CLASS102 Lecture 6: Poseidon and Monsters
Document Summary
Demi-gods: limited power, mortal (go to the underworld) Zeus - one proper mythological wife - hera. Not faithful, many love affairs with mortal women resulting in the birth of numerous children (most of whom hera hates) ex. Only some of the olympians are children of rhea and cronus. Others are the divine children of zeus by various mothers. Athena (by metis/by zeus himself) - helmet, shield. Dionysos (by semele - a mortal woman - rare!) Born as a full god even though his mother was a mortal. Gods are depicted as human in form and character. Idealized, but have human qualities so that man can relate/understand. Demeter turns into a mare; poseidon into a stallion. Gaia and pontus (1st gen. earth goddess and sea god) Doris and the nereids (look the same as oceanids) Amphitrite = neired; reluctant bride - poseidon wore her down. Thetis knows his fate and tries to change it.