1.8 journeying into the underworld

• Who were the only Olympian gods who could enter the Underworld? (2)

  1 Dionysus 2 Hermes
• Why were myths about the Underworld often on tombs?


  They gave the deceased hope they could have a better time in the Underworld
• What is the main source for the story of Persephone?

  The Homeric Hymn to Demeter
• What are the two main themes in the Hymn to Demeter?

  1 the relationship between the gods 2 the relationship between gods and men
• How are the gods characterised? (2)

  1 Experienced same emotions as men 2 their actions could have disastrous consequences for men
• What power did men have over gods?

  They provide the gods with gifts and sacrifices
• What allowed Hades to abduct Persephone?

  Zeus gave Persephone to Hades
• Why is it not surprising that Zeus gave Hades Persephone?

  1 Zeus was Persephone's father 2 and so had the right to give her away in marriage
• Who did not give their permission for the marriage of Persephone?

  Demeter, her mother
• Why does Zeus think Hades would make a good husband for Persephone? (2)


  1 Hades is his brother 2 Hades is king of the Underworld
• What distracted Persephone?


  A beautiful flower
• Who heard the cries of Persephone? (3)

  1 Helios 2 Hecate 3 Demeter
• How long does Demeter search for before hearing the news of the abduction?

  Nine days
• Who told Demeter about the abduction?

  Helios, god of the sun
• What did Demeter do once she learnt the truth? (2)

  1 Left Olympus 2 and lived among men
• Where did Demeter stay?

  Eleusis
• What did the people do for her there?

  Built a temple
• What happened as Demeter grieved? (3)


  1 No crops grew 2 there was a famine 3 people died
• Why was this bad for the gods?

  They received no offerings
• Who did Zeus send to make Demeter return to Olympus? (2)

  1 Iris 2 then all the other gods
• What did Demeter say was the only thing which would make her return?

  The return of Persephone
• Who did Zeus send to the Underworld to Hades?

  Hermes
• What did Hermes' appeal to Hades focus on? (2)

  1 The damage done to the gods 2 since they were receiving no offerings
• What does this focus suggest?

  That the gods are not too bothered about humans
• What benefits does Hades offer Persephone to stay married? (3)

  1 He is Zeus' brother, a good husband 2 she will rule in the Underworld 3 she will receive many offerings
• What does Hades do before Persephone leaves?

  Gives her a pomegranate seed
• What happens because Persephone eats the pomegranate seed?


  she is now bound to the Underworld
• What is the end result of eating the pomegranate seed? (2)

  1 Persephone lives one third of the year in the Underworld and 2 two thirds with Demeter
• What natural event does this story explain?

  The seasons
• Which figure does Ovid tell of who journeyed to the Underworld?

  Orpheus
• What nationality was Ovid?

  Roman
• Who were Orpheus' parents? (2)

  1 Father = either a king or Apollo 2 Mother = A muse (goddess)
• What could Orpheus' music do? (2)

  1 His music could charm gods and men 2 he could make stones and trees cry
• Who did Orpheus marry?

  Eurydice
• What happened at Orpheus' wedding? (2)

  1 Hymen, god of marriage, did not speak the right words 2 or bring good luck
• What happened to Eurydice after the wedding?

  She stepped on a snake and died
• What did Orpheus do? (2)

  1 He went to the Underworld 2 to see Pluto and Proserpina
• How did Orpheus win over Pluto and Proserpina?

  He played his lyre
• What argument did Orpheus use?

  That Eurydice had died too young
• What happened as Orpheus played?


  Those being punished had time out from being punished