Greece

• Who was given the Underworld after the Titanomachy?

  Hades
• What is the purpose of the Underworld in Greek mythology?

  It is where all the souls of the deceased go.
• Who is allowed to enter or exit the Underworld?

  Only a few gods and heroes are allowed in or out.
• Where is the Underworld located?

  On the outer edges of the earth and the oceans.
• Name two Greek heroes who could access the Underworld.

  Heracles and Odysseus
• What is the most famous river surrounding the Underworld?

  The River Styx
• Who rows the souls of the dead across the River Styx?

  The ferryman, Charon
• How do the dead pay Charon for crossing the River Styx?

  By leaving payment in the mouth of the deceased when buried or cremated.
• What are the Homeric Hymns?

  A series of thirty-three poems dedicated to the Gods.
• Why are the Homeric Hymns called 'Homeric'?

  Because they share a similar style to the epic poems of Homer.
• What does it mean that the Homeric Hymns are part of an oral tradition?

  They were sung to audiences across the Greek world.
• How are characters often identified in the Homeric Hymns?

  By epithets.
• Who is Demeter in relation to Zeus and Persephone?

  She is the sister of Zeus and the mother of Persephone.
• Who is Persephone and what is her significance?

  She is the daughter of Demeter and the Queen of the Underworld.
• Who is Hermes in relation to the Underworld?

  He is the messenger of the Gods and one of the only Gods allowed to visit the Underworld.
• What are the main themes of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter?

  • The relationship between the gods
  • The relationship between the gods and humans
• How does the Homeric Hymn to Demeter explore the nature of the gods?

  It shows that gods experience emotions similar to humans, such as love and hate.
• What disastrous consequence is highlighted in the hymn due to Demeter's decisions?

  Demeter's decision to withhold the harvest caused famine for humans.
• How do humans have power over the gods in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter?

  Demeter's famines could wipe out the human race, preventing the gods from being worshipped.
• What event does the first section of the hymn deal with?

  The abduction of Persephone by Hades.
• What distraction leads to Persephone's abduction?

  She is distracted by the narcissus flower grown by Zeus.
• Who hears Persephone's cries during her abduction?

  Only Helios and Hecate hear her cries.
• What does Demeter do after hearing Persephone's cry?

  She begins to search for her daughter.
• How long does Demeter search for Persephone before receiving news of her abduction?

  Nine days.
• What does Helios reveal to Demeter about Persephone's abduction?

  He tells her that Zeus agreed to allow Hades to have Persephone.
• What does Demeter do after learning the truth about Persephone's abduction?

  She becomes enraged and disappears from Olympus.
• What does Demeter demand from the people of Eleusis?

  She demands that they build her a temple and altar for proper worship.
• What consequence do humans face due to Demeter's rage?

  They experience a year of famine with no crops growing.
• What does Zeus do in response to Demeter's refusal to allow crops to grow?

  He sends all the gods and goddesses to offer gifts to Demeter.
• What does Zeus ultimately decide to do to resolve the situation with Demeter?

  He sends Hermes to the Underworld to appeal to Hades.
• What does Hades give Persephone before she leaves the Underworld?

  A pomegranate to eat.
• What is the significance of Persephone eating the pomegranate seeds?

  It binds her to the Underworld for eternity.
• How long does Persephone spend in the Underworld each year?

  One-third of the year.
• What happens to the harvest when Persephone returns to the surface?

  Demeter agrees to return the harvest to humans.