is about the importance of listening to your elder. Icarus did not listen to his father and it costed him his life. It is also about living carefully and not living in neither of the extremes. When Icarus flew too close to the sun, the consequence was fatal. There are also themes of cockiness and carelessness. In the allusion from Fahrenheit 451, Montag acted outside of his society's rules, which is why Beatty alludes to Icarus. He is trying to said that Montag will get in trouble living at the "extreme." damon and pythias Summary: Pythias was condemned to death by Dionysius the tyrant for treason. Pythias then asks to be allowed home one last time to say goodbyes. The king denies but Damon offers to trade places with Pythias until he returned. If Pythias never returned Damon would be the one executed. Pythias is late to return and Damon is nearly executed. On the way back Pythias faced many difficult obstacles to return but was able to swim and run the remainder of the way to spare his friend, who risked his life for him. The king sees this and is shocked and decides to spare both of the friends. Example: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis StevensonPurpose: In this book Dr. Lannon says, “would have estranged Damon and Pythias” when describing his friendship with someone. This was implyin that they were as good as friends as could be. Even better then two people willing to die for each other. oracle at delphi Summary: Delphi, built around a sacred spring, was considered to be the center of the world. People came from all over Greece to ask questions of the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo. Oracles prophesied outcomes of harvest or war. Such prophesies would never be clear. One stated there would be tragedy in an upcoming battle but the Greeks would be saved by a wooden wall. This wall was interpreted to mean a fleet of ships.Example: News for the Delphic Oracle by YeatsPurpose: Springs can represent fate, as Delphi was built around a sacred spring. Dreams can be used as warnings or can be used to create further ambiguity just as the prophesies were ambiguous.Demeter (ceres) Summary: Demeter is one of the most important and oldest goddesses of ancient Greek mythology. She is daughter of two titans, Cronus and Rhea, and the sister of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, and Hestia. She is said to be the Goddess of harvest, fertility, agriculture, and vegetation soil, and she is also known as the protector of the land and its products, namely wheat. Demeter is well known for her creation of winter when her daughter Persephone was taken from her by Hades. By this myth, every year, the world suffers during winter as Demeter suffers while Persephone is trapped in the underworld.Example: Alexander Pope's, Epistles to Several Persons: "Another age shall see the golden earEmbrown the slope, and nod on the parterre,Deep harvests bury all his pride has planned,And laughing Ceres reassume the land.”Purpose: Demeter typically represents the harvest and crops doing well due to fertility or high yield. As used by Pope in his Epistles to Several Persons, Demeter represents the rebirth and renewed fertility of an area, which is why Pope alludes to her to show that the land of which he speaks will return to fertility. She also can represent winter when alluded to with Persephone as she created winter as a result of Hades' trick. As the mother of Persephone, she can also represent a mother figure who has lost her child as she lost Persephone to Hades.Diana Summary: Diana is the goddess of the moon, the hunt, childbirth and nature. Goddesses Diana, Minerva and Vesta all swore never to marry. Diana was worshipped by women who wanted to be pregnant or wanted an easy pregnancy. Since she was originally only goddess of hunting, she is typically portrayed with a bow, wearing boots and a tunic.Example: Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespearePurpose: Near the beginning of the play, Romeo asks his cousin about his love interest. Romeo replies: 'Well, in that hit you miss: she'll not be hitWith Cupid's arrow; she hath Dian's wit.'Romeo is referencing Cupid and Diana, saying that she will not fall in love (She won't be hit by cupid's arrow) and won't marry (Diana's wit.)dionysusSummary:Example: Purpose: echo and narcissus Summary: Echo and Narcissus is a myth from Ovid's Metamorphoses, a book Ovid wrote about the origin's and history of Roman Culture. In the myth Echo falls in love with Narcissus, but Narcissus doesn't really love her back. Despite this Echo continues to pine over Narcissus until only her voice is left and the rest of her body withered away. Meanwhile, when Narcissus stops to drink from a pond, he sees his reflection in the water and falls in love with himself. Since he never could capture his reflection, Narcissus stays at the pond until he starves to death.Example: The character Dorian Gray in The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar WildePurpose: Dorian Gray is the protagonist of the novel who is really narcissistic and cold hearted. His actions and characteristics in the book are closely reflect those of Narcissus and Echo. Dorian is described as young and handsome and, like Narcissus, is indifferent to Sibyl's love as he rejects her, breaking her heart. Dorian then, like Narcissus, becomes obsessed with his image to the point where all that mattered was his beauty and just like Narcissus Dorian's obsession with his image eventually kills him.electra and orestes Summary: When Agamemnon, Greek Commander of the Trojan War, returned from the war with his concubine, Cassandra, he was killed by his wife Clytemnestra and cousin Aegisthus. Electra and Orestes are the daughter and son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Electra had saved Orestes from being killed by Clytemnestra, and when they both were grown, they plotted revenge against their mother. With the help of Orestes's friend Pylades, Orestes killed his mother and stepfather, but not before she curses him. Orestes was then forever pursed by the Erinyes (a sect of the furies) until he committed suicide.Example: The main character's brother confides in the main character that they are the culprit of a bank robbery. This specific robbery led to the imprisonment of an innocent suspect. The character is then faced with the difficult decision of keeping his brother's trust or helping the imprisoned suspect.Purpose: The story of Electra and Orestes fits acutely into references to difficult decision. Orestes was faced with a choice between justice for his father or familial forgiveness. Both choices had negative consequences, whether it be letting his evil mother loose or being pursued by the furies for matricide. In literature, when characters are faced with a choice between justice and forgiveness, it is often a deeper choice between having to live with the burden of guilt (pursued by furies) or forsaking honor (not avenging the father).elysian fields Summary: The Elysian fields, also known as Elysium, is an afterlife destination separated from the realm of Hades. Admission upon death is reserved for mortals related to the gods and other heroes as well as those chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic. Unlike Hell, Elysium represents the idea of Heaven; inhabitants would remain after death to live a happy life, where they can indulge in anything that makes them happy.Example: In Homer’s Odyssey, Elysium is described as a paradise."to the Elysian plain…where life is easiest for men. No snow is there, nor heavy storm, nor ever rain..."Purpose: Elysium could represent the impossible pristine land that ordinary mortals cannot ever achieve. Being exclusively for relatives of gods or for mortals chosen by gods due to their heroic actions, Elysium is the epitome of luxury living and exclusivity. As used in the Odyssey, Elysium is described as a paradise where "life is easiest for men. No snow is there, nor heavy storm, nor ever rain..."the fates (3) Summary:In Greek mythology, the Moirai—often known in English as the Fates—were the white-robed incarnations of destiny. Their number became fixed at three: Clotho (spinner), Lachesis (allotter) and Atropos (unturnable). They controlled the metaphorical thread of life of every mortal from birth to death. The Fates were even more powerful than the gods, though this did not stop the gods from trying. Homer writes it was the will of fate that the Greeks destroy Troy, when Rumor and Panic caused the Greeks to want to flee. Aeneas was fated to go to Italy, despite the best efforts of Hera. Hera's actions in attempting to defy fate led to a premature death of Dido, the queen of Carthage. Since her thread was not cut to so short a length, she would not die even though a dagger had pierced her breast.Example: In the alchemist by Paulo Coelho fate beckons the character to true happinessPurpose: The story of the fates leads one to believe that life and destiny is already set out in an unchangeable path. No matter what you do you can't change your fate. In literature character's paths and lives have already been decided and are set I stone no matter what they do.the furies (3)c Summary: Also called Eumenides, the Furies, are goddesses of vengeance and retribution who punished men for crimes against the natural order. Primarily concerned with homicide, unfilial conduct, offenses against the gods, and perjury, a victim could call for them to curse the criminal. The wrath of the furies was seen in a plethora of ways. The most severe was the tormenting madness upon a criminal. Criminals could suffer disease, hunger, and death. They also oversaw the torture of criminals consigned to the Dungeons of the Damned, as they were servants to Haides and Persephone.Example: Oedipus at ColonusPurpose: The purpose is to signify Oedipus making his peace and paying his penance for all of his blood crimes. It is used to show an end of an era of blood, crime, etc. He does this at the grove dedicated to the furies, thus alluding that he must make an offering to them to be freed of his crime and gain peace. The furies are used to represent a sense of order within Oedipus's world.gorgans (3) Summary:The three Gorgons were daughters of Phorcys the sea god and Ceto, his sister/wife. Their names were Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa meaning Strength/The Mighty, The Wide/Far-Leaping, and The Queen, respectively. Stheno and Euryale were immortal, unlike Medusa who was killed by Perseus with help from the Gods. Stheno and Euryale attempted to avenge Medusa, but Perseus escaped and returned to Seriphos. The Gorgons are described by ancient Greek vase paintings and sculptures as winged women with large eyes, wide mouths, flared nostrils, and lolling tongues in a broad, round head. The Gorgons are sometimes portrayed with boar's tusks, claws, scales, and/or serpentine bodies, varying by account. Staring a gorgon in the eyes results in being turned to stone. They also had three sisters, the Graeae, named Deino (dread), Enyo (horror), and Pamphredo (alarm), who shared one eye and one tooth and guarded the road to the Gorgons. Perseus tricked the Graeae into telling him where the Gorgons lived by taking their eye.Example: Macbeth"Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight/ With a new Gorgon." Act 2, Scene 3Purpose: Because the Gorgons are terrifying/ugly to look at, the purpose for alluding to the them could be to emphasize the terribleness of what Macduff saw in the chamber, possibly connotating that Macduff was petrified with horror when he saw that King Duncan was murdered. The allusion could also serve to identify Macduff as Perseus, foreshadowing his victory over and decapitation of Macbeth as Perseus defeated and beheaded Medusa.the graces (3) Summary: There are typically three Graces: Aglalia(Brightness), Euphrosyne(Joyfulness), and Thalia(Bloom). They are said to descend from Zeus. They were frequently known to be goddesses of beauty and were associated with Aphrodite.Example: A Dancer, someone who moves with grace and beauty is referred to as a grace.Purpose: The Graces can be used to represent beauty along with the three individual things they represent. hades and persephone Summary: Hades is the king of the underworld and Persephone is the goddess of vegetation. Hades plotted with Zeus to kidnap Persephone because he fell in love with her. Zeus planted a beautiful flower, the narcissus, to lore Persephone away from her friends and when she picked the narcissus, Hades split the Earth beneath her and she fell to the underworld where she would marry Hades. Demeter, the goddess that is Persephone's mother begged Hades to let Persephone live on Earth when she discovered what had happened. Hades allowed her to live on Earth for six months each year and he fed her a pomegranate before she left which meant she must return to her captor. The six months on Earth are Spring and Summer and the six months with Hades in the underworld are Fall and Winter. Example: Changing of the Seasons by: Shel Silverstein Purpose: This poem describes a man who is "bound to the changing of the seasons" and must leave his beloved city of Chicago each winter but comes back in the spring and summer. This is practically Persephone's exact situation as she is bound to the underworld and only can stay on Earth for six months of the year which, because of her presence, are spring and summer. The poem also states "Don't ask me where I'm going" and "I can't tell you why I leave" which suggests that with change comes the unknown just as no one knew where Persephone had gone when she fell to Hades. The author could be suggesting that the passing of time cannot be avoided and neither can change and the scary unknowns that it brings. The Hades and Persephone story takes it a step further suggesting a loss of innocence as Persephone is simply enjoying flowers when she is abducted and forced to marry Hades. In the poem it is said that "Some men need the winter, and some men need the sun." We all need these changes to happen to us for us to develop as human beings. Harpies Summary: In Greek mythology, Harpies have wings and are viewed as monsters but have the face of an ugly old woman. They are often compared to Sirens who were mermaids that attracted sailors with the sounds of their voices just so they could eat them. Harpies act the same in a way, they grab and snatch to eat them and at one time were depicted as beautiful woman that had wings. The three most prominent Harpies in Greek mythology are Aello, Celaneo, and Ocypete and are best known for tormenting King Phineus. On the side, Herpies also loved to create wind storms and many blamed them for storms at sea.Example: The Man of the Crowd by Edgar Allen PoePurpose: Like Cerberus, the purpose of a Harpies is for undeniable evil. They stay in the shadows but when they come out to lurk and kill they are not pretty. The Man of the Crowd is a creature that walks around the city lurking in the shadows, staying hidden, but is causing evil and rupturing destruction around his very own city.Hecate Summary: A goddess of Greek mythology, Hecate embodied both good and evil. She was the goddess of witchcraft, magic, the night and moon, ghosts and necromancy (the act of communicating with the dead). Hecate was the balance between the world of the living and the world of the dead, she lived in the underworld and when on Earth in a cave. Hecate received her powers over Heaven, Earth and Sea from her parents. Often depicted with three heads, Hecate had 3 different forms, a young maiden, mother, and a crone to symbolize the cycle of life, as well as the goddess of crossroads. Example: Shakespeare's MacbethPurpose: The allusion to Hecate in Macbeth serves the purpose to further the plot, in which Macbeth believes 3 witches have made offerings to Hecate with him. Hecate serves a role in symbolizing dark magic, specifically sacrifice, and for Macbeth to keep his role as king, he must fulfill his sacrifice to the witches in order to appease Hecate. hectorSummary:Example: Purpose: hecuba (also paris and priam) Summary: She was the wife of Priam and the mother of Polydorus. She asked Polymestor to protect Polydorus during the war. When her son died in the war, she ripped Polymestor's eyes out. Her husband was also killed by Pyrrhus who sent out to get revenge for his father, Achilles' death. Example: In William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet.Purpose: The reference made to Hecuba was to show how Hamlet felt the Queen should have grieving rather than being so quiet about things. Since Hamlet's life parallels the life of Priam and Pyrrhus so much.helen of troy and ledaSummary:Example: Purpose: hephaestus (vulcan) Summary: Hephaestus is the Greek god of blacksmiths and forging, as well as other crafts. In the story, Hephaestus was thrown from Mount Olympus by his mother at birth because his foot was deformed. After training with a master craftsman, Hephaestus returned to Olympus (the only god to ever so) and got revenge on his mother by creating a golden throne for her that once she sat in, she could never stand up from again. According to different telling's of the myth, Hephaestus had a variety of consorts and a variety of children. He also helped Athena to teach humans how to craft. Example: "God of War" video game by Sony EntertainmentPurpose: Hephaestus appears as himself in various literary works and in popular culture. For example, in the video game series "God of War" Hephaestus crafts weapons for the player character Kratos to help him on his quest. Hephaestus can also symbolize a redemption, however not in the traditional sense as he wasn’t thrown off Olympus for anything he actively did. hera (juna) Summary: Hera was Zeus' wife and sister, and was raised Titans Oceanus and Tethys. She was the supreme goddess, patron of marriage and childbirth, having a special interest in protecting married women. Her sacred animals were the cow and the peacock, and she favored the city of Argos. Hera is known for her jealousy; even Zeus, who is known to fear nothing, feared her tantrums. Zeus fell in love with Hera but she refused his first marriage proposal. Zeus then preyed on her empathy for animals and other beings, created a thunderstorm and transformed himself into a little cuckoo. As a cuckoo, Zeus pretended to be in distress outside her window. Hera, feeling pity towards the bird brought it inside and held it to her breast to warm it. Zeus then transformed back into himself and took advantage of her. Hera, ashamed of being exploited, agreed to marriage with Zeus. All of nature burst into bloom for their wedding and many gifts were exchanged. Hera valued being the perfect wife for Zeus and spited those who did not approve of her sole purpose of keeping Zeus happy as a stay at home wife.Example: Gender, Work and Education in Britain in the 1950s by Stephanie SpencerPurpose: Stephanie Spencer uses the allusion of Hera as someone who only strives to please their husband and does not work or have other obligations. The author uses the allusion to show what women shouldn't do, encouraging many women to go out and get jobs and become more independent. This is a powerful image because it assisted the author in creating a controversial book at the time because many women followed in Hera's footsteps.heracles (hercules, also the 12 labors) Summary:Hercules is considered one of the greatest Greek heroes of all time. He showed his strength at a young age when he wrestled a snake and won. Although he is only a demigod, he is very confident and occasionally perceived as narcissistic. He grows up and marries Princess Megara with whom he has three sons. However, his father’s wife, Hera, is still angry that Zeus had Hercules illegitimately and she sends Hercules into a fit of insanity where he kills his three sons. Overcome with grief, he attempts to kill himself but Theseus guides him to realize that living would be the honorable action. The Oracle that he visits tells him that in order to cleanse his soul, he complete the twelve labors. Hercules carries out all of the tasks and lives for eternity with the gods.Example: “Ay, that they do, my lord, Hercules and his load too.” (Hamlet)Purpose: The story represents the necessity of respect for the law, because although Hercules is stronger than humans and has the bloodline of gods, he still subjects himself to punishment when he kills his sons. In the end, this punishment pays off to lead him into immortality which could suggest a message that hard work pays off in the end. Shakespeare used this allusion to depict the god-like nature Hamlet viewed his father in. hermes (mercury) Summary: Hermes is the fastest of all the gods. He is the god of commerce and market and the god of thieves. His parents were Zeus and Maia. He acted as a messenger for Zeus because he could quickly go in between the world of man and the world of the gods. He is the guides the dead to the underworld. He is also known for the tricks he played against others. One example of this was when he was first born, he escaped from his swaddle and ran to his brother, Apollo, and stole his cattle, then ran back to his crib before his mother found out. Apollo found out and got upset, so Hermes gave Apollo the lyre he made. Example: Peter Pan Purpose: Hermes is playful, fast, and young at heart. He plays tricks on people, normally for his own enjoyment. When authors allude to Hermes they are trying to show that that character is fast, physically and/or mentally, or that they are a guide or messenger of some sort. Peter Pan is an allusion to Hermes because he is fast, he never grows up, and he guides the other children to Neverland. He also likes playing tricks and having fun. Hydra Summary: The hydra is a nine-headed serpent with razor sharp teeth and poisonous breath. The goal of the Hydra was to defeat and kill Hercules. When Hercules attacked the hydra he cut off one of his heads, but when Hercules turned back around he saw that The Hydra had grown two more heads. Represents any enemy that’s seems to only grow with battle and becomes more difficult to defeat. Example: A hero is fighting their enemy but every time the strike the enemy, the enemy becomes stronger. Purpose: This would show that the longer the hero fights the more difficult the battle will become. The hero will have to be more strategic to win this battle. A reference to this can mean that the enemy seems to be getting strong and causing the hero more difficulty. This allusion would be used to describe a side of an upcoming confrontation. Hymen Summary: Hymen was the god of marriage. Some muses mentioned he was the son of Apollo, while others mentioned him as the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite. As a young god, Hymen rescued a group of young girls, which included a girl he loved, from a band of pirates. He then married the girl.He can give omens of happy marriage.Example: Purpose: An author can allude to the Greek god Hymen to represent loyalty and love because he is the god of marriage. He could also be used to represent heroism, as he saved a group of young girls. He can be used to represent a spouse's worry if he or she is looking for a sign or omen from Hymen.Hypnos (somnos) Summary: Hypnos is the God of sleep, who lives in Erebos, the land of eternal darkness behind the gates of the rising sun. Every night, he is said to rise into the night sky, trailing his mother, Nyx, the Goddess of night. He is often paired with his twin brother Thanatos the God of peaceful death, and the Oneiroi (dreams) are his sons. Hypnos is normally depicted as a young man with wings on his shoulders or brow. He also usually has a horn of sleep-inducing opium, a branch dripping in the water from the river of Lethe (or forgetfulness), a poppy-stem, or an inverted torch.Example: Rick Riordin's, The Lost Hero: In this story, Annabeth takes Jason to Cabin Fifteen, where the children of Hypnos, god of sleep, live in the camp. Annabeth thinks that the children of Hypnos might be able to retrieve Jason's memory.Purpose: Hypnos represents sleep when alluded to in literature. Since he does not govern dreams, he can represent deep, dreamless sleep that typically helps one recover from injuries or sickness. However, he along with his mother Nyx, Goddess of night and his three demi god sons of dreams or Oneiroi (Morpheus, Phantasis, and Icelus) can be alluded to during the night in a story to represent a night full of rest and dreams. Hypnos can also represent the eternal rest of death especially when paired with his brother, Thanatos, who is the God of peaceful death.jupiter (zeus) Summary: Zeus was king of the gods, the god of thunder and weather who ruled from atop Mount Olympus. He also gave birth to many other gods such as Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Persephone, Dionysus, Perseus, Heracles, Helen of Troy, Minos, and the Muses. As the god of weather, he is said to have the power to throw lightning bolts as a weapon from the clouds and from atop Mount Olympus.Example: Paradise Lost by John MiltonPurpose: Milton references the war between the Gods and the Titans and compares Zeus to Leviathan in a passage that reads: "bulk as huge As whom the fables name of monstrous size Titanian, or Earth-born, that warred on Jove, Briareos or Typhon, whom the den By ancient Tarsus held."labrynthSummary:Example: Purpose: Lethe Summary: Lethe, the river of forgetfulness, was one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld. According to Statius, it bordered Elysium, the final resting place of the virtuous, and flowed around the cave of Hypnos and the underworld. Those who drank from it completely forgot everything and the shades of the dead drank from its waters to forget their mortal lives. Lethe was also the name of the personification of forgetfulness and oblivion; Hesiod's Theogony identifies her as the daughter of Eris.Example: Buffy the Vampire Slayer – episode Tabula Rasa (Lethe's Bramble)Purpose: When a spark sets a bag of Lethe's Bramble on fire, at the Summer's house, it causes everyone there to lose their memories and fall unconscious. After they wake up they all have to try and rediscover who they are or what they are. Kind of like how the souls who are granted passage through the underworld have to drink from the river to forget their past lives and await rebirth.medea (also jason and the golden fleece) Summary: Medea was a mythological character who fell in love with Jason as he attempted to secure his birthright by fetching a golden fleece. Jason agrees to marry Medea if she helps him on his trials for the fleece. To do this, Medea gives Jason a substance to protect him from a fire-breathing ox that he must yoke, warns him of the army that sprouts from a dragon's teeth that he must sow, and puts to sleep a dragon that he must kill. Jason wins the fleece and marries Medea, but when they arrive in Corinth, Jason forsook Medea for the king's daughter, who Medea sent a poison dress as retribution. Finally, Medea kills her children and flees to Athens in a golden chariot.Example: Shakespeare's portrayal of Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth"Purpose: Meda is the typical inspiration for the femme fatale archetype wherein a woman acts viciously, usually as a means of sating jealousy. This tells us that all humans are capable of evil with the right temptations. This allusion can be seen with Lady Macbeth's murderous intent for Duncan. Additionally, the purpose of this story can be to hint at the most vile and wicked deeds such as killing the helpless (her kids) or using poison, a method seen as utterly dishonorable in Ancient Greece.Medusa Summary: Medusa is a monster (Gorgon) with venomous snakes coming out of her female head in replace of hair. Originally, she was a beautiful golden-haired priestess of Athena devoted to a life of celibacy, but after being wooed by Poseidon, she was punished by Athena. Her hair was replaced by snakes and her eyes were cursed with the ability to turn whomever looked into them to stone. She was eventually slain by Perseus. Even after her death, her head was still utilized as a weapon by Perseus until he gifted it to Athena to be placed on her shield.Example: In Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief, Medusa plays a small antagonistic role Purpose: Medusa represents the theme of good turning bad as well as represents human's tendency to disobey orders. By disobeying her vows of celibacy, Medusa was punished, much like other allusions, namely Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. The story of Medusa can be used to warn of over-indulging. In The Lightning Thief, Medusa was included as an obstacle of evil to Percy (quite similar to Perseus.) Percy slayed Medusa just like Perseus in mythology, and her head was utilized the same in both stories.menelaus (see also helen) Summary: In Greek mythology, Menelaus was a king of Mycenaean Sparta, the husband of Helen of Troy, and a central figure in the Trojan War. He was the son of Atreus and Aerope, brother of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae and, according to the Iliad, leader of the Spartan contingent of the Greek army during the War. Prominent in both the Iliad and Odyssey, Menelaus was also popular in Greek vase painting and Greek tragedy, the latter more as a hero of the Trojan War than as a member of the doomed House of Atreus. When he found out that his wife Helen ran away with Paris, he and his allies attacked Troy thus starting the Trojan War.Example: In the movie Oh Brother, Where art thou, Pappy O’ Daniels, who pardons the soggy bottom boys, share his first name with king Menelaus. The movie is loosely based on the Odyssey. Also, Menelaus’ daughter Hermione shares the name of a character in the Harry Potter books.Purpose: Menelaus is a powerful king, a character named Menelaus might be a powerful person and the daughter Hermione might be destined to be powerful or might disown her parents not wanting to be corrupt like them.mercury (hermes) Summary: Mercury is a major Roman god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages/communication, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, and thieves. He moved swiftly between the world of man and the world of gods, acting as a messenger of the gods and as a link between mortals and gods. He protected those traveling, along with thieves and athletes. He was the son of Zeus and Maria, and the father of Pan and Eudoros. He was noted with his constant search for amusement, thus, leading to thievery. He was noted with saving many people such as Io and Ares.Example: FlashPurpose: The purpose of the allusion to Hermes in the superhero, Flash is to show a protector and messenger of the travelers of the real world. He protects them from villains, and lets them know what must be done. This is just as Hermes did for the mortal, and the thieves and travelers. People must act as a messenger at times, and Flash's resemblance to Hermes highlights this.Midas Summary: Midas was king of Phrygia, and he loved gold. Dionysus, the god of wine, and his companion Silenus, the satyr god of wine-crafting and drunkenness and Dionysus' tutor, were traveling through Midas' kingdom, but Silenus was delayed and fell asleep in Midas' rose garden (by some stories he got drunk and wandered off). Midas found him, and invited him to stay at his palace, where they entertained each other for eleven days. Then Midas returned to Silenus to Dionysus, and Dionysus offered to grant any wish for Midas. Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold, but Dionysus warned him that this was not a good idea. Midas insisted, and Dionysus granted his wish telling Midas that when he woke up the next morning, everything he touched would turn to gold. The next morning, Midas tested his power, and was excited to find that everything he touched did turn to gold. But when he tried to smell a rose, it turned to gold in his hand, and when he tried to eat, the food turned to gold, too. When Midas touched his daughter (how varies by account; in Hawthorne's version, his daughter came in upset because the roses had turned to gold and lost their scent), and she turned into a golden statue, Midas realized that his wish was foolish, and he prayed to Dionysus to remove his golden touch. Dionysus told Midas to wash his hands in the river Pactolus. When he did, the gold flowed from his hands, and turned the sands around the river to gold (explaining why the river's sands were so rich in gold), and Midas lost his golden touch. In some stories, everything Midas had touched turned back from gold, and Midas became generous with his riches.Example: The Great Gatsby"I bought a dozen volumes on banking and credit and investment securities, and they stood on my shelf in red and gold like the new money from the mint, promising to unfold the shining secrets that only Midas and Morgan and Maecenas knew." Chapter 1Purpose: The allusion to Midas could serve to explain the value that Nick and his society placed on wealth and their greed. It might also provide a warning against such materialism, commenting that happiness from material wealth is temporary and illusory. Nick's books also could parallel the roses in Midas' garden, which turned to gold when he touched them, but lost their scent, possibly advancing a theme that wealth is not pleasurable, and not real, as the gold roses lose the pleasant qualities of real roses.Minotaur Summary: The minotaur was a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. The minotaur lived in the center of the Labyrinth, placed there by Daedelus and Icarus. The people of Athens were sentenced to a plague, and the way to save the people is to sacrifice them to the minotaur. Theseus volunteers as the third sacrifice. Theseus kills the minotaur and saves the other Athenians sent as a sacrifice.Example: Chronicles of Narnia By C.S. LewisPurpose: The minotaur story is usually used to show that bravery is important. The minotaur himself is used to show power and strength in a figure. It can also resemble the fight between natural vs. Unnatural and civilized vs. Barbaric. The minotaur in the Narnia is portrayed as a savage and powerful guard to the White Witch.Muses (calliope, erato…) Summary: The muses are the Goddesses of inspiration in literature, science, and the arts. They are the daughters of Zeus and Mnmosyne (Goddess of memory). Zeus brought them to life to celebrate the Olympian Gods' triumph over the titans and to forget the evils of the world. The God Apollo is their teacher. The most popular belief is that there are nine muses. Each muse represents a different art and has a different symbol. *name, art followed by symbol in parentheses. Calliope (Epic poetry, writing tablet), Clio (History, scrolls), Erato (Lyric poetry, cithara), Euterpe (Song and elegiac poetry, Aulos), Melpomene (Tragedy, tragic mask), Polyhymnia (Hymns, veil), Terpsichore (Dance, lyre), Thalia (Comedy, comic mask), Urania (Astronomy, globe and compass). Example: The Odyssey by Homer Purpose: In ancient literature (poems, epics, stories, etc.) the author usually begins by calling out to a muse for inspiration. Homer does this with "Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turnsdriven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy." When a muse is called to like this before a story it shows the value of tradition that certain societies have. Also, any time one of the muses' symbols are referenced in literature, it normally symbolizes how humans have a need for inspiration.nemean Lion Summary: The Nemean Lion is the first creature that Hercules has to kill for his twelve labors. The lion is depicted in Greek mythology as a giant beast that had fur that can fend off any spear or sword. When Hercules kills the lion he cuts off his fur and wears it as a cape. The Nemean lion lived in a cave where Hercules set out to find him, and in the cave there were only two entrances. Hercules thought it would be best to block one of the doorways, so he did and so, he approached the fantastic beast through the other entrance. This meant that the fierce Nemean lion that could not be killed with the common bow and arrow was trapped and Hercules kill him with his bare hands by chocking him to death.Example: The Iliad by HomerPurpose: The Nemean Lion, just like Cerberus, represent a creature that is betrayed as undefeatable. The story of how he is killed resembles that everyone or everything has a weakness. The Nemean Lion could not be killed because of his fur, so Hercules had to strangle him to death. In The Iliad, Achilles only has one weakness and that is his ankle. Just like the lion, Achilles is killed.Nemesis Summary: In ancient Greek mythology, Nemesis was more or less the goddess of revenge. Nemesis would enact her ruthless wrath upon any man that committed hubris (arrogance against the gods). She acted with a balance between good and evil, but was often considered a remorseless goddess. Nemesis also ensured a balance in the life of a man between happiness and sadness, as well as good and bad luck. She disputed with mortals with a superiority complex, as well as those problems dealing with scorned love.Example: Sophocles' Oedipus RexPurpose: In Oedipus Rex, king Oedipus has excessive pride, as seen throughout the story. Because he is so proud, he does not heed the warnings and prophecies of the gods, and ends up doing what he had feared most. The oracle warns him that he will kill his father and marry his mother, and in his attempt to avoid such and because of his enormous ego, he travels to Thebes and ends up killing the man that is his father, and marrying the queen of Thebes that is his mother. His pride and arrogance against the gods lead him to commit these fates, thus Nemesis being his character flaw. NepetheneSummary:Example: Purpose: Neptune (Poseidon) Summary: The God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He was the brother to Zeus and Hades. All of the waters had belonged to him. Although his was one of the supreme gods, he enjoyed spending his time near water.Example: Anna Banks's novel, Of Poseidon.Purpose: In the novel, a young girl discovers her ability to communicate with aquatic animals when she takes a trip to the beach. Similar to Poseidon, since he is the god of the sea he has to ability to communicate with animals in the sea.Odysseus (Ulysses) and PenelopeSummary:Example: Purpose: Orion Summary: There are multiple versions of the Orion myth depending on who his parents are. In the first story Orion's parents are Neptune and the Queen of the amazons, and because of this he becomes the greatest hunter in the world. However, this causes him to have an immense ego and he brags that he could kill any animal in the world. His downfall ends up being a single tiny scorpion who stings him. In the other story Orion has no mother but is a gift to a god-loving peasant from Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury. He falls in love with princess Merope but her father, the king, refuses to consent to their marriage. Orion attempts to gain possession her violently, and the king takes away his sight and casts him out on the seashore. After eventually getting his sight back from the sun god, he becomes close to Diana and would have married her if not for Apollo. One day, Apollo sees Orion walking around in the ocean and asks Diana to shoot him in the distance (she can't see as far as Apollo and doesn't know what she's shooting at). Diana kills him and in her grief places him among the stars to be remembered.Example: Jesus in the BiblePurpose: The two stories of Orion have a variety of themes that are alluded to in literature. In the first myth, Orion is able to walk on water and some people believe that Jesus being able to walk on water is an allusion to Orion. Also in that story, Orion's pride ended up being his downfall, a common flaw for a character to have as well as a reference to the seven deadly sins itself. In the second myth, Orion's attempt to gain possession of something through violence and it ultimately backfiring is a common theme, and an example of this is found in the Japanese movie series Kara no Kyokai when a character named Shiki attacks another character without thinking and ends up being absorbed into the wall of an apartment building.pan (faunus) and Pan’s PipesSummary: Pan is the god of the wild and nature and shepherds and flocks. He is associated with fertility and the spring season of growth. He is said to have been the son of Penelope, wife of Odysseus while she had sex with 108 suitors while Odysseus was being banished. Pan used his pipes to cause panic in wars and "shatter" enemies. He is known for having blown his horn and causing unnecessary panic in otherwise calm places. Pan also used his pipes to rally his flocks of animals that he could control.Example: The Wind and the Willows By Kenneth GrahamePurpose: Kenneth Grahame uses Pan as a kind of third person God in this story who influences all animals involved. Pan is even featured on the cover of the novel shown playing his pipes. It is said that Pan's pipes are what influenced many of the animals to meet and flock together. Kenneth Grahame uses the allusion of Pan in order to get an insight of the animals motives and thoughtsPandora and Pandora’s Box Summary: Zeus creates the first human woman, Pandora. She is made of water and is extremely curious by nature. With her, he sends a locked jar which she is warned to never open. One day, she opens the box and disease plagues the civilians. Other evils fell out of the jar but the last thing that fell out took the form of hope. Hope was sent down to the civilians for their use in trying times. Example: "Hope is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson)Purpose: Dickinson uses the personified form of hope that Pandora's story offers to show how vital hope can be through dark times. The bird in Dickinson's poem continues to sing even through a storm, much like the civilian's persevered during the illness and war that was plagued on them. Hope is portrayed in both stories as something that is completely out of human's control but can be a guiding factor through life. Pegasus Summary: Pegasus is a white, flying horse. He is the son of Poseidon and Medusa, but he was given to Athena to be tamed. Athena then gave him to Perseus so that Perseus could fly away from Andromeda, his lover. Eventually Pegasus lived on Mount Olympus and served Zeus. Pegasus symbolized divine inspiration and the journey to heaven. Example: Blackjack in Percy Jackson: The Titan's CursePurpose: Pegasus represents divine inspiration and the journey to heaven, but he is also a side kick and helper in many Greek myths. Pegasus is very loyal to all of the Gods he helps. In the Percy Jackson book The Titan's curse, Blackjack is a direct allusion to Pegasus. He saves Percy's life and aids Percy by transporting him. Phoenix Summary: The phoenix is a bird from Greek mythology that is regularly born or regenerated. The Phoenix typically represents life and rebirth. The phoenix typically rises from the ashes of its predecessor and commonly is associated with the sun. Often the Phoenix is killed, but is soon reborn with no memory of the life before. Example: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray BradburyPurpose: In the beginning of this story the city is bombed and nothing is left but ashes. Later, the city begins to rise from the ashes and the people who survived begin to rebuild the city. This alludes to the phoenix because even though everything was destroyed new life and beginnings rose out of what was left.Prometheus Summary: Prometheus was the titan god of forethought and crafted men out of clay. He stole meat and fire from the Olympians for the well-being of man. He was arrested and bound to a stake on Mount Kaukasos where an eagle fed on his regenerating liver. Eventually Heracles rescued Prometheus.Example: To create such an allusion, an author might describe a father's love to be as warming as the glowing fire. An author can give a selfless man a liver disease or injury to the ribs or lungs. Purpose: Fire and meat can represent paternal love, as Prometheus stole these for the good of man. An Eagle can represent godliness, majesty, and punishment.the river styx Summary: According to ancient Greek mythology, the River Styx separated the land of the living and the land of the dead. Much is unknown about the River Styx as very few people who have seen it while alive. When a soul reaches the River Styx, it would board a boat with the boatman, Cheron, to cross the river into the underworld. However, if the soul's body was not burned with a coin (as payment to Cheron), the soul would either be trapped in the land of the living, or would have to try to swim across the river (a feat that was very rarely accomplished. Once across the river, the soul would wait to be reborn into a new body, with no recollection of its previous life.Example: F. Scott Fitzgerald's, The Great Gatsby: "The valley of ashes is bounded on one side by a small foul river, and, when the drawbridge is up to let barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene for as long as half an hour." (Fitzgerald, 26)Purpose: The River Styx mainly symbolizes the transition of one's soul from life to death. When alluded to, it can represent the recent death of a character in a story. It can also represent rebirth as once the soul reaches the other side of the river, it has the chance to be reborn into a new body. This can be represented mentally too, since the soul's memory of its past life is cleared, which can symbolize someone forgetting their past misfortunes and starting anew without fearing failure.Satyrs Summary: Satyrs are human companions of Dionysus with many goat-like body parts, horse-like legs and permanent erections. They love pleasures such as wine, women and music. Satyrs are commonly portrayed as pipe-players. This desire for pleasure is often captured in art depicting satyrs drinking, socializing, playing music or dancing with nymphs, small women in nature.Example: Claudius from Hamlet by William ShakespearePurpose: Satyrs are symbolic of promiscuity. Hamlet's reference to his uncle Claudius as a satyr demonstrates his contempt for Claudius. He is depicted as foul and bestial.The SirensSummary:Example: Purpose: Sisyphus Summary: Sisyphus was the king of Ephyra in Greek mythology. Although Sisyphus helped his city to become a commercial hub and invested in navigation, he was a deceitful person. Sisyphus would often violate the Xenia, concept of hospitality and generosity shown to guests, by killing them just to prove he was a ruthless king. These violations made him fall in the eyes of Zeus, who was in charge of promoting Xenia, he then further infuriated Zeus when he told Asopus where Aegina was. Due to his actions Zeus decided to punish him and asked Thanatos to chain him but Sisyphus tricked him. He would later trick Persephone, the queen of the underworld, into releaseing him back into the land of the living. Zeus, fed up with his tricks, punished him to eternally push a boulder uphill and as soon as he would reach the top the boulder would roll off and he would have to start over.Example: The intro to the book, L'Etranger, by French existentialist Albert Camus.Purpose: In the intro Camus relates the eternal punishment of Sisyphus with the life of humans. He does this by saying that humans, like Sisyphus, are all, as we go through our lives, pushing a boulder to the top of a hill. But that there is not real purpose to this, because no matter how far we get or what we do everyone eventually dies. Camus says that like Sisyphus we are all trying to achieve an unrealistic, and unfruitful goal.Tantalus Summary: Tantalus is a mythological figure who resides in Tartarus, a portion of the underworld designed for the vilest of humans, gods, and titans. Tantalus was know for being foolish, as when he once stole the God's food, Ambrosia, and gave it to his friends. Tantalus was sent to Tartarus for dismembering and boiling his son as an offering to the gods, who refused to eat the boy save for Demeter who did so unknowingly. The fates revived the boy, save for the shoulder eaten by Demeter. Tantalus's punishment is to stand neck-high in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree. When he reaches for fruit, the branches raise, and when he tries to drink water, the water recedes. Thus, he is cursed to an eternity of dehydration and starvation.Example: Shakespeare writes, "But like still-pining Tantalus he sits" (Luc. 855)Purpose: An allusion to Tantalus often refers to his punishment as a symbol for temptation without gratification. Tantalus is forever tempted to reach for the fruit and bow for the water, but his desires are never alleviated. Additionally, the story hints at the consequences of deception and thievery in that, as Tantalus stole the foods of the Gods, so do the Gods withhold the food of Tantalus. Also, A character who is consistently blocked on their quest is being tantalized. Thanatos Summary: Thanatos was the personification of death in ancient Greek mythology, but he rarely was mentioned and was a minor character often overshadowed by Hades, who shared a similar purpose. He was the son of Nix and Erebus and had the twin brother Hypnos. He was merciless, so both gods and mortals hated him. Example: Hesiod's Theogony"The glowing Sun never looks upon them with his beams, neither as he goes up into heaven, nor as he comes down from heaven... but the other [Thanatos] has a heart of iron, and his spirit within him is pitiless as bronze: whomsoever of men he has once seized he holds fast: and he is hateful even to the deathless gods."Purpose: Although this character isn't used much in mythology due to Hades' presence and similar characteristics, the allusion of Thanatos clearly represents death. However, it isn't a peaceful death; Thanatos is hated by everyone for being heartless and merciless, so the allusion can also represent punishment beyond death. In the Theogony, Hesiod describes Thanatos as the god disliked by gods and mortals alike, so this differentiates his purpose somewhat from that of Hades', who is a fairly liked by gods for his purpose in the underworld. Thor Summary: Thor is one of the most prominent figures in Norse mythology. He was a major god of all branches of the Germanic peoples before their conversion to Christianity, although he reached the height of his popularity among the Scandinavians of the late Viking Age. Thor, the brawny thunder god, is the archetype of a loyal and honorable warrior, the ideal toward which the average human warrior aspired. He’s the indefatigable defender of the Aesir gods and their fortress, Asgard, from the encroachments of the giants, who are usually (although far from invariably) the enemies of the gods.No one is better suited for this task than Thor. His courage and sense of duty are unshakeable, and his physical strength is virtually unmatched. He even owns an unnamed belt of strength that makes his power doubly formidable when he wears it. His most famous possession, however, is his hammer, Mj?llnir.Example: Tarzan a man raised by gorillas, who protects his loved ones and the jungle from danger. In the film, human explorers attempt to capture and bring the gorillas back to England; this forces Tarzan to decide where he belongs. In the end, he chases off the people who are trying to capture and imprison his family and becomes leader of the pack. This film shows an individual who risks his life in order to protect his family and home from outside dangers and gain respect as a leader.Purpose: The allusion of Thor can function as an allusion to protection. Just as Thor protected earth from supernatural disasters, characters based on Thor protect their home and families. Thor is a noble warrior to which all mortals aspire.TitansSummary: They were a powerful race that ruled the world long before the better-known Olympians. They were immortal giants with a plethora of strength and knowledge. The first generation of Titans were descendants of Gaea (Earth) and Uranus (sky and heavens). They consisted of Coeus, Cronus, Crius, Hyperion, Iapetus, Oceanus, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, Rhea, Theia, Themis, and Tethys. When Cronus castrated his father, they took rule of the world. Eventually, during this long period of reign, Cronus and Rhea gave birth to younger gods, Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hestia, and Demeter who rebelled in a ten-year war known as Titanomachy. They took over the Titans, becoming the new rulers.Example: Atlas ShruggedPurpose: This novel, written in the 20th century, is about an alternative US where the productive members of society went on strike, thus causing mass panic, strife, and turmoil in the world. This alludes to Atlas, the titan who held up the world. If he ever grew tired of his duties, the world would fall apart, just as the working class did in this novel. Its purpose is to show how important each individual is to the entire globe.Trojan Horse Trojan War Summary: Sparta was fighting Troy to repossess King Menelaus' wife Helen, but the Trojan War had become a stalemate, so Odysseus came up with a plan to invade Troy by pretending to give up and offering Troy a gift of a wooden horse built by Epeius. Odysseus and some other soldiers hid inside the horse, while the rest of the Greek army pretended to sail away. Against the warnings of a priest Laoco?n and a seer Cassandra, who was cursed to never be believed, the Trojans brought the horse inside the gates, persuaded by the Greek Sinon. Odysseus and the other soldiers left the horse and opened the Trojan gates for the rest of the Greek army, and they took Troy.The Trojan War began with the apple of discord, from Eris, the goddess of chaos. She was offended by another goddess and threw a golden apple at Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The three women fought over the apple, as Eris claimed only the fairest of the three would bear the apple. This started an argument, and was to be judged by Paris, a prince of Troy. Paris chose Aphrodite, and later stole Helen of Sparta from King Menelaus. King Menelaus was obviously angered by this, so he gathered an army, along with his brother, and thus began the war. Gods chose sides in the war, and the war was very long and difficult. Many Greeks and Trojans died. Later on, Odysseus led the attack with the Trojan Horse, which ultimately won the war for the Greeks.Example: A Trojan Horse by Herbert Nehrlich"So many have, in much more/modern times, attempted/a revival of the symbol yet,/no one has ever built and sent/intp the camp of morons and the like/a Trojan filled with authenticity."Monsters, Inc (Laugh Floor)Mike makes a joke: "We call Roz the face that launched a thousand lunches." - This is in reference to Helen of Sparta launching a thousand ships, or starting the Trojan War.Purpose: The allusion to the Trojan Horse brings to mind Odysseus' cleverness, which contrasts with the speaker's observation that no one has ever in the attempt to revive the clever Trojan Horse sent one "filled with authenticity." This may reflect that attempts to copy a success are not as successful, because the revival Trojan Horses were not filled with original cleverness as the first Trojan Horse was. Supporting this, the speaker calls anyone who would accept the new horses "morons," and comments on the wariness of the bailiff. The speaker may allude to the Trojan Horse to comment about the value of originality. Those that were awed by the idea of a Trojan Horse are warned that it is no longer original, and, therefore, less effective. The Trojan War is a good example to show chain reactions. It will be used as an allusion to show selfishness and how chaos can ensue from one's actions.Unicorn Summary: The Unicorn is a horse creature with a single spiraling horn protruding from the center of its head. Documented by a Greek historian, Ctesias, who wrote about how Unicorns lived in India and those who drank from the horn were protected from stomach pain, epilepsy, and poisoning. The Unicorn often is a symbol of purity and grace and can only be captured by a virgin. Example: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. RowlingPurpose: Harry finds a slain unicorn in the forbidden forest and watches as a hooded figure drinks the blood of the unicorn. Harry is saved by a centaur who explains that killing unicorns is illegal because to obtain the reward (being kept alive no matter how close to death), you have to kill a defenseless creature and as a result "you will live a half-life, a cursed life." The central villain Voldemort is known to use unicorn blood to stay alive when he is weak. The author is suggesting that a loss of purity to obtain rewards is detrimental to a person's character. The unicorn is the purity and by killing it and reaping rewards from its death, you have deteriorated your character.Utopia Summary: Thomas More, the main character in this story meets these men named Peter Giles and Raphael Hythloday. The three are them are very interest in Philosophy and have an intense conversation about whether Philosophy can influence politics or not. Hythlody disagrees with both Giles and More and claims that philosophy and politics cannot be connected in anyway. Hythlody also loves to travel and he's been to this place called Utopia which he describes to Giles and More. Giles and More evidently don't believe what Hythlody is saying and More is convinced that he has to hear more to end up completely agreeing with Hythlody. Example: The Giver by Lois LowryPurpose: The purpose of Utopia is to describe a world that seems perfect in every way, but it also describes how that isn't always the case and things aren't always as they seem. In The Giver, Jonas believes that his community is perfect, a truly Utopic society, however, when Jonas starts to hang around the old man who is the memory keeper of his community, he begins to discover unbelievably horrific things about his community's past. Vulcan Summary: Vulcan is the god of fire, including that of volcanoes, art, metals, arms, and armor for the gods. Interestingly enough, he is the only god depicted as ugly, and being husband to Venus, the goddess of beauty, a lot of his myths are centered around the issues of his love troubles (i.e his wife cheating). It is said that every time Venus was unfaithful, a volcano erupts. He learned to harness his power of fire and crafting ornaments. Example: In Star Trek, planet Vulcan was home to VulcansPurpose: The planet Vulcan was home to volcanoes, and its inhabitants were referred to as Vulcans, they were skilled craftsman and innovative in creating new technology. This is a direct allusion to Vulcan, the god of fire and crafting iron (much similar to how Vulcans created technology to travel through space, Vulcan created the helmet and winged sandals for Hermes). Another example proving that the reference is directly related to the god Vulcan, is that the Vulcans blood is copper based, and Vulcan is the god of metals. Charon Example: The Great Gatsby“ The valley of ashes is bounded on one side by a small foul river, and when the drawbridge is up to let barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the scene or as long as half an hour” FritzgeraldPurpose: Charon is the carrier for the rested, those whose bodies were not properly buried or not buried at all. The name Charon is often explained as “of keen gaze”, fierce, flashing or feverish eyes. Flashing eyes, can also mean anger or irascibility of Charon. The ancient historian Diodorus Siculus thought he was ferryman and his name was transferred from Egypt.Summary: Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. When it was your souls time to go to the under world, Charon would give you a ride. Hector Example: Dictionary: to treat with insolence; bully; torment ex “the teacher hectored his students”. This example was interesting because of it effectiveness, Hectored died fighting as a noble person.“Strength stoops unto the grave, Worms feed on Hector brave; Swords may not fight with fate, Earth still holds open her gate. – A Litany in Time of Plague by Thomas NashePurpose: To be someone who stands up for his friends, and fights till the death.Summary: Hector is Priam, King of Troy, and Hecuba’s oldest Son. Hector acts as a leader of the Trojans to defend Troy against the Greeks in he Trojan war. Known as on of the nine mightiest heroes in the warNepethene Example: “The raven” by Edagr Allen Poe “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore.”Purpose: A solution for sorrow.Summary: A fictional medicine for sorrow, literally an anti-depressant, “A drug of forgetfulnessAbsalom Example: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!”Purpose: it alludes to paternal grief, and to a lost of faithless son.Summary: Absalom or Avshalom according to the Hebrew Bible was the third son of David, King of Israel with Maachah, daughter of Talmai, King of Geshur. 2 Samuel 14:25 describes him as the most handsome man in the kingdom. In Samuel ll, Absalom was david’s favorite so who was killed in battle while attempting to usurp his father’s throne.Jacob’s Ladder Example: Bob Dylan “ Forever Young” “May you build a ladder to the stars”Purpose: To those of faith the ladder is more figurative then literal, it’s a way of living. If they live and walk on the “ladder” according to how God says to walk then they will go up the “ladder” of Heaven. Also a connection between God and man. Summary: In Gensis, Jacob was fleeing his twin brother Esau (birthright). Jacob dreamed of a ladder from earth to heaven and heard the voice of God promising land and favor. He awoke to a place of the stone on which he had been sleeping as the first stone of the future temple of God.Exodus Example: in Exodus 12:31 “31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.”Purpose: t To make peace, adapt the weapons of peace during war. Moses also seeing the burning bush was what drove him to act and to do something and step up as a leader.Summary: The word comes from the Greek exodos (meaning “marching out”) and in the old testament describes the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Under Moses and their subsequents 40- year wandering before finding the promise land. Moses spotted a burning bush while hearding his sheep and went around to check it out. The bush introduced himself as the Angel of the Lord and told him to lead the people out of Egypt.Mount Gilboa Example: 2 Samuel 1:21 "O mountains of Gilboa, Let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, The shield of Saul, not anointedwith oil.”Purpose: Gilboa is boiling spring, bubbling fountains, agitated pools. Place people go when they are irritated, or frustrated. a state of action.Summary: This mountain is mentioned in Scripture only in connection with the last conflict of Saul with the Philistines and his disastrous defeat. King Saul led a battle at Mt. Gilboa. The battle ends with the king falling on his sword and Saul’s sons being killed in battle. King David who hears about the tragedy after the battle curses the mountain.Satan, Old scratch, The snake, Lucifer, the beast Example: Garden of Eden. A snake in an apple tree, convinced Eve to eat an apple from the one tree God forbid her not to.“ I ought to be thy Adam but I am rather the fallen angel” – Frankenstien By Mary Shelly Purpose: Whenever there is good there must be evil. Summary: Satan used to be very close friends with God, he had allot of love for God and wanted to be him. His pride and power got ahead of him and he wanted to take over the universe.Mythological AllusionsACHILLES and PATROCLUSSummary: Embodies the relationship between these two men, as Achilles is affectionate towards Patroclus. However, Achilles is insensitive and arrogant towards all others. Their relationship is meaningful and substance based.Example: The Emperor's New GrooveCaroline WarePurpose: This is a very important relationship, especially surrounding the time of the Trojan War. Adonis Summary: After Adonis was born from incest, Aphrodite sent in a box to Persephone, from the underworld, to raise. When she refused to give him up, Zeus allowed Adonis to go to Aphrodite for one part of the year and go to Persephone for the other.Example: "Adone" by Giovan Battista Marino Purpose: This story explains the seasons depending on where Adonis is. "Adone" is a poem that elaborates the myth of Adonis.Agamemnon Summary: At the fall of Troy, Agamemnon returns home from the war to his wife, Clytemnestra. Clytemnestra does not want him home, as he sacrificed their daughter for good fortune in war. When he returns, he brings Cassandra, a Trojan princess with prophetic powers. Clytemnestra kills both of them, and states that she's not responsible since she was carrying out a curse. Aegisthus, Agamemnon's cousin and Clytemnestra's new lover comes and states that he helped in the plot. The Chorus, a collection of old men who have been observing, wish for Agamemnon's son Orestes to come back from exile and avenge him. Example: Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsPurpose: In the final Harry Potter book, Harry kills Voldemort, avenging the death of his father by Voldemort. This alludes to the end of the Agamemnon story, as Orestes will plot to avenge his father's death by killing Clytemnestra. Ambrosia Summary: ambrosia is the food and drink of the gods. Eating or being offered ambrosia is often symbolic of immortality or godliness, as only deities consume ambrosia. Hercules, for instance, was offered ambrosia by Hera after gaining immortality. Ambrosia was often brought to the gods by doves. Ptolemy describes his study of the heavens I his writings: "when I trace at my pleasure the windings to and fro of the heavenly bodies I no longer touch earth with my feet: I stand in the presence of Zeus himself and take my fill of ambrosia, food of the gods."Purpose: By referencing "taking his fill of ambrosia," Ptolemy compares knowledge of the stars and the universe to ambrosia, and that such learning gives the feeling of godliness and immortality. ANTIGONE Summary: Daughter to Oedipus, sister to Eteocles and Polynices. Her two brothers had shared rule of Thebes until Eteocles banished Polynices over a quarrel. Polynices then fought to claim Thebes against his brother, but both were killed. The new King Creon decreed that Polynices was not to be buried nor mourned, but Antigone defies this and is caught. Antigone defied Creon's order on the premise that she was following the laws of the divines, not the laws of men. Antigone follows through to the end with what she believes is right. Antigone is in the end imprisoned and kills herself due to the unjust nature of the crime.Example: Romeo and JulietPurpose: Romeo and Juliet both defy the laws set down by their houses and follow what they truly believe in spite of the punishment.aphrodite (venus) Summary: Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and lust. She was married by Zeus to Hephaestus, however she pursued many other lovers regardless. Aphrodite was so beautiful that she essentially caused the Trojan War over her beauty.Example: Dante's InfernoPurpose: Aphrodite represents the dangers of lust and the conflict that come with it. Dante labeled it as one of the Seven Deadly Sins in Inferno, and he tells of how lust is unholy and dangerous. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite represents the failures of characters when they act out of lust and the negative consequences of it. For instance, the Trojan War was told to have been fought over lusting over Aphrodite.Apollo Summary: Apollo is the Greek god of music, prophecy, healing, and the sun. He is the son of Zeus and Leto and has a twin sister, Artemis. He frequently holds a bow and arrow and is associated with moderation.Example: The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich NeitzschePurpose: The Apollonian philosophy, which favors order and rational thinking contrasts heavily with the Dionysian philosophy that prefers emotions and irrationality.Arachne Summary: A mortal named Arachne was a great weaver who stated that she was more skilled at it than Athena. Athena was offended by this statement so she declared there to be a contest of who was the most skilled weaver. During the contest, Athena realized that Arachne's weaving was much more beautiful than her own so she destroyed Arachne's work. Ashamed, Arachne hanged herself and was turned into a spider by Athena, condemned to weaving the ancient web forever. Example: Charlotte's Web by E.B. WhitePurpose: Charlotte uses her talents of weaving webs to save a piglet from being slaughtered. Her ability to save the piglet comes from the humans who read the web, not the web itself. This is similar to how Arachne obtains her talent for weaving form Athena. However, unlike Charlotte, Arachne is boastful about her talent which leads to her ultimate demise. Ararat Summary: In the book of Genesis, Noah's Ark (the vessel in which God allowed Noah, his family, and the world's animals to escape the great flood) lands in the mountains of Ararat (present day Armenia). Example: The author/speaker may use the Ararat mountains in a direct comparison to something.Purpose: The reference to Ararat in a piece of literature indicates a point of refuge or the end of calamity for the speaker/character(s). The landing point of Ararat for Noah's Ark signaled the end of the flood and safety for the passengers of the Ark.ares (mars) Summary: Ares is the Greek god of war, the son of Zeus and Hera, and one of the twelve Olympian Gods. Ares represents the violent and physical untamed acts that occurred in wartime. Although he represents the physical valor necessary for success in war, the Greeks where uncertain about him as Areas was a dangerous force that was overwhelming and destructive. Mars was the Roman counterpart to Ares, who was known as a father to the Roman people. Because of this important place in Roman religion, Mars was seen as more of a guardian god and was less aggressive with a calmer and more understanding demeanor compared to Ares.Example: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting ThiefPurpose: In the novel Ares is a major antagonist and a supporting character in the rest of the series. In other pieces of literature Ares is usually alluded to when someone is short tempered, or unnecessarily violent. Mars might also allude to power and strength as he was more respected and less uncertain.Ariel Summary: Ariel, the spirit of air, is a character in Shakespear's The Tempest. Ariel is imprisoned inside a tree because he refuses to serve a witch named Sycorax. Once Sycorax dies, Ariel is trapped inside the tree and saved by a powerful magician and duke in Italy named Prospero. Prospero is later banished from Italy by brothers, Alonso and Antonio. In a plot to regain his dukeship Prospero uses the tempest to cause the ship that Alonso and Antonio are on to crash land on the island he has been banished to. Throughout this process Prospero has Ariel and his other servant complete many tasks to manipulate the group of men into feeling guilty for banishing him and eventually allow him to return to Italy as a duke. Ariel after plotting to kill Prospero in the beginning of the play is an obedient and loyal servant who services Prospero with his ability to shapeshift in exchange for his freedom, which he is later granted.Example: Ariel by Sylvia PlathPurpose: by naming the narrator’s horse Ariel who has been faithful she shows the loyalty and obedience of the horse which is what Ariel is usually meant to do when used in literature.athena (minerva)Summary: She is the Greek goddess of war, medicine, wisdom, and commerce. She is viewed as a companion to heroes and protector of the city of Athens, the origin of her name. Example: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Caroline Ware Purpose: Athena is one of the most important goddesses and embodies countless qualities which add to this. She is seen as a prominent female figure who stands for wisdom and strategy in the realm of Greek mythology. Atlas Summary: Atlas was a Titan, and during the war of Titans against the Gods, the Titans lost. As a punishment, Zeus condemned Atlas to eternally hold up the sky on his shoulders. Atlas was also a wise man and the founder of astronomy.Example: Atlas- the book of maps or chartsPurpose: The story of Atlas is used as an explanation for the reason the sky is unreachable and why the sky doesn't "fall". The Atlas refers to the Titan Atlas because Atlas was good at astronomy, which is related to maps and charts of the world found in an Atlas. aurora (eos) Summary: Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, gained immortality from Zeus. However, she did not ask for eternal youth. Therefore, she grew older and weaker, but could not die. Example: Romeo and JulietPurpose: "Should in the furthest east begin to draw The shady curtains from Aurora's bed," This line references Auroras job as announcer of the arrival of dawn. Montague (the speaker) is states that Romeo is avoiding the dawn because of his sadness. bacchus / bachanal Summary: Bacchus is commonly known by his Greek counterpart, Dionysus, the god of wine. His patronage of wine also entailed ritual madness, grape harvest, fertility, theatre, and religious ecstasy. Symbols of Bacchus include the bull, snake, phallus, and a panther or leopard skin. In Roman Mythology, he is depicted carrying a Thyrsus, a stick with a pinecone on the end. The "Bacchanal" was a practice in cults of Bacchus, in which participants consumed copious amounts of wine and participated in a sexual free-for-all (though these accounts have fallen under skepticism). Example: An allusion to Bacchanal could include any of the symbols of Dionysus or consumption of large amounts of wine. Purpose: The allusion to Bacchanal would indicate madness of the characters, show that their practices are harmful and cult-like, foreshadow madness or sexual activity, or establish a character as a Dionysus or god-like figure. Calypso Summary: In the Odyssey, Calypso enchants Odysseus, who then stays on her island for an amount of years. Calypso planned to make Odysseus her immortal husband, as she enchants him with singing and other things. Odysseus eventually realizes that his goal was his wife and not Calypso, and wants to leave her island of Ogygia. The gods allow his exit, and Calypso is angry that the gods always want to end relationships between goddesses and mortals.Example: Like Ogygia it drew me inPurpose: This gives the sense of enchantment and entrapment that Calypso did to Odysseus. It is something so attractive yet so distracting perhaps.Centaur Summary: In Greek mythology, centaurs were creatures with the upper body of human and the lower body of a horse.Example: Centaurs from the Harry Potter seriesPurpose: Centaurs represent chaos and barbarism. They are simple-minded and they are either at arms with someone or they are getting drunk. In Harry Potter, the centaurs live in the Forbidden Forest, avoiding human interaction, and they are highly competitive with each other and are very rowdy.Cerberus Summary: Cerberus is the multi-headed dog that protects the gates of the Greek underworld so that the dead are separate from the living. It is taken from the Underworld by Heracles as part of a challenge.Example: Homer's Iliad and OdysseyPurpose: Cerberus commonly symbolizes earthly desires that can spiritually devour humans. The triumph of Heracles over Cerberus can be interpreted as his victory over common human strife. Chaos Summary: Chaos was the origin of everything (primordial void), according to the Greeks. Not even the universe or Gods existed before chaos did. The first gods that emerged from chaos were the gods of Earth (Gaea), the underworld (Tartarus), and love (Eros). Later, darkness (Erubus) and night (Nyx) emerged. Example: Percy Jackson by Rick RiordanPurpose: After Hera began a rebellion against her husband Zeus, she was punished by being chained right above the abyss of Chaos. Because Chaos created everything (including monsters), Hera was subjected to enduring the torment as well as being threatened to be dropped in by Zeus. Eventually, Zeus let Hera free where she promised to be loyal Olympus. Charon Summary: In Greek mythology, Charon is the ferryman for the god of the underworld, Hades. After one dies, Charon carries their soul across the rivers Styx and Acheron. These two rivers divide the living world from the world of the dead. He demanded a one-coin payment for passage. Those who did not pay were fated to live as ghosts for eternityExample: The song Don't Pay the Ferryman" by Chris de Burgh (details a ferry ride through a dangerous storm)Purpose: The allusion to the ferryman of the dead signifies the treachery of the journey and how close the character is to death. The fate of the passenger is in the hands of the ferryman.Chimera Summary: The Chimera is a monster with a lion head and body, a snake for a tail, and a fire-breathing goat head coming from its back. It is the child of the monster gods Typhon and Echinda, and is siblings of the Sphynx and other famous Greek monsters. Example: Fallout: New Vegas(Popular Video Game)Purpose: There is no real emphasized story to go with this creature, but seeing it was considered a bad luck omen, before natural disasters and other catastrophic events. It is considered an abomination creature with all of it's mixed animals. This word is generally used to show how unnatural and demonic something is. In many video games, specifically relating to the horror/adventure genre, there are usually creatures or monsters resemble or have attributes of various animals. In the game Fallout: New Vegas there are creatures called night stalkers that are a splice between coyote and rattlesnake, alluding to a chimera's combination of animals.Circe Summary: Circe is the daughter of Helios, the sun God and a beautiful which who lives on her Island, Aeaea. As a deity her power is her ability to turn men into swine, lions and wolves. She appears most prominently in Homer's The Odyssey, after meeting Odysseus and his companions, she attempts to turn the entire group into pigs, however Odysseus is protected by moly, an herbal gift he was given by Hermes. After Circe falls in love with and seduces Odysseus she changes the men back into their original forms. She then attempts to keeps Odysseus with her on the island but eventually lets him leave.Example: Cersei character Game of ThronesPurpose: Cersei in the popular Game of Thrones series is a manipulative and seductive woman who often uses looks and sexual charisma to make political gains, while however remaining cold and reserved. Although the two names are different they both represented manipulative women.clytemnestraSummary: She was the queen of Mycenae and the wife of Agamemnon. It is rumored that she killed her husband and his prize after victory at Troy, a Trojan Princess. Example: Macbeth Caroline WarePurpose: She is a key female figure who is known to hold high power and often use it wrongly. She is a dangerous woman who depicts possible lies, deceit, and deadly decisions.cupid (eros) and Psyche Summary: Psyche was a beautiful woman who could not find a husband. Venus, who was jealous of her beauty, ordered Cupid to make fall in love with a hideous man, however after seeing her he struck himself with the arrow. They married, however Psyche could not look at him, and once she disobeyed and looked. Cupid then left her, and she did many dangerous tasks to win him back. Eventually, she became a goddess and they got married.Example: Valentine's DayPurpose: This story is about the power of true love, as shown by the lengths Psyche was willing to go to be with Cupid again. On Valentine's Day, Cupid is famously known for shooting people with arrows.Cyclops Summary: Odysseus and his men find a cave for shelter. This cave belonged to the Cyclops (Polyphemus) who closed off the opening to the cave with an enormous rock. Since the Cyclops was the only one strong enough to move the rock, he decided to feed the Cyclops wine, and told him his name was "No man", until he fell asleep. Then he took a pointed stick and pushed it into his eye so he cried out. The other Cyclops laughed when he said "No man" had done this to him. Odysseus and his men tied themselves to the belly of sheep that were being herded out of the cave, by a now blinded Cyclops. Example: The HobbitPurpose: Similar to the journey of Odysseus, Bilbo Baggins begins an epic journey that questions if he will return home. Bilbo reaches a triumph over the dragon Smaug, similar to Odysseus' witty defeat of the Cyclops. Both characters beat their monstrous opponent in order to safely return home.daedalus and icarus Summary: Daedalus is a brilliant inventor who during his travels meets and befriends King Minos of Crete. Minos gave Daedalus a task of designing a labyrinth to contain a half-man-half-bull creature on the island (the minotaur). The Minotaur requires human sacrifices, so local children are sent in every 7 years. Daedalus, having designed the labyrinth, helps one of the victims escape after killing the Minotaur, thus angering King Minos. Minos then locks him in a tower with his son Icarus. In the tower, Daedalus begins to construct his infamous wax wings. Once they are completed, Daedalus gives a pair to himself and his son, with a warning to not fly too close to the sea (the wings will get wet) or too close to the sun (the wings will melt). However, Icarus does not heed this advice and flies too close to the sun. The wings melt, and Icarus falls to his death. Example: "You have married an Icarus; he has flown too close to the sun" (sung by Eliza in the song "Burn" in the musical Hamilton)Purpose: the allusion compares Hamilton to Icarus after Eliza has found out that he cheated on her with another woman. The allusion shows the flaws in Hamilton's ambitious nature: that while his ambition got him an important place in the government, it led him to take it too far with this woman, and it led to his downfall. damon and pythias Summary: Damon and Pythias were friends, and both followers of the philosophy of Pythagoras. They traveled to Syracuse and, either as a test of the moral strength of Pythagoreans or an act of tyranny, King Dionysus accused Pythias of plotting against him, and sentenced him to death. Pythias made one request: to travel home to bid farewell to his family and such. King Dionysus agreed under the condition that Pythias' friend Damon stay in his place and be killed if he did not return in time. Just as Dionysus thought, Pythias had not returned, and Damon was to be killed. At the last minute, Pythias arrives and explains his lateness due to pirates, and that he hurried and arrived as quickly as possible to save his friend. The king, touched, pardoned them both.Example: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydePurpose: The relationship between Lanyon and Jekyll is at first described as being like that between Damon and Pythias, connoting self-sacrifice and altruism.oracle at delphi Summary: Pythia is the High Priestess at Delphi, and her advice was sought over many of the most important decisions in classical literature. There are around 500 statements from Pythia, many of which have become proverbs that are often referred to in order to understand the motives of classical heroes. Example: Oedipus RexPurpose: The Oracle represents an all-knowing power, whom people consult for prophecies, be it good or bad. She tells Oedipus that he will murder his father and marry his mother, and although Laius and Oedipus continuously try and escape their fate, the Oracle's prophecy ultimately holds true.demeter (ceres) Summary: Demeter is the Greek goddess of harvest, agriculture, and the cycle of life and death. Her daughter, Persephone, is forced to marry Hades. She is allowed to return for certain months of the year. When she is separated from Demeter, plants wither away. When she returns, plants bear fruit, hence the change of seasons.Example: Bram Stoker's DraculaPurpose: The name of the ship that Dracula boards to England from Transylvania is called the Demeter. Stoker names it this because it transports large amounts of Transylvanian soil so that Dracula is able to feed. Demeter typically represents sustenance which is what the soil indirectly provides for Dracula.Diana Summary: Diana is the goddess of the moon, the hunt, and nature (specifically wild animals). She is known to be the virgin goddess of childbirth and women. As a part of the three main goddesses, she, as well as Minerva and Vesta promised to never marry. Example: Merchant of Venice by William ShakespearePurpose: In the Merchant of Venice, Portia says "I will die as chaste as Diana." Because Diana swore never to marry, Portia is comparing her situation to Diana's. Unless her farther chooses a suitable groom for her, Portia will never marry and will die a virgin. Dionysus Summary: Dionysus is the Greek god of the grape harvest, wine, fertility, ecstasy, and theatre. His rituals, involving wine, music and dance, freed his followers from self-conscious fear and care. Many believed he protected the people who did not accept the standards of conventional society--he symbolized the chaotic, dangerous, and unexpected actions of humans. Example: The character Bacchus in CS Lewis' Prince Caspian (Bacchus was another name for Dionysus) Purpose: A character being named after the god of wine suggests that the character has a wild and/or volatile side to him/her.echo and narcissus Summary: The story of Narcissus includes the story of Echo, a nymph who falls in love with him. Echo falls under an unfortunate spell cast by Hera, who has suspected that Zeus is interested in her or, at least, in one of her nymph friends. Hera determines that Echo will always have the last word but never have the power to speak first. That is, she only can repeat other people's utterances. When the dying Narcissus calls "farewell" to his own image, Echo can only repeat the words—a final good-bye. In the place where Narcissus dies, a beautiful flower grows, and the nymphs call it Narcissus.Example: The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar WildePurpose: Together, the stories of Narcissus and Echo represent the tragedy of missed connections, for they both love wrongly. Narcissus loves simply a reflection; Echo loves someone who cannot love another. The Greek myths thus explore sad scenarios that leave certain characters unhappy or unfulfilled. Dorian is described as young and handsome and, like Narcissus, is indifferent to Sibyl's love as he rejects her, breaking her heart. Dorian then, like Narcissus, becomes obsessed with his image to the point where all that mattered was his beauty and just like Narcissus Dorian's obsession with his image eventually kills him.electra and orestes Summary: After the killing of Agememnon his sister, Electra feels like young Orestes, Agememnon's son is in danger and sends him to be raised by his uncle Strophius, king of Phocis. Once he is older Electra reminds him of his duty to avenge his father's death. To accomplish this task Orestes returns to his birthplace, Argos disguised as a messenger with word of his own death and murders his mother, Clytemnestra and her lover, Aegisthus both of whom are responsible for his father's death.The Eumenides, the avenging deities, then follow Orestes from place to place because they consider the crime of a son slaughtering his own mother, especially Example: “Elektra” -Marvel superheroPurpose: After a tragedy Elektra the super hero abandons all faith and loyalty to the law, the same way that the greek Elektra facilitated the murder of a mother by her own son knowing that this was against the rules of the ancient World, following the tragedy of her brother being killed. Electra often signifies a strong a rebellious woman.elysian fieldsSummary: A graveyard where the souls of heroes from Greek myths lay to rest. Often viewed as an afterlife of sorts that has developed over time, where those who are worthy will reside after death releases them. Example: Beautiful Death Caroline WarePurpose: Gives a location to envision when one thinks of death and the possible afterlife that may follow it. the fates (3) Summary: The three fates are goddesses who determine human destinies. They are said to spin thread and cut wires to determine humans' fates. Example: Macbeth by William ShakespearePurpose: The purpose of this story is to convey that humans' fate is already decided and there is no avoiding your fate. Countless Greek stories revolve around prophecies people try to avoid and end up ensuring them. In Macbeth, three witches, similar to the Fates, give Macbeth a prophecy.the furies (3) Summary: The Furies are a group of "women", who more closely resemble monsters, whose job is to hunt and kill those who commit evil. They are insecure that if they can't complete their job, they will lose respect among the gods. Also, they are afraid that the younger gods will take away the powers of the older gods, which includes them.Example: The House of MirthPurpose: The Furies represent a sense of obligation, they will hunt you to seek vengeance for your wrongdoing. In the House of Mirth, Lilys feeling of obligation to pay Trenor back alludes to the Furies, "the rush of the furies' wings were in her ear". gorgons (3) Summary: The Gorgon sisters, named Stheno (strength), Euryale (wide-leaping), and Medusa (ruler or queen), were monsters of the underworld. They were portrayed as having wings, hair made of snakes, and flat faces and noses.Example: three evil sisters, especially if they express the qualities of the three, references to snakes as hair, a garden of stone (Medusa kept a garden of the victims she turned to stone)Purpose: an allusion to the three sisters would foreshadow a connection to hell or the underworld or indicate that the sisters are evil. the graces (3) Summary: Also known as the Charites, they are the three minor goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, creativity, and fertility. The three are Algaea, meaning splendor, Euphrosyne, meaning mirth, and Thalia, meaning cheer. They are associated with many gods, including Zeus.Example: She had the gifts of the GracesPurpose: To indicate that this girl is charming, beautiful, natural, creative, or fertile.hades and persephone Summary: Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, saw Persephone, goddess of the harvest, one day and he instantly fell in love with her. He and Zeus planned to kidnap Persephone and bring her to the underworld to marry him, and they were successful. Persephone was initially furious and she loathed Hades, however she grew to love him eventually.Example: Harry PotterPurpose: The story of Persephone's kidnapping is particularly ironic. Persephone, the goddess of the harvest, is brought to the underworld, a desolate place where nothing grows. She represents a person who is out of place and not in their element. Harry Potter was raised by Muggles, who were normal people that were unaware of magic and the wizarding world. Harry is blessed with magical talent that exceeds their understanding, and he suppresses that talent in order to fit in to normal society.Harpies Summary: Harpies are grotesque bird-like beings. They are typically described as birds with heads of women and long claws for hands. They would transport people to the Underworld.Example: L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of OzPurpose: Harpies are the personification of storm wind. The tornado that carries Dorothy from Kansas to Oz can be likened to the Harpies carrying people off to the Underworld.Hecate Summary: Hecate was the only Titan who was allowed to retain her authority after Olympus defeated them. She is the Goddess of magic and witchcraft. By being depicted with three heads, she is said to have 3 different forms: a goddess of the crossroads, a young maiden, and a crone. She is said to help people make transitions and new beginnings as well as keeping us in touch with our own spirits. Example: Hamlet by ShakespearePurpose: In Act 3 scene 2 line 283, Shakespeare alludes to Hecate when discussing a deadly mixture of weeds and plants to describe the upcoming death of a powerful person. In this case, the foreshadowed death is Claudius, the King and brother od Hamlet himself. Hector Summary: Hector was a Trojan warrior and prince in Greek and Roman mythology. He was known as one of the strongest fighters during the Trojan war as well as an outstanding husband, father, and son. A descendant of Tros, the founder of Troy, Hector was the heir to his father's throne (the king of Troy). After his death he was commemorated as one of the Nine Worthies, legendary persons in history who portrayed the ideals of chivalry.Example: Authors may use the traits of Hector to describe a character. A character who is a loyal parent, child, and/or spouse who is seen in battle with a certain enemyPurpose: The purpose of an allusion to Hector may be to suggest a potential hero of a story. Hector was brave fighter and a respected family man—an ideal hero.hecuba (also paris and priam) Summary: She was the wife of Priam and the mother of Polydorus. She asked Polymestor to protect Polydorus during the war. When her son died in the war, she ripped Polymestor's eyes out. Her husband was also killed by Pyrrhus who sent out to get revenge for his father, Achilles' death. Example: In William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet.Purpose: She was the wife of Priam and the mother of Polydorus. She asked Polymestor to protect Polydorus during the war. When her son died in the war, she ripped Polymestor's eyes out. Her husband was also killed by Pyrrhus who sent out to get revenge for his father, Achilles' death. helen of troy and ledaSummary: Helen is wife of Menelaus and primarily the reason the Trojan war began. After Helen, who was often referred to as being very beautiful is captured by Paris (or seduced stories vary) Menelaus revolts and begins the Trojan war to get Helen back. Example: Scandal –“the face that sent 1 thousand ships”Purpose: After the president declares war on Libya when he believes his ex-mistress Olivia has been captured and taken there a secret service agent gives a monolog in which he refers to her as Helen of Toy. Because much like in the story war had been cause because of her abductionhephaestus (vulcan)Summary: He is son of the King and Queen of the Gods, Zeus and Hera. He is the god of blacksmiths and is known to have been rejected by mother Hera and thrown down to earth, off of Mount Olympus. Example: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Caroline Ware Purpose: One of the minor level Gods. This also illustrates the judgement of the Gods, as shown by his expulsion from Mount Olympus based on his bodily deformities annd slight imperfections. hera (juna) Summary: Hera was the goddess of marriage, family, childbirth, and married woman. She is also the queen of Olympus. She is married to Zeus, King of Olympus. She rules over the Heavens. She is known to be jealous and seek revenge on offspring of Zeus. Example: The movie "Juno"Purpose: Hera was a goddess that helped married women and children as well. She wanted to protect families, and since that is favorable she is a relevant goddess people in Greek times would often pray to. In the movie "Juno", the name represents the Greek version of Hera. Hera is the goddess of childbirth and family, as shown in the movie when Juno is pregnant and wants to give her baby to a loving mother.heracles (hercules, also the 12 labors) Summary: Hera, the Queen of the Gods, hates Heracles because he is the illegitimate son of her husband Zeus, so she causes Heracles to go crazy and kill all his children. Wanting to make amends for his horrific actions, Heracles must perform 12 difficult tasks, most of which include conquering some sort of monstrous creature. Example: The HulkPurpose: Heracles embodies the hero. He is incredibly strong, and can accomplish any task given to him, no matter the difficulty. Both heroes, the Hulk and Heracles are known for their extraordinary strength. Also, both their families were murdered by their enemies (Hera, and Abomination), and had difficulty with parents in their childhood (Hulk's abusive father, Hera trying to kill Heracles as a baby). hermes (mercury) Summary: Hermes was the messenger god and patron of herdsmen, thieves, graves, and heralds. As messenger, Hermes often crossed the border between the overworlds and the underworld, as well as the mortal and the divine. Thus, Hermes is also depicted as the god of boundaries. A famous symbol of Hermes is the caduceus (a staff with two snakes wrapped around it), which is used to symbolize commerce. It is often misused in hospital settings instead of the rod of Asclepius, which only has one snake and symbolizes medicine. Example: An allusion to Hermes could include any of his symbols, or the role of messenger. Purpose: The associations could establish the character as a messenger, border between mortals and the underworld, or a god-like figure. Hydra Summary: The Hydra is a many-headed water creature. Cutting off one head of the creature only results in the growth of multiple more heads, making killing it in this manner an exercise of futility.Example: It was like cutting at the heads of the HydraPurpose: This describes the futility of the actionHymen Summary: Hymen is the Greek god of marriage and ceremony. His presence at one's wedding was essential because if Hymen wasn't present, the marriage was cursed. Example: "Four-leaf Clover" by Ella HigginsonPurpose: Hymen represents an omen of good fortune. His presence ensures that a marriage will receive a positive outcome. Ella Higginson, in her poem "Four-leaf Clover", tells of how the sight of a four-leaf clover signifies good fortune, much like Hymen's attendance at a wedding.Hypnos (somnos) Summary: Hypnos is the son of Nyx (Night) and Erebus (Darkness). He resides in the Underworld and is the Greek god of sleep. He is considered to own half of the life of a human because of the time they spend sleeping.Example: The IliadPurpose: Hypnos tricks Zeus by putting him to sleep. This allows the Danaans to win the Trojan War. Hypnos' ability to put people to sleep displays the control sleep has over people. When mentioned in literature, his presence will typically have a strong and ambiguous influence over the character.jupiter (zeus) Summary: Jupiter is the god of the sky and the king of all gods. He rules Olympus from his Kingdom in the sky and overseas Earth. His two brothers, Pluto and neptune, rule the underworld and the seas respectively. Jupiter's many children (Mars, Vulcan, Minerva, Mercury, and Apollo to name a few) also hold very powerful positions in Olympus. His weapon, the thunderbolt, is extremely powerful and allows him to retain his authority. Example: Romeo and Juliet by ShakespearePurpose: "They say Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo." Jove (Jupiuter), the most powerful of the Roman gods, laughs at Romeo and Juliet's love because he knows how futile it is. When Jupiter makes fun of something in mythology, it means that you were either hated by him or he thought you were na?ve. In this case, he knows Romeo's love for Juliet is blind and eventually, he will feel the repercussions. Labyrinth Summary: The Labyrinth was an intricate maze created by the skilled craftsman Daedalus. King Minos of Crete commissioned Daedalus to create the Labyrinth in order to contain and trap the deadly Minotaur. It was said that the Labyrinth was so well-made that even the creator himself had trouble finding a way out.Example: Pan's Labyrinth 2006 Guillermo del ToroPurpose: The main character, Pan, finds herself in a labyrinth she must escape in order to see her father. The purpose of a Labyrinth allusion is to emphasize the confinement of the Labyrinth (literally or figuratively) while also giving hope to the character that they can escape (there is an entrance/exit to the labyrinth). Lethe Summary: Lethe was one of the five rivers of the underworld of Hades. Also known as the river of unmindfulness, the Lethe flowed around the cave of Hypnos and through the Underworld, where all those who drank from it experienced complete forgetfulness. Lethe was also the name of the Greek spirit of forgetfulness and oblivion, with whom the river was often identified.Example: Forgetfulness By Billy Collins(Poem)Purpose: Billy Collins uses an allusion to the River Lethe in Greek Mythology “It has floated away down a dark mythological river whose name begins with an L as far as you can recall”. This is an effective allusion or metaphor because this river Lethe is the river of forgetfulness in the underworld.medea (also jason and the golden fleece)Summary: Medea aids Jason in his search for the golden fleece, after which they get married however following their marriage Jason betrays Medea with another woman In consequence Medea kills Jason and his daughter and moves to Athens to start a new life.Example: Purpose: medusaSummary: She is referred to as a hideous monster that appears to take on the body of a human with wings on her back and snakes as hair. Simply by looking at her horrid face, one would turn to stone. The demi-god Perseus beheaded her and later used her head as a weapon before giving it to the goddess Athena. Example: The Chronicles of NarniaCaroline WarePurpose: Shows a vile woman who holds great power through only her appearance. She is a powerful monster who was later defeated but never forgetten.menelaus (see also helen) Summary: Menelaus if the husband of the Helen of troy and was the king of Sparta. Helen was then stolen for Paris, king of Troy after a quarrel amongst goddesses, thus starting the Trojan War. Menelaus was able to retrieve Helen after the defeat of Troy. Example: Monster's IncPurpose: Menelaus is a depiction of an unexpected ascension to power by luck. It also shows the perseverance to protect his wife and retrieve her, even willing to hide in a horse to sneak into the city. In Monster's Inc, the monsters are willing to protect the little girl by disguising her, similar to being disguised in a horse. mercury (hermes)Summary:Example: Purpose: Midas Summary: Silenus, a follower of the god Dionysus, gets lost on a journey to Mount Timolus. Silenus is found by peasants and brought to King Midas, who honors him with a ten-day feast. When Midas returns Silenus to Dionysus, he grants the king one wish. Midas wishes that everything he touch should turn to gold. This becomes problematic, as all his food turns to gold, starving him. He begs Dionysus to take it back, which he does, by having Midas bathe in the river of Pactolus. After he is freed of the power, Midas hates the idea of wealth, and resigns from being king.Example: The Great GatsbyPurpose: Allusions to Midas are often to reference successful businessmen who turn every deal into a success. In the Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway, entering the world of finance, buys books on banking stating they "promised to unfold the shining secrets that only Midas, Morgan and M?cenas knew". This alludes to Midas' reputation of great wealth.Minotaur Summary: When attempting to take the throne of Crete, King Minos prayed to the god Poseidon to send a white bull in support of his claim. Poseidon sent such a bull, with the instruction that it was to be sacrificed. The white bull was so beautiful, Minos could not bear to sacrifice it, and sacrificed one of his own instead. Angered, Poseidon caused the King's wife, Pashiphae, to fall in love with the bull. Pasiphae so loved the bull that she ordered the engineer Daedalus, who was living on the island in service of the king, to build her a wooden cow costume in order to mate with the bull. She was successful, and her offspring with the bull was the Minotaur (Bull of Minos). The Minotaur grew up to be very strong and violent, and the citizens of Crete became afraid of it, so the Minotaur was hidden in a labyrinth constructed by Daedalus. The Minotaur demanded human sacrifices, and thus every seven years, children from Crete were sent into the labyrinth. One sacrifice was Theseus, who decided to kill the Minotaur. He asked Daedalus for assistance (as he constructed the labyrinth), and Daedalus instructed him to trail string behind him to retrace his steps. Example: Harry Potter and the Goblet of FirePurpose: In the last task of the Triwizard cup, Harry and the other competitors are sent into a giant maze, with the cup (the prize) in the center. However, Barty Crouch Jr. has enchanted the cup to transport Harry to Voldemort, thus making him a sacrifice to the beast in the center of the maze. This allusion could be used to indicate danger at the end of a journey, or in a more literal sense, danger at the center of a maze. It also connotates the protagonist or other characters as sacrificial victims. muses (calliope, erato…) Summary: The Muses are the goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. They were considered the source of knowledge in poetry, lyrics, and myths. As with everything Greek, there are multiple different versions and claims of their origin.Example: The musePurpose: Someone bestowed talent or knowledge like that of the Muses themselvesnemean Lion Summary: The Nemean Lion is a creature from Greek mythology, whose golden fur withstands any damage from mortal weapons. Defeating the Nemean Lion was Hercules' first of the twelve labors, assigned to him by Eurythseus. Example: Hamlet, "My fate cries out/ And makes each petty atire in this body/ As hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve." Purpose: Hercule's fight against the Nemean Lion represents his struggle with anger and frustration. The lion's ability to absorb the blows of mortal weapons caused Hercules to be furious, and it wasn't until Hercules sought the cause of the lion's strength that he became successful. It represented his inner challenge to seek the cause of his anger, rather than deal with its manifestations. The Nemean Lion's impervious fur is referenced by Hamlet when he essentially wishes to have the lion's strength when seeing his father's ghost..Nemesis Summary: Nemesis would bring retribution upon those who displayed hubris. She wields a whip and dagger. She personifies judgement.Example: Sophocles' Oedipus RexPurpose: Oedipus openly scoffs at the prophecy of the Oracle of Delphi, saying he will kill his father and marry his mother. The consequence of his open mockery of the gods is an example of divine retribution. While this consequence was predicted prior to his actions, it serves as a punishment for his arrogance. Whenever a character receives some form of punishment, question their flaws that may have resulted in the punishment.Nepethene Summary: Nepethene is a fictional medicine that acts as an anti-depressant. In Greek mythology, it is described as a "drug of forgetfulness." It originated in Egypt. Example: The Odyssey by HomerPurpose: Book 4, v. 219-221"Then Helen, daughter of Zeus, took other counsel. Straightway she cast into the wine of which they were drinking a drugto quiet all pain and strife, and bring forgetfulness of every ill." This describes how Helen drinks an elixir of Nepthene given to her by Polydamna in order to dull the pain and depression. People would rather be ignorant to their surroundings and feelings than to experience self-struggle. Neptune (Poseidon) Summary: Neptune was one of the Twelve Olympians in Roman and Greek mythology. He was the god of the seas, earthquakes, and horses. Brother to Jupiter, the god of the sky and heavens and Pluto, the god of the underworld. He is also the owner of the powerful Trident Example: The Poseidon Adventure by Paul GallicoPurpose: The book details the SS Poseidon which capsizes after an undersea earthquake. The allusion to Poseidon, in both the earthquake and the ship's name, shows the reader the deadly, erratic, and godlike powers of the ocean. The capsizing of Poseidon is also very ironic. Odysseus (Ulysses) and Penelope Summary: Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca after 20 years away. After being cleaned up and bathed in luxuries, he was ready to be reunited with his wife. But, when Penelope finally saw him, Odysseus was dismayed at her cold and silent reaction. Moreover, she was shocked. She couldn’t believe this god-like man was the Odysseus she saw 20 years ago. Odysseus became enraged when he saw their bed was altered and he accused her of bringing another man into their room. But, she kissed him and promised she remained faithful, and he wept and held her. Example: Penelope(Movie, 2006)Purpose: A movie titled Penelope where Christina Ricci stars as a girl, born with a pig's snout, who has many potential suitors, but who has trouble finding one, because of her family's fear that she will be rejected because of her looks. She meets them secretly, behind a two-way mirror, trying to find a person she trusts enough to let see her face.Orion Summary: Orion was the son of Poseidon and Euryale and was given the power to walk on water. After walking to the island of Chios he made several inappropriate sexual advances on the daughter of a local king, Merope. The local king had him blinded and banished from the island. Once banished from the island Orion found his way to Lemnos, the island of Hephaestus who helped to reach Helios, the sun god who would restore his sight. After having his sight restores Orion went to Crete where he came upon Artemis, the hunting goddess and her mother Leto. Because he loved hunting so much he declared he would hunt and kill all the animal on Earth, making Gaea, the goddess of Earth very angry. Gaea then sent a giant scorpion to kill Orion. Leto and Artemis then begged Zeus to put Orion in the skies, Zeus agreed and made Orion a constellation in the sky.Example: The business man was thrown in jail for tax evasion, his greed led to his downfall, another sad story of an OrionPurpose: Orion represents greed and dissatisfaction. When used in an allusion Orion shows how greed leads ultimately to tragedy.pan (faunus) and Pan’s PipesSummary: He is the Greek God of the wild and rustic music. HIs body is that of a human torso with the legs and hindquarters of a goat. His pipes are his musical instrument of choice. In one event, he challenged the God Apollo, however, while Apollo could play his Lyre upside down, Pan could not do the same with his flute.Example: Caroline WarePurpose: Illustrate a Greek figure who is not as serious of some of the high-profile Gods and Goddesses often mentioned. Also he is greatly involved in the outside world regarding nature and song.Pandora and Pandora’s Box Summary: Pandora was given a box that contained all the evils in the world. She was so curious that she finally opened the box and release horrible things such as hunger, disease, and suffering. However, one good thing was in there: hope, and hope was also released into the world.Example: "Frankenstein" by Mary ShelleyPurpose: The story is about never giving up hope. No matter how many bad things happen in the world, hope will help get you through them. In Frankenstein, the inventor's curiosity caused a lot of trouble and unleashed a monster, similar to what was unleashed in Panora's box.Pegasus Summary: Pegasus, a white winged horse, was born the son of Poseidon and Medusa. He couldn’t live with his father underwater, and didn’t want to live with his mother amongst the snakes. Other horses avoided him since he was different, Pegasus was an outcast. However, Pegasus was used throughout battle, carrying Greek soldiers. Eventually, Zeus received Pegasus, and used his unique abilities to transport thunderbolts for Zeus. Example: Rudolph the Red Nosed ReindeerPurpose: Rudolph, is a reindeer socially separated from his peers based on his glowing red nose. Pegasus, also has a physical attribute distinguishing him from his peers. Both end up having this quality become useful to a human-like character of power (Santa, Zeus).Phoenix Summary: The phoenix is a mythical bird that has the power to resurrect itself. In some stories, the phoenix bursts into a dazzling display of flames, in other stories the phoenix simply dies. The phoenix then rises from the ashes of its previous form and is born again. The life cycle symbolizes rebirth and is likened to the sun's setting and rising, thus the bird is commonly associated with sun-like images.Example: Sylvia Plath's "Lady Lazarus" Purpose: the poem uses the lines "out of the ash/ I rise with my red hair" to incite imagery of the phoenix. The poem alludes to the story of Lazarus' rebirth more directly, and uses lots of resurrection imagery. This allusion indicates that Plath will be born again into a better life after her death.Prometheus Summary: Prometheus, creator and benefactor of humanity, stole fire from Mount Olympus and give it to humans. Prometheus seemed a challenger to the omnipotence of Zeus, and tricked him into claiming inedible parts of cattle through sacrifice, leaving the nourishing parts to humans. Prometheus would end up enduring eternal punishment.Example: Frankenstein, The Modern PrometheusPurpose: Just like Prometheus stole fire from the gods, Frankenstein stole the ability to create life from nature. In both stories, it was meant to be enlightening for humanity.the river styx Summary: The Styx is a river in the Greek underworld that must be crossed in order to arrive at the center of the underworld, where most people resided. Example: The Great Gatsby, "The valley of ashes is bounded on one side by a small foul river, and when the drawbridge is up to let barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene or as long as half an hour."Purpose: The River Styx is like a purgatory; a medium between Earth and Hell. The "foul river" that is referred to in The Great Gatsby can be interpreted as the River Styx, and the dismal scene represents the slaving souls in the Underworld who spend the rest of eternity in misery.Satyrs Summary: Satyrs were male fertility spirits of the forest. They typically had the legs of a goat and the torso and head of a man. They were well known for their lust for female nymphs.Example: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisPurpose: Mr. Tumnus is a satyr from the world of Narnia who serves as a guide for the Pevensie family. He is a very gentle and kind character. The depiction of satyrs in literature ranges from benevolent spirits who help the hero to evil spirits that commit acts of debauchery.The Sirens Summary: The sirens are creatures who lure sailors towards them with their enchanting voices. Once the sailors sail towards them, their boats shipwreck onto rocks and they are killed. The Sirens' bodies look like half bird and half woman. They are companions with Persephone. Example: The Odyssey by HomerPurpose: In The Odyssey, Odysseus sails past the island of the sirens and uses beeswax to plug the ears of his men. However, he himself can still hear their voices which tempt him to sail towards the rocks. This shows how strong temptations affect humans and how those temptations can lead to their ultimate demise. Sisyphus Summary: Sisyphus was the King of Ephyra. His deceitful ways earned him the lifelong task of rolling a boulder to the top of a hill, where it then rolls back down to the bottom (and the process restarts).Example: The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert CamusPurpose: The allusion to Sisyphus specifies a problem or situation in the book that may seem promising but ends up being tedious, futile, and/or unchanging. Camus does not allude to Sisyphus but rather uses his myth to compare to the lives of humans and their futility.Tantalus Summary: Tantalus is a son of Zeus who is extremely well-liked by the gods until he plays a malicious trick. He murders his son Pelops and tries to feed Pelops to the gods without their knowledge. Of course, they all see through the trick. As punishment, they put Tantalus in Hades in a pool full of water. But the water always recedes as he tries to drink from it. Similarly, trees above him bear beautiful fruit, but the instant he reaches for them, they recede. Thus "tantalized," Tantalus will neither drink nor eat for eternity.Example: The aged man that coffers up his gold Is plagued with cramps and gouts and painful fits, And scarce hath eyes his treasure to behold; But like still-pining Tantalus he sits, And useless barns the harvest of his wits, Having no other pleasure of his gain But torment that it cannot cure his pain.(Luc.855) ShakespearePurpose: The harsh punishment dealt to both characters serves as a reminder that humans should never try to put themselves on the level of or even ahead of the gods. The punishment for Tantalus is fitting in that his crime also involved eating. Leto’s punishment is to lose her children, who were central to her pride. Tantalus deserves special punishment for being a father who kills his own son, unlike the other fathers in almost all the other myths.ThanatosSummary:Thanatos is the god of death, son of Nyx, the god of night and Erebos, the god of darkness and twin brother of Hypnos, the god of sleep. His main job is to carry humans to the Underworld and he is rarely seen in Greek mythology due to the overshadowing presence of Hades, god of the underworld.Example: The doctor at the hospice was his own personal Thanatos.Purpose: Thanatos leads people essentially to death. At the hospice the doctors are there to make the last months of patients lives comfortable. ThorSummary: He was one of the most important Gods, as he was in charge of weather, the sky, thunder, and fertility. Often, he is depicted holding his mighty hammer. As a God, Thor was very popular during the Viking age. Example: The Lost HeroCaroline WarePurpose: He is an incredibly strong God who is depicted as a powerful leader of his time who caused change.Titans Summary: Titans were powerful deities that came before the gods. They were cruel to humans and treated them poorly. The king Titan Kronos ate his children, who were gods. Eventually, the gods fought against the Titans and won, becoming the supreme rulers. Example: Disney's "Hercules"Purpose: The Titans are depicted as the "bad guys" in Greek mythology and serve as a way to make the Gods heroes. In Hercules, Hades brings out the Titans as weapons to overthrow Olympus.Trojan Horse Summary: During a stalemate in the Trojan War, Odysseus devises a plan. Most of the Greek army will pretend to sail away, while the others hide inside a large, hollow, wooden horse, meant as a gift to the Trojans. Later, the Trojans bring the horse into the city. That night, the Greeks sneak out and open the gates, and the rest of the Greek army attacks the city of Troy. Example: Harry Potter and the Goblet of FirePurpose: The Trojan Horse is used to represent a trick, that is meant to destroy within a seemingly safe space. The portkey in Harry Potter is used as an inanimate object which can transport those who touch it to their destination. Both stories use an inanimate object as a method of transportation to their desired location, conveying the theme of deceit. THE TROJAN WAR Summary: In Greek Mythology, the Trojan war is said to have started with an argument over looks. The goddesses Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena were given a golden apple marked "for the fairest," and began arguing over who it was for. Zeus didn't want to deal with it, so he tasked Paris of Troy with giving the apple to the goddess he deemed the fairest. Paris gave the apple to Aphrodite, who in return used her power to make the most beautiful woman on earth, Helen (wife of the King of Sparta). Paris stole her away from her husband, and by doing so greatly offended the king. Agamemnon, the King of Sparta's brother (uncle of Sparta?), led a ten-year siege of Troy with Achean troops as consequence of Paris' actions. The city eventually fell after the use of the Trojan Horse (actually used on the Trojans), and the city was destroyed. Example: An allusion to the Trojan war could include goddess figures arguing over looks, a beautiful woman falling in love with the protagonist, a long battle over a minor incident, or the use of deception to gain victory. Purpose: An allusion to the Trojan war would signify the epic proportion of the battle, even if it was over a trivial or personal matter. It could establish figures such as Helen and Paris to develop the characters, or indicate that divine intervention was involved for the Paris figure to "get the girl."UnicornSummary: The unicorn was a creature that the Greeks espoused as reality. In the far-off land of India was their supposed home, with a very long horn. The creature is generally regarded as rare and magical, and a creature of beauty.Example: It was something like a unicornPurpose: Describing the mythical and majestic nature of something.Utopia Summary: The word comes from Greek, meaning "no place". It describes a place that exists only in theory, not in reality. The meaning has changed to mean a place where everything is perfect.Example: A Modern Utopia, by H.G. WellsPurpose: A utopia is a place of perfection. The utopia described by Wells is one where there are no differences between customs and traditions, which is impossible given that there are countless in existence. The use of the "utopia" in the title shows the impossible nature of such a society.VulcanSummary:Example: Purpose: ................
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